Sleep Disturbances
Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or maintaining a consistent sleep-wake cycle — affecting a large majority of autistic children and often worsening daytime behavior when unaddressed.
Possible Triggers
- Differences in melatonin production affecting the sleep-wake cycle
- Sensory sensitivities to light, sound, or bedding/clothing texture at night
- Co-occurring anxiety or difficulty 'switching off' racing thoughts
- Inconsistent bedtime routines or irregular schedules
- Screen use or stimulating activity close to bedtime
Home Remedies & Coping Strategies
- Consistent, predictable bedtime routine with a visual schedule of the steps (bath, pajamas, book, lights out)Emerging Evidence
- Melatonin supplementation, discussed with a pediatrician first, which has evidence for reducing time to fall asleep though less effect on night wakingClinical / Peer-Reviewed
- Reduce sensory disruptors in the bedroom: blackout curtains, weighted blankets, white noise, tagless/soft pajamasAnecdotal / Community-Sourced
- Limit screens and stimulating activity in the hour before bedEmerging Evidence