If you’ve ever had too much coffee and you’re lying awake at night, tossing and turning, you know what it’s like to not get a good night’s sleep. It’s not only caffeine-addicted adults that have this problem though. Sleep disturbances are a big issue for many children, particularly those with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). At Monarch House, our interdisciplinary team of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech therapists all work together to address issues such as the  interplay between autism and sleep. It  can be complex, leading to various issues that impact both the child and the family. To provide effective support, understanding these disturbances is essential for you, your child’s caregivers, educators, as well as the therapists at Monarch House.

Here are ten common sleep disturbances in children with autism Mississauga. 

1. Frequent Night Wakings

Sleep difficulties in children with autism can present themselves in a variety of ways. Children with autism may wake multiple times during the night. Vivid dreams can contribute to these awakenings. Also, factors such as discomfort and changes in routine. Examine what has been going on in your child’s life lately. At Monarch House, we can help you monitor for potential triggers and ensure that your child has a calming environment.

2. Difficulty Falling Asleep

Tailor your storytime strategies for children with autism correctly and you can do wonders for your child’s sleep. Being at the right time and in the right (sensory friendly) place can make all the difference. Many children with autism experience trouble initiating sleep. This can stem from anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or rigid routines. You can help signal to your child that it’s time to wind down by establishing a consistent bedtime routine.

3. Early Morning Awakenings

Remember when early morning Saturday morning cartoons were a thing? Now, with the internet, every morning can be an early morning. This is not always a good sign. Some children wake up significantly earlier than desired, disrupting both their sleep and their family’s. This can be linked to anxiety or a natural tendency towards early rising. Implementing blackout curtains or a “wake-up clock” can assist in managing this issue.

4. Restless Sleep

At Monarch House, our occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, speech therapists, and psychotherapists can help with some of the triggers of sleep disturbances. One thing we look for is restlessness during sleep. This is characterized by tossing and turning during the night. And it can be common in children with autism. The root of the turbulence may be related to sensory processing issues or physical discomfort. Creating a calming bedtime environment and exploring appropriate sleep aids can help improve sleep quality. Ask us how we can help here. 

5. Nightmares And Night Terrors

Be mindful of the movies that you watch and the stories that you read right before bedtime. Children with autism have been known to experience intense nightmares or night terrors. This can lead to fear and anxiety over just going to sleep. One way around this is toencourage relaxation techniques before bed and taking the time to discuss fears during the day. A little gentle parenting can help to mitigate these experiences.

6. Inconsistent Sleep Patterns

Blue light at night certainly doesn’t help. Nor do sugary, caffeinated beverages (looking at you, Coca Cola). As a result of poor dietary choices and too much screen time before bed, many children with autism have irregular sleep schedules, leading to sleep deprivation. Establishing a structured daily schedule can help regulate sleep patterns. Often, sleep inconsistencies arise from varying daytime activities or difficulty adhering to a routine. 

7. Sensitivity To Light And Noise

Maybe your blankets are not soft enough? Maybe the pillowcase is a bit too coarse? Perhaps the hallway night light is too bright?Sensory sensitivities can significantly impact sleep quality in children with autism. Bumps and creaks in the night, the sound of a fridge, bathroom lights, and other household noises can all seem jarring to a child with autism, keeping them up at night. Go through the various appliances around your home and see what you can turn off for a few hours. Even the sound of an air conditioner can disturb a child’s sleep. There are simple remedies you can do such as using blackout curtains and white noise machines to create a more conducive sleep environment.

8. Co-sleeping Or Sleep Disruptions From Family Dynamics

Having your child share your bed with you is one short-term solution, however it can cause a certain amount of marital strain. Sometimes having a brother or sister in the room can be problematic, as they may struggle with sleep if they share a bed (or room) with a parent or sibling. While co-sleeping can provide comfort, it may also lead to disruptions. At Monarch House, we can help you with evaluating the current sleeping arrangements and working with you and your child to encourage independent sleep. This can foster better rest.

9. Sleep Disorders

Pay close attention to your child when they actually fall asleep. Do they gasp out in the night, or wake themselves up frequently?Children with autism are at a higher risk for sleep disorders, such as insomnia or obstructive sleep apnea. At Monarch House our occupational and behavioural therapists can help you recognize warning signs like loud snoring, gasping for air during sleep, or prolonged wakefulness. You might want to consider bringing in a video that we can review. Beyond our therapists in-house, consulting with a sleep specialist or healthcare professionals for assessment and intervention is recommended.

10. Impact Of Anxiety And Behavioural Issues

At Monarch House, we have an interdisciplinary team of occupational therapists, behavioural therapists, psychotherapists, and speech therapists to help with the underlying symptoms behind sleep disturbances. Anxiety is common among children with autism and can exacerbate sleep disturbances. Behavioural challenges can also interfere with bedtime routines. Addressing underlying anxiety through therapy, social stories, or relaxation strategies can improve sleep outcomes.

A child that does not get enough sleep can be cranky and irritable. When a child with autism falls behind on their sleep, sometimes their neurodivergent conditions can be amplified, and a host of other issues creep up, like restless leg syndrome and sleep-walking. Sleep disturbances in children with autism can vary widely in their presentation. They are multifaceted. At Monarch House, we can help you by recognizing these common issues. In this way, you and your child’s caregivers can implement strategies with us to promote better sleep hygiene and overall well-being. Beyond our behavioural therapists, occupational therapists, psychotherapists and speech therapists, collaboration with healthcare professionals and specialists in sleep can also provide tailored approaches to help your child achieve restful sleep. With the right support, families with children with autism Mississauga can navigate the complexities of sleep disturbances, ultimately fostering a healthier and happier environment for your child.