Is your special needs child struggling to fall asleep at night?
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many parents face this challenge.
Let’s look at why sleep is important, what to do if your child seems to need less sleep, and some tips to help without relying too much on medicine.
Why Sleep Matters
Sleep is super important for everyone, especially kids. It helps their brains grow, their bodies heal, and keeps them healthy. When kids don’t get enough sleep, they might:
- Have trouble paying attention
- Get cranky or upset easily
- Have a hard time learning new things
- Feel tired during the day
In fact, did you know that while your child sleeps, is when they actually do their growing? source
However, we both know that if you sit your child down and tell them these important facts, none of it will matter to them. In fact, some special needs kids, especially those on the autism spectrum, don’t seem to need as much sleep as others.
But What If My Child Doesn’t Seem to Need Sleep?
Now all people need sleep. The question is how much? Generally, your doctor will give some general guidelines like you see below:
| Age | Hours of Sleep Needed |
|---|---|
| Infants (4 to 12 months old) | 12-16 hours |
| Toddlers (1 to 2 years old) | 11-14 hours |
| Children (3 to 5 years old) | 10-13 hours |
| Children (6-12 years) | 9-12 hours |
| Teenagers (13-18 years old) | 8-10 hours |
| Adults (18+) | 6-8 hours (at least) |
Some parents say their special needs child doesn’t seem to need much sleep. While it’s true that some kids might need less sleep than others, it’s rare for a child to truly not need sleep at all.
If your child seems wide awake at night, it could be because:
- Their body clock is mixed up
- They’re worried about something
- They have too much energy from the day
- Their medication is affecting their sleep
Even if your child seems fine with less sleep, it’s important to work on a good sleep routine. This helps their body and brain stay healthy in the long run.
Helping Your Child Sleep Without Too Much Medicine
While medicine can help some kids sleep, using too much can be dangerous. Here’s why:
- Kids might become dependent on medicine to sleep
- Some sleep medicines can have side effects
- The body might get used to the medicine, so it stops working as well
Instead of relying on medicine, try these tips:
- Stick to a routine: Do the same things in the same order every night before bed. We’ve found this to be the most helpful. At 9 pm, they get their nighttime vitamins, say prayers, and go to bed. Keeping this routine helps them know what to expect, and kids on the spectrum love routine.
- Make the bedroom comfy: Keep it dark, quiet, and cool.
- Avoid sugar and caffeine an hour or two before bed. That means no late night snacks or energy drinks. In fact, making sure they have 3+ hours between dinner and bedtime can make it easier for them to fall asleep.
- Limit screen time: The light from phones and tablets can make it harder to fall asleep. Many people recommend no screens an hour before bed.
- Try calming activities: reading, soft music, or gentle stretching can help. Our oldest loves Yoga, which is both calming and allows him to get some light exercise.
- Use visual schedules: Pictures showing bedtime steps can be really helpful. Especially when you are working to establish a routine.
- Consider sensory needs: Some kids might sleep better with a weighted blanket or white noise.
- Talk to your doctor: They might suggest natural options like melatonin or changes to your child’s daytime routine.
Remember, with melatonin, a little is often more effective than a lot. So go with a smaller dose and see how it does. Don’t give them too much, as an overdose is possible. Also, it is generally recommended for a short period of time, not long-term use, as long-term side effects are unknown.
Remember, finding the right sleep solution might take time and patience. Keep trying different things until you find what works best for your child.
If you’re really worried about your child’s sleep, don’t hesitate to talk with their doctor or a sleep specialist.
With some effort and creativity, you can help your special needs child get the rest they need to thrive!
