Autism & Sleep Disorders
-
Sleep Disorders - Common in Autism
-
Autism often goes hand in hand with sleep disorders. Researchers don't know exactly why this is true, although there are several accepted theories. A sleep disorder affects more than just a good night's sleep. Without enough rest, an autistic child will have a lot more trouble functioning during the day. Parents are affected when they are needed in order to help a child with autism back to sleep and consequently will not have enough energy to help their child cope during the day. Siblings can be affected as well.
Causes of Sleep Disorders in Autism
-
There could be several things causing a sleep disorder in a child with autism. Always check with your doctor or therapist to help you figure out what might be bothering your child. Many autistic children are oversensitive to physical stimuli, such as light, noise, or touch. They can be overwhelmed by things that typical children take for granted, like shopping in a public store, watching fireworks, or even leaving the house on a windy day. A child like this can be easily woken during the night by the slightest noise or shifting of a blanket. Melatonin is a hormone that regulates sleep cycles. Autistic children have been found to have abnormal levels of melatonin, or release melatonin at the wrong time during the day. Autistic children also suffer from anxiety at a higher level than other children and anxiety can disrupt regular sleep. Many typical children begin to feel sleepy when they watch others around them getting ready for bed. Autistic kids mis-read social cues, like seeing others changing into pajamas or watching other pre-bedtime rituals
Effects of sleep disorders
-
Sleep disorders can have a large impact on a child beyond making them tired. Losing sleep can make a child more anxious or susceptible to depression, as well as more aggressive and irritable. This exacerbates autistic children's social problems and makes it harder for them to learn to interact appropriately. Lack of sleep can also worsen behavioral issues, something that autistic children have a problem with since they have trouble learning appropriate behavior by watching others. Being tired can make it harder for them to try to remember the rules. They can also display greater learning problems when they are overtired.
Identification
-
Children need different amounts of sleep at different ages. A child aged 1 to 3 needs 12 to 14 hours of sleep a day on average. From age 3 to 6, children need 10 to 12 hours of sleep a day and between ages 7 and 12, children need about 10 to 11 hours of sleep a day. If you find that your child is having a hard time getting enough hours of sleep, consistently has trouble falling asleep, or wake up often during the night, your child may have a sleep disorder. It is a good idea to speak to your child's doctor about it. A sleep diary, which is a record of how much and how often your child sleeps, can be a helpful diagnostic tool.
Treatments of Sleep Disorders
-
Since there are several causes of sleep disorders in autism, there are several treatments. For children who are sensitive to stimuli, a fan can provide white noise to block out distracting sounds. A weighted blanket can provide deep pressure that makes it more comfortable for a child to sleep and stay asleep. A massage or rocking can release tension in an anxious child before bedtime. A short exercise routine can also help a child settle down and fall asleep easier. Melatonin can help a child's body regulate sleep better. If you are able to better manage your autistic child's sleep disorder, you will find behavior improves during the day. You will have more energy to help your autistic child during the day as well and you may even find the rest of your family will be more rested and happier during the day.
-