#autism sleep

[evrthngisallknownbutwhatsunknown]

https://www.additudemag.com/delayed-sleep-phase-syndrome-signs-treatments-adhd/amp/

[sprinkleofquirk]

Has anyone ever had a meltdown in a dream before?

I had some really bad dreams last night, which isn’t that unusual for me (C-PTSD), but at the end of them I had what felt like a meltdown in the dream and then it carried over into me waking up. My meltdowns are usually very contained (crying, bunching up, etc), but this was very different and more intense (?) screaming and throwing my arms and hitting my head…

I’m just wondering if anyone else has ever had something like this happen

[clownrecess]

I want to talk about sleeping as an autistic person.

My autism heavily affects my ability to sleep and rest. I am extremely afraid of the dark, have a hard time falling asleep, and have a hard time staying asleep.

Due to this, I can't just go to bed and fall asleep. I would never fall asleep.

I use a variety of tools to help me, but even then I fall asleep very late.

I have LED lights going all around my room to help with the dark issue. They kept falling down so I nailed through them (dont do that.), and now only one color works, which is blue. I think blue is a calming color at night so it's okay, but it is also frustrating because that means I can't use them during April. Last April I only used them once, on the very last day of April.

I also just have a lot of anxiety at night so I need calming imagery. I have my TV on for an hour long timer, and I usually have on one of my favorite shows. Currently these are the Harley Quinn show, and Euphoria. I also have a special light that projects watery-galaxy patterns and stars on the ceiling, which is very calming for me to watch and helps with my anxiety.

Once my television turns off, I turn on a soft music playlist that mostly consists of soft songs from the OMORI OST, my favorite lullabies from when I was a child, and classical music. It stays on all night until it is time for me to get up.

I also have a weighted blanket on top of me, which helps to bring down my stimulation and calms me down.

Along with that I also have a few of my comfort objects on or near my bed.

[mindingmyownbrain]

I have such trouble with transitions that I don't want to stop what I'm doing... six hours past when I should have stopped it. Which can mean, six a.m. before I get to bed; and then the naturally wonky sleep cycle kicks in and before I know it my brain says, "Hey, it's five in the afternoon, time to wake up!" or, "hey, it's three p.m., time to go to bed!" what seems to be totally out of the blue. [...]  I have the same problems with other things--getting to class, getting to work, taking a shower, switching from one activity to another. I have the same trouble with eating--I'll forget about it and put it off until I'm starting to get weak from hunger. Embarrassing as it is to talk about, I also wait until the last minute to use the toilet... so that I often find myself running the few steps to my bathroom. [...] Organization, and routines, are the only way things get done in my life, other than coming up against extremely strong reminders like the threat of wetting one's pants or passing out from exhaustion; and those aren't a pleasant way to get anything done.

“Lisa D”

[braintreatmentcc]

Sleep Challenges in Autism Treated by Brain Clinics

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face persistent sleep difficulties. Trouble falling asleep, frequent night awakenings.

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face persistent sleep difficulties. Trouble falling asleep, frequent night awakenings, and early morning waking are common concerns. These disruptions can affect daytime behavior, focus, and emotional regulation. For families, managing these sleep patterns can be overwhelming and impact the overall quality of life. Brain clinics offering specialized interventions provide pathways to understand and improve sleep challenges in ASD.

[russewell]

From age 2.5 until their teens, children with the disorder tend to wake up frequently during the night

Parents have known this for 20 years or more.  Why does it take so long for research to accept and prove the truth of their experience?  When we figure this out we will start making breakthrough progress.

[a2ndvoice-blog]

Why does your son not sleep?

Nathaniel can stay up for long hours and not want to sleep.  Day and night don't mean anything for him and he will still get up for school. I will have to do social stories as well as putting a visual chart! He needs to sleep, can see little bags forming under his eyes!

Many times people tell me that it is what I am doing? Before I knew he was autistic, I had problems then and still have the same problem now! So what do these so-called people know! Go do your research!

My son went to bed early last night 7.15pm, one minute he was telling me he wanted chips and then next minute fast asleep with his favourite DVD film "Ben 10" watching him. 

This is usual as he can be out all day in the park and still have loads of energy at home! Whilst me and his sisters just want peace and quiet.

We tried keeping quiet, but his youngest shouting and going in to his room. Big mistake.

Anyway had a good nights sleep, well almost until I had the passage light come on and a little voice telling me he couldn't sleep can he watch TV.  Yessssss!!!!  Goes away, then comes back with I am hungry, you didn't give me my chips!  It was 4.00am in the morning! Then mummy can I sleep with you!!! I am surprised I got up!! He was full of energy! Lets see what he will be like tonight?

NATIONAL AUTISTIC SOCIETY - AUTISM AND SLEEP

http://www.autism.org.uk/living-with-autism/understanding-behaviour/sleep-and-autism-helping-your-child.aspx