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<\/a><\/h3>\nWe all need good sleep to feel well. There are some special reasons for children to need good sleep[i]<\/a>:<\/p>\n Children with autism suffer from sleep problems at a higher rate than typically developing children- 40-80% having poor sleep or insomnia[ii]<\/a>; difficulties in falling asleep and waking frequently \u2013 staying awake for hours being noisy or distressed – are common in ASD.<\/p>\n Poor sleep in ASD is a result of interaction between biological, psychological, family and social factors; poor child rearing practices often make sleeping patterns worse.<\/p>\n Disturbed circadian rhythm and poor production of melatonin (the sleep hormone) have been implicated.<\/p>\n Coexisting attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and behavioural difficulties, and sometimes some medicines also contribute to poor sleep.<\/p>\n Poor sleep worsens children\u2019s social function and repetitive behaviours.<\/p>\n First, find out what the sleep problem is, e.g., delay in falling asleep, frequent waking or unusual behaviour during sleep.<\/p>\n DO\u2019s<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n Improving sleep hygiene \u2013 the bedtime routine – select appropriate bedtime. Minimise watching of TV or playing computer video games an hour before bed time Reduce emotional\/behavioural stimulation before going to bed.<\/p>\n Avoid environmental sounds\/noises during bed time.<\/p>\n Promote daytime physical activity.<\/p>\n Promote relaxation before going to be e.g. reading, listening to music.<\/p>\n Manage coexisting conditions e.g. iron deficiency, ADHD.<\/p>\n DON\u2019T\u2019s<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Don\u2019t give tea, coffee, fizzy drinks 4 hours before going to bed.<\/p>\n Try not lying down in the bed with your child when putting him\/her to sleep.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If the sleep problems persist, and are causing a significant impact on the Quality of Life of the child or the family, consider treating with: Melatonin in a dose of 1 to 6 mg given 30 minutes before the bedtime and in conjunction with a help plan. Monitor effects with a sleep diary \u2013 a daily record of sleep pattern [iii]<\/a>.<\/p>\n [i]<\/a> Bruni, O, (2010). The importance of sleep for children\u2019s well being. Sleep Medicine. 11(7), 599-600.<\/p>\n [ii]<\/a> Cortesi F, et al. (2010). Sleep in children with autistic spectrum disorders. Sleep Medicine, 11(7), 659-664.<\/p>\n\n
What causes sleep problems?<\/span><\/h3>\n
How does poor sleep impact on a child with ASD?<\/span><\/h3>\n
How to help children with sleeping difficulties?<\/span><\/h3>\n
SLEEP DIARY<\/a>\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/pre>\n