Sleep and Autism
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Description
Many people with autism, and their carers, suffer from sleep problems such as insomnia.
By the age of one year most children should be sleeping through the night. If after that time your child is regularly unable to sleep or if they have a period of good sleep which is disrupted then this constitutes a sleep disorder
Sleep problems of children with autism can be persistent and severe. Specific problems include
- Problems falling asleep
- Frequent waking during the night
- Early morning waking
- Short duration sleep
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Bed-wetting or soiling
- Daytime sleepiness
For most children with with autism these problems gradually improve over time but, for some, they don’t.
There is some evidence to show that some interventions – such as anti-psychotics, cognitive behavioural therapy, and melatonin – may help some people with autism sleep better.
Further information
Please see the Advanced version of this page for more information about this issue, including relevant research studies and interventions which may help.
Last Updated : 15/06/2013 Back to Top
