Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsAutism and SleepCausesSleep Tips for KidsSleep Tips for Adults
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Autism and Sleep
Causes
Sleep Tips for Kids
Sleep Tips for Adults
Sleep issues are common with an autism diagnosis. Studies suggest that well over half of all autistic people, adults as well as children, have significant sleep issues.These sleep issues can be serious and lead to challenges both for autistic people and their caregivers.
There are some lifestyle changes andsleep habitsthat can help autistic people, although their use is not always successful. Talk with your pediatrician, sleep specialist, or other healthcare provider to better understand all of your options for improvingsleep with autism.
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The Link Between Autism and Sleep
Between 40% and 80% of autistic children experience sleep disruptions, including insomnia and sleep-wake cycle disruptions.These disruptions are linked with behavioral issues, challenges with learning and development, and health problems.
A study conducted at the Center for Sleep and Circadian Neurobiology at the University of Pennsylvania also found that autistic kids who slept fewer hours had more intense social problems, mainly trouble with peer relationships.
Co-occurring disorders that affect sleep also are more common in autistic people than in the general population. They include sleep-wake disorders along with:
Much of the research on autism and sleep issues is focused on children, but these issues often continue into adulthood. Autistic adults may have more trouble thanneurotypicaladults with issues such as insomnia andsleepwalking.Even when they do sleep through the night, studies suggest that autistic adult sleep is less refreshing than that of their neurotypical peers.
Autistic Adults and Sleep IssuesSleep problems are among the most common complaints of autistic adults. Insomnia affects about 60% of autistic adults, but problems like falling asleep (or waking up often when you do) also occur.This affects daytime function and overall quality of life. Anxiety and elevated sensory arousal may be at work in autistic adults.
Autistic Adults and Sleep Issues
Sleep problems are among the most common complaints of autistic adults. Insomnia affects about 60% of autistic adults, but problems like falling asleep (or waking up often when you do) also occur.This affects daytime function and overall quality of life. Anxiety and elevated sensory arousal may be at work in autistic adults.
As with so manyautism traits, the causes of sleep issues are not well understood. Some of the contributing factors can include:
Autistic people may also find it harder to just “let go” of the day’s cares and interests.
Sleep Tips for Autistic Kids
Many of the best tips for improving an autistic child’s sleep are similar to those used for neurotypical children, with a few exceptions. Here are some of the most effective techniques, according to researchers:
In addition to these basic techniques, autistic children may also benefit from some special attention to sensory and physical issues. For example:
You can consider certain products geared to people with sensory issues. They may help autistic children and adults alike to sleep better. Examples include a white noise machine, vibrating mattresses, or a weighted blanket which may help your child to self-calm.
Sleep Tips for Autistic Adults
Some of the same strategies that work for kids can work for autistic adults, too. You can try lifestyle changes that may help to improve your sleep. These options include:
If another health issue is at work, such as acid reflux, prop up the head of your bed or take other steps specific to that condition. You can also try using a phone app or awearable device, like a watch, to monitor sleep quality. The data may suggest symptoms of an underlying health condition that needs diagnosis, such as sleep apnea.
Keep in mind that interventions to improve sleep don’t all happen at night. Having a wake-up routine, like changing clothes and opening the blinds, is a help in establishing routine, too. Teens and adults should avoid daytime naps, especially after 4 p.m.Talk with your healthcare provider about diet, exercise, stress management, and other strategies that can help with sleep.
Summary
It’s common for autistic people to also experience problems with sleep. The causes aren’t always clear, but sleep disruptions in autistic kids are associated with patterns of learning and behavioral difficulty. Adults also experience sleep challenges, some of which may involve an underlying health issue.
