Sleep Concerns

Whilst we can all expect a bad night’s sleep or oversleeping from time to time, for children with autism and ADHD it is more than this. Sleep issues can be common for young people and children with autism and ADHD. Children with autism and ADHD experience a higher rate of sleep problems compared to their neurotypical peers.

Up to 80% of children with autism have difficulty falling and staying asleep, while up to 50% of children with ADHD face sleep issues.

Understanding these sleep challenges and supporting effective strategies can have huge effects on the day-to-day life of the young person and their families.

Some common sleep challenges you may face:

Insomnia- Insomnia can look like a difficulty passing asleep or in being able to stay asleep. Children with autism are 2-3 times more likely to experience insomnia than their peers. Those with ADHD are twice as likely.
Fragmented sleep- presented by restless sleep and frequent waking.
Early morning waking- Waking up very early or after not enough time asleep.
Bedtime anxiety- Increased anxiety around bedtime, bedroom or the evening routine.
Parasomnias- This could include sleepwalking, nightmares and/or night terrors.

What causes sleep issues?

It is sometimes difficult to identify what causes sleep issues in an individual as it will often come down to multiple factors. Here are some common factors that contribute towards sleep issues:

Sensory overload, the child may have difficulty calming themselves or tuning out internal bodily sensations.

Environmental sensitivities, the child may fin d it difficult to block out noises, light or feelings. Even small amounts can make getting to sleep or staying asleep difficult.

Irregular melatonin levels, melatonin is the hormone that tells the body to sleep. It helps manage the body’s internal clock so when the levels are irregular the sleep-wake cycles can become disrupted.

Medication, some medications, especially those use to improve symptoms of ADHD can act as a stimulant or cause sleep disturbance.

Co-existing conditions including anxiety, depression and Gastrointestinal issues can cause sleep struggles.

Poor sleep can exacerbate the core symptoms of autism and ADHD as well as causing:

Increased daytime sleepiness

Difficulty focusing

Emotional dysregulation

increased irritability

Increased likelihood of meltdowns

Increased parental stress levels

Support for sleep issues

Establishing a consistent sleep routine can help improve sleep issues. Your routine can be anything that works for you and your family. This could be relaxing during bath time, completing some sensory circuits, or planning the next day. A routine can help communicate to the body and brain that it is time to sleep.

The environment we sleep in is especially important to a good night’s sleep, keeping the room cool, quiet, and dark may help. However, for some children, they may prefer to have night lights or projectors or some auditory stimulation at night. It is important to ensure that whilst children may prefer having these things, that they do not further interfere with sleep. You could practice relaxation techniques with your child, these are not only great for sleep but anxiety in general. Relaxation techniques could include sensory bottles, breathing techniques or progressive muscle relaxation.

If your child has fallen into tricky sleep patterns, like going to sleep or waking too early or late or taking naps. Over time you can gradually alter the timings in 15-minute increments.

Another way of helping your child have a restful night is encouraging physical activity and adequate mental stimulation throughout the day.

For persistent sleep problems, professional interventions may be necessary. This could include:

Sleep studies

Sleep education for families

Practical strategies

Medication

Professional help can be accessed via your GP or private practices.

Addressing sleep issues in children with autism and ADHD requires a comprehensive, tailored approach. By implementing consistent sleep routines, optimizing the sleep environment, and seeking professional help when needed, we can significantly improve sleep quality and overall well-being for those affected sleep issues.