Most children with autism experience some type of sleep problems due to sensory overload and other issues. They often find sleeping on the floor more comforting than laying in bed. Read this article to find out why and learn more about products that can help your child sleep better.
Autistic children sometimes have more restless sleep than other children. In particular, they might be prone to body-rocking, head-rolling and head-banging. Although quite common, restless sleep can also be a sign of some less common sleep disorders.
People with autism tend to have insomnia: It takes them an average of 11 minutes longer than typical people to fall asleep, and many wake up frequently during the night. Some people with the condition have sleep apnea, a condition that causes them to stop breathing several times during the night.
Autistic people can often have trouble sleeping. There are a range of reasons for this including difficulties with relaxing or winding down and irregular melatonin levels. Problems with sleep can be an issue for both autistic adults and children.
The Appropriate Age for a Floor Bed
Most children transition out of a crib around the age of 2 or 3 once they're able to put their leg at the top of the crib rail. It's around this time that Dr. Casares says it's safe to consider a floor bed.
Testing Boundaries. Toddlers may begin testing boundaries as young as 18 months old. These miniature humans are exploring their world and learning more about cause-and-effect relationships. Additionally, they're seeking independence, so they may sneak out of their cribs and sleep on the floor as a way to rebel.
Sometimes the bed is boring and it's more fun to sleep on the floor. Alternatively, kids may shift pillows, toys, or blankets around.
For children on the autism spectrum, sleep problems typically begin to occur from around 30 months of age. Their most common problems are less total time asleep and increased time to settle to sleep. These are similar problems reported by parents of typically developing children.
How Autism Affects Sleep. Those with autism often suffer from altered sleep patterns and insomnia. They may find that simply getting enough sleep is difficult, having to fight through the daily sensory overstimulation they face. Many of their sleep problems arise from the inability to self-soothe and fall asleep.
Some people with autism might have terrible 'sleep hygiene' — bad bedtime habits — or apnea. Others might have gene variations that disrupt other regulators of the circadian rhythm or that change how the body metabolizes melatonin.
Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Children
May appear more mature for their age and have above-average intelligence. A tendency to avoid eye contact. Trouble deviating from a routine or adapting to changes. Trouble making friends and maintaining social relationships or not “fitting in” with peers.
In the case of vocal stimming (or verbal stimming), the child might make noises such as groaning, grunting, high- pitched screeching, squealing, humming, or repeating random words, words to a familiar song, phrases, or lines from a movie.
Children with ASD tend to have difficulty regulating their emotions. It may be even more difficult for them to calm down or be comforted during a night terror episode. Although children tend to outgrow night terrors, it is helpful to engage in habits that can reduce risks or make them less prevalent.
Children with an ASD are not vigilant and do not look up to the caregiver for social referencing. They may not cling to the caregiver, although go up to them for succor. However, some cling to the caregiver because of extreme anxiety.
In addition to sensory triggers, certain chemicals found in everyday household products like cleaning supplies or air fresheners can also aggravate symptoms of autism. These chemicals include phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), which have been shown to disrupt hormones and affect behavior in animal studies.
Autistic children and teenagers are sometimes oversensitive to things like noise, crowds or temperature. They try to avoid sensory experiences.
Hobbies such as collecting stamps, playing cards or board games, drawing and photography can also provide opportunities for enjoyment, as well as increased self-confidence and motivation individuals on the spectrum.
The most common problem for children on the autism spectrum is. Some children may need to be rocked, patted or have someone lie next to them before falling asleep. Others may wake up easily during the night or want to sleep somewhere else other than in bed.
The key to trying to get a child with autism to nap is to develop routines. A bedtime routine, as well as a daily routine (including naps), is the best way to get your child to take naps during the day.
Reasons Why Toddlers Prefer Sleeping on the Floor
Unlike a soft mattress, a firm surface like the floor provides better support for their growing bodies. This can help reduce pressure points and prevent discomfort or pain while sleeping. The floor's texture and stability may also contribute to their preference.
For those who like a firm sleep surface, sleeping on the floor seems ideal. Lots of people have already made a cold, flat floor part of their night-time routine. In fact, in some cultures, it's more common to sleep on the floor than on a thick mattress.