16 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Relia S, Ekambaram V.Pharmacological approach to sleep disturbances in autism spectrum disorders with psychiatric comorbidities: a literature review.Med Sci(Basel). 2018;6(4). doi:10.3390/medsci6040095Sidhu N, Wong Z, Bennett AE, Souders MC.Sleep Problems in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Pediatr Clin North Am. 2024 Apr;71(2):253-268. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2024.01.006Mazurek MO, Sohl K.Sleep and behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder.J Autism Dev Disord. 2016;46(6):1906-1915. doi:10.1007/s10803-016-2723-7Lai MC, Kassee C, Besney R, Bonato S, Hull L, Mandy W,et al.Prevalence of co-occurring mental health diagnoses in the autism population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Lancet Psychiatry. 2019 Oct;6(10):819-829. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30289-5Carmassi C, Palagini L, Caruso D, et al.Systematic review of sleep disturbances and circadian sleep desynchronization in autism spectrum disorder: toward an integrative model of a self-reinforcing loop.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:366. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00366Spaargaren KL, Begeer SM, Greaves-Lord K, Riper H, van Straten A.Protocol of a randomized controlled trial into guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in autistic adults (i-Sleep Autism).Contemp Clin Trials. 2024 Nov;146:107704. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2024.107704Stanford Medicine Center for Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Sleep and Autism.Ji Q, Li SJ, Zhao JB, Xiong Y, Du XH, Wang CX,et al.Genetic and neural mechanisms of sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder: a review.Front Psychiatry. 2023 May 2;14:1079683. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1079683Delemere E, Dounavi K.Parent-implemented bedtime fading and positive routines for children with autism spectrum disorders.J Autism Dev Disord. 2018;48(4):1002-1019. doi:10.1007/s10803-017-3398-4Williams Buckley A, Hirtz D, Oskoui M, Armstrong MJ, Batra A, Bridgemohan C,et al.Practice guideline: Treatment for insomnia and disrupted sleep behavior in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.Neurology. 2020 Mar 3;94(9):392-404. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000009033Gagnon K, Godbout R.Melatonin and comorbidities in children with autism spectrum disorder.Curr Dev Disord Rep. 2018;5(3):197-206. doi:10.1007/s40474-018-0147-0Esposito D, Belli A, Ferri R, Bruni O.Sleeping without Prescription: Management of Sleep Disorders in Children with Autism with Non-Pharmacological Interventions and Over-the-Counter Treatments.Brain Sci. 2020 Jul 11;10(7):441. doi:10.3390/brainsci10070441Harvard Medical School.Sleep Problems.Hayduke D, Nye A.C-60 The efficacy of weighted blankets for quantity and quality of sleep in autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis.Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2019;34(6):1089-1089. doi:10.1093/arclin/acz034.222.Stanford Medicine Center for Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Interventions for Sleep Problems in Autistic Adolescents and Adults.Autism Treatment Network / Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health.Sleep Strategies for Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
16 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Relia S, Ekambaram V.Pharmacological approach to sleep disturbances in autism spectrum disorders with psychiatric comorbidities: a literature review.Med Sci(Basel). 2018;6(4). doi:10.3390/medsci6040095Sidhu N, Wong Z, Bennett AE, Souders MC.Sleep Problems in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Pediatr Clin North Am. 2024 Apr;71(2):253-268. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2024.01.006Mazurek MO, Sohl K.Sleep and behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder.J Autism Dev Disord. 2016;46(6):1906-1915. doi:10.1007/s10803-016-2723-7Lai MC, Kassee C, Besney R, Bonato S, Hull L, Mandy W,et al.Prevalence of co-occurring mental health diagnoses in the autism population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Lancet Psychiatry. 2019 Oct;6(10):819-829. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30289-5Carmassi C, Palagini L, Caruso D, et al.Systematic review of sleep disturbances and circadian sleep desynchronization in autism spectrum disorder: toward an integrative model of a self-reinforcing loop.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:366. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00366Spaargaren KL, Begeer SM, Greaves-Lord K, Riper H, van Straten A.Protocol of a randomized controlled trial into guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in autistic adults (i-Sleep Autism).Contemp Clin Trials. 2024 Nov;146:107704. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2024.107704Stanford Medicine Center for Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Sleep and Autism.Ji Q, Li SJ, Zhao JB, Xiong Y, Du XH, Wang CX,et al.Genetic and neural mechanisms of sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder: a review.Front Psychiatry. 2023 May 2;14:1079683. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1079683Delemere E, Dounavi K.Parent-implemented bedtime fading and positive routines for children with autism spectrum disorders.J Autism Dev Disord. 2018;48(4):1002-1019. doi:10.1007/s10803-017-3398-4Williams Buckley A, Hirtz D, Oskoui M, Armstrong MJ, Batra A, Bridgemohan C,et al.Practice guideline: Treatment for insomnia and disrupted sleep behavior in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.Neurology. 2020 Mar 3;94(9):392-404. