[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text single_style=”” el_class=”table-c-bottom”]<\/p>\n
Table of Contents<\/b><\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”introduction”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Introduction”][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n The Holidays are upon us! And as such, if we are lucky, we will have a few days off to celebrate. During these days off we may also want to catch up on our sleep! Sleep is such an important component of overall good health. But many of us may not be getting enough restful sleep. Moreso, if you are a parent or guardian of a child with ASD. It is well documented that children and young adults with autism have many issues with obtaining proper sleep.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”common-sleep-problems”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Common Sleep Problems in children with ASD”][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n Recent studies investigating sleep disturbances in children with autism estimate that approximately 50% to 80% of this patient population will experience some form of sleep problem. This can include anything from insomnia, trouble falling asleep, waking up intermittingly, to altogether avoiding sleep. Below are some common issues related to sleeping problems and ASD.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text single_style=”” el_class=”arrow-point-3567″]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”how-autism-can-affect-sleep” el_class=”blog-text-35795″][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”How Autism Can Affect Sleep” font_container=”tag:h3|text_align:left”][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n The connection between sleep disturbances and autism is complex. There are several factors that may contribute to sleep problems in people with autism, including biological, social, environmental, psychological, and health factors.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”mr-top-20″][vc_column][vc_column_text single_style=”” el_class=”arrow-point-3567″]<\/p>\n Circadian Rhythm Disruptions:<\/strong><\/p>\n There is evidence to suggest that children with autism may have irregular or disrupted circadian rhythms (circadian rhythms control sleep-wake patterns over the course of a 24-hour day). Researchers have proposed that this is the result of abnormalities in genes that control the mechanism of the biological clock and the production of the sleep hormone melatonin.<\/p>\n In some children with autism spectrum disorder<\/a>, circadian rhythm problems may also be linked to hypersensitivity to sensory stimuli. There is generally a relationship between light and darkness in the sleep-wake cycle as well as the presence or absence of certain sounds that can also serve as cues to wake up or sleep. Individuals with autism who are highly sensitive to light or sound may limit their exposure to these cues, which may interfere with their ability to establish a strong circadian rhythm.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Social and Behavioral Features of ASD:<\/strong><\/p>\n There are a number of other core characteristics of autism that can interfere with effective bedtime routines and sleep-promoting behaviors, including:<\/p>\n Environmental Factors:<\/strong><\/p>\n For many children with autism, various aspects of their home or sleep environment may also contribute to sleep problems. For example, a congested household with many members (siblings, pets) that create noise and distractions may make it much more difficult to attain sleep. In urban settings, the sound of sirens or traffic could trigger strong reactions and prevent sleep. Additionally, sounds from wildlife and nature (rain, wind, thunder) may prevent proper sleep.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Mental Health Conditions:<\/strong><\/p>\n Many individuals with autism have overlapping mental health conditions that are known to affect sleep.<\/p>\n Health Factors:<\/strong><\/p>\n Children with ASD have increased susceptibility to iron deficiency, which is characterized by low ferritin levels in the blood. There is some evidence that suggests this might contribute to restless sleep.<\/p>\n Children with autism are at increased risk of having epilepsy among other health-related issues. Medications that target these uses may also negatively affect sleep.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Treating Sleep Problems:<\/strong><\/p>\n Generally, if there is any co-occurring medical condition, physicians will often treat that first. In most cases, doctors prefer to start treating sleep issues without medication. This would include the implementation of proper sleep hygiene practices. Examples of this would be avoiding digital screens and\/or other stimulating objects a few hours prior to bedtime. Other practices would include the formulation of a sleep routine, the avoidance of any late afternoon naps, and specific diet restrictions such as avoiding caffeine and sugar. Physicians may also advise parents and caregivers on ways to discourage sleep-disturbing habits and behaviors.<\/p>\n Finally, if sleep problems continue to persist then doctors may recommend over-the-counter melatonin or iron supplements for children with ASD.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_raw_html]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[\/vc_raw_html][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n Download<\/a> Download & share this infograph card in your network [Free Download]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”improve-sleep” el_class=”blog-text-35795″][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”What Can Be Done to Improve Sleep?” font_container=”tag:h4|text_align:left”][vc_column_text single_style=”” el_class=”arrow-point-3567″]<\/p>\n Practicing good sleep hygiene at home is important. No matter what type of sleep disorder a person suffers from, good sleep habits remain a crucial part of treatment.<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”conclusion” el_class=”blog-text-35795″][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”Conclusion” font_container=”tag:h5|text_align:left”][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n The above are just a few recommendations to assist with sleep problems in children with ASD. As a parent or guardian of a child on the spectrum, you should also take care to sleep well. It is integral!<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n Happy Holidays to All and to All a Good Night!!<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_id=”did-you-know”][vc_column][vc_column_text single_style=”” el_class=”blog-banner-section” el_id=”did-you-know”]<\/p>\n Folate (vitamin B9) is very important for your child\u2019s brain development!<\/p>\n During pregnancy, it helps prevent neural tube defects and plays a big role in forming a normal and healthy baby\u2019s brain and spinal cord. Folate also helps cells divide and assists in both DNA and RNA synthesis.<\/p>\n Emerging research suggests that the presence of FRAAs negatively impacts folate transport into the brain.<\/p>\n Yes, there is a test – The Folate Receptor Antibody Test (FRAT\u00ae<\/sup>) has emerged as a diagnostic tool for detecting the presence of FRAAs.<\/p>\n It is important to screen at an early age or as soon as possible as there may be corrective measures available. Please consult your physician for further information.<\/p>\n To request a test kit, click on the button below.<\/p>\n Request Now<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n [\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text single_style=”” el_class=”text-gray-23″]For information on autism monitoring, screening and testing please read our blog<\/a>.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row el_class=”blog-text-35795″ el_id=”references”][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text=”References” font_container=”tag:h6|text_align:left”][vc_column_text single_style=””]<\/p>\n [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Discover solutions for common sleep problems in children with ASD. Learn about the impact of autism on sleep, circadian rhythm disruptions, and effective treatments.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":7318,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[61],"tags":[68,69],"yoast_head":"\n\n
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Did You Know? Folate Receptor Autoantibodies (FRAAs) may impede proper folate transport.<\/h4>\n
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Is there a test for identifying Folate Receptor Autoantibodies (FRAAs)?<\/h4>\n
![\"FRAT](\"https:\/\/autism.fratnow.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/key-takeaways-of-understanding-and-managing-sleep-problems-in-children-with-asd-autism-infographics.webp\")
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\nhttps:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ncbddd\/autism\/features\/adults-living-with-autism-spectrum-disorder.html<\/a><\/li>\n
\nhttps:\/\/www.nimh.nih.gov\/health\/publications\/autism-spectrum-disorder<\/a><\/li>\n