How to solve sleep problems in children with Autism?

Autism is one of the common neuro-developmental disorders which affect millions of children worldwide. Some children with autism may have a sleeping disorder. Learn more about how you can handle sleep problems in children with autism and cope with other behavioral conditions in a better way.

Autism is one of the most common neuro-developmental disorders. It basically cause abnormal behavioral development in a child such as impaired communication, social skills and even sleeping disorders.

Sleep problems in children with autism are a major and prevalent symptom. According to various studies, out of the total children affected with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), around 40% to 80% are affected with sleeping disorders.

Some of the major sleeping problems with such children are:

• Hard to fall asleep
• Erratic sleeping spells
• Poor and restless sleep
• Frequent and early awakening

Insufficient restful sleep takes a toll on the overall health of a child and can affect the whole family too.

What causes sleep disorder in children with Autism?

Research to know about the exact cause of thedevelopment of sleep problems in children with autism is still in progress. Yet there are several estimates as to why these problems persist.

Social cues are understood to be one of the main stimulants for inducing sleep. These may include the normal day (light) and night (dark) cycle and the body’s circadian cycle, along with watching others getting ready for bed. Children with autism have impaired communication skills which do not always allow them to understand these cues.

Other reasons include the abnormal melatonin level in children affected with autism. Normally, the melatonin production in the body requires tryptophan, which helps to regulate the sleep cycle in normal children and adults. Children with autism are known to have either higher or lower than normal tryptophan levels in the body. As a result, the release of melatonin is also reversed, and their bodies tend to have higher melatonin levels during the day and lower melatonin levels at night.

Children affected by autism also have heightened sensory system. They often react abnormally to outer stimuli, such as sound and touch. This results in abrupt awakeningafter just a few minutes of sleep.

Another reason is anxiety that affects children with autism at a higher than normal rate.

What kind of complications do sleep problems in children with Autism lead to?

sleep problems in children with autism can lead to several types of complications. Erratic and insufficient sleep has an overall impact on the child’s health.

Research and studies have linked lack of sleep, in children with autism, to be the main cause of behaviours such as:

• Depression
• Aggression
• Irritability
• Hyperactivity
• Lower cognitive and learning development
• Excessive behavioural problems

This also has an adverse effect on the family and the caretakers of the child. A child’s erratic sleep can also affect the family’s sleep cycle.

What can I do if my child has sleep problems as a result of Autism?

Several sleeping aids are available today to cope with sleep-related syndromes in childrenwith autism.You canalso make certain lifestyle changes and take part inaforum discussion withindividuals at Autism Connect. This is a support group for families who have children affected with ASD.

Connecting and participating with such groups can serve you a plethora of important information. You can also try the following solutions:

• Avoid stimulants before bed
• Develop a night-time routine
• Help the child feel relaxed before going to bed
• Take care to avoid disturbing the child with sensory distractions

These can help to resolve the problem and help the child and the family to sleep better and to improve their lifestyle effectively.

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