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000009033Gagnon K, Godbout R.Melatonin and comorbidities in children with autism spectrum disorder.Curr Dev Disord Rep. 2018;5(3):197-206. doi:10.1007/s40474-018-0147-0Esposito D, Belli A, Ferri R, Bruni O.Sleeping without Prescription: Management of Sleep Disorders in Children with Autism with Non-Pharmacological Interventions and Over-the-Counter Treatments.Brain Sci. 2020 Jul 11;10(7):441. doi:10.3390/brainsci10070441Harvard Medical School.Sleep Problems.Hayduke D, Nye A.C-60 The efficacy of weighted blankets for quantity and quality of sleep in autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis.Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2019;34(6):1089-1089. doi:10.1093/arclin/acz034.222.Stanford Medicine Center for Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Interventions for Sleep Problems in Autistic Adolescents and Adults.Autism Treatment Network / Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health.Sleep Strategies for Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Relia S, Ekambaram V.Pharmacological approach to sleep disturbances in autism spectrum disorders with psychiatric comorbidities: a literature review.Med Sci(Basel). 2018;6(4). doi:10.3390/medsci6040095Sidhu N, Wong Z, Bennett AE, Souders MC.Sleep Problems in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Pediatr Clin North Am. 2024 Apr;71(2):253-268. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2024.01.006Mazurek MO, Sohl K.Sleep and behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder.J Autism Dev Disord. 2016;46(6):1906-1915. doi:10.1007/s10803-016-2723-7Lai MC, Kassee C, Besney R, Bonato S, Hull L, Mandy W,et al.Prevalence of co-occurring mental health diagnoses in the autism population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Lancet Psychiatry. 2019 Oct;6(10):819-829. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30289-5Carmassi C, Palagini L, Caruso D, et al.Systematic review of sleep disturbances and circadian sleep desynchronization in autism spectrum disorder: toward an integrative model of a self-reinforcing loop.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:366. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00366Spaargaren KL, Begeer SM, Greaves-Lord K, Riper H, van Straten A.Protocol of a randomized controlled trial into guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in autistic adults (i-Sleep Autism).Contemp Clin Trials. 2024 Nov;146:107704. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2024.107704Stanford Medicine Center for Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Sleep and Autism.Ji Q, Li SJ, Zhao JB, Xiong Y, Du XH, Wang CX,et al.Genetic and neural mechanisms of sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder: a review.Front Psychiatry. 2023 May 2;14:1079683. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1079683Delemere E, Dounavi K.Parent-implemented bedtime fading and positive routines for children with autism spectrum disorders.J Autism Dev Disord. 2018;48(4):1002-1019. doi:10.1007/s10803-017-3398-4Williams Buckley A, Hirtz D, Oskoui M, Armstrong MJ, Batra A, Bridgemohan C,et al.Practice guideline: Treatment for insomnia and disrupted sleep behavior in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.Neurology. 2020 Mar 3;94(9):392-404. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000009033Gagnon K, Godbout R.Melatonin and comorbidities in children with autism spectrum disorder.Curr Dev Disord Rep. 2018;5(3):197-206. doi:10.1007/s40474-018-0147-0Esposito D, Belli A, Ferri R, Bruni O.Sleeping without Prescription: Management of Sleep Disorders in Children with Autism with Non-Pharmacological Interventions and Over-the-Counter Treatments.Brain Sci. 2020 Jul 11;10(7):441. doi:10.3390/brainsci10070441Harvard Medical School.Sleep Problems.Hayduke D, Nye A.C-60 The efficacy of weighted blankets for quantity and quality of sleep in autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis.Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2019;34(6):1089-1089. doi:10.1093/arclin/acz034.222.Stanford Medicine Center for Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Interventions for Sleep Problems in Autistic Adolescents and Adults.Autism Treatment Network / Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health.Sleep Strategies for Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Relia S, Ekambaram V.Pharmacological approach to sleep disturbances in autism spectrum disorders with psychiatric comorbidities: a literature review.Med Sci(Basel). 2018;6(4). doi:10.3390/medsci6040095
Sidhu N, Wong Z, Bennett AE, Souders MC.Sleep Problems in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Pediatr Clin North Am. 2024 Apr;71(2):253-268. doi:10.1016/j.pcl.2024.01.006
Mazurek MO, Sohl K.Sleep and behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder.J Autism Dev Disord. 2016;46(6):1906-1915. doi:10.1007/s10803-016-2723-7
Lai MC, Kassee C, Besney R, Bonato S, Hull L, Mandy W,et al.Prevalence of co-occurring mental health diagnoses in the autism population: a systematic review and meta-analysis.Lancet Psychiatry. 2019 Oct;6(10):819-829. doi:10.1016/S2215-0366(19)30289-5
Carmassi C, Palagini L, Caruso D, et al.Systematic review of sleep disturbances and circadian sleep desynchronization in autism spectrum disorder: toward an integrative model of a self-reinforcing loop.Front Psychiatry. 2019;10:366. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00366
Spaargaren KL, Begeer SM, Greaves-Lord K, Riper H, van Straten A.Protocol of a randomized controlled trial into guided internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia in autistic adults (i-Sleep Autism).Contemp Clin Trials. 2024 Nov;146:107704. doi:10.1016/j.cct.2024.107704
Stanford Medicine Center for Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Sleep and Autism.
Ji Q, Li SJ, Zhao JB, Xiong Y, Du XH, Wang CX,et al.Genetic and neural mechanisms of sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder: a review.Front Psychiatry. 2023 May 2;14:1079683. doi:10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1079683
Delemere E, Dounavi K.Parent-implemented bedtime fading and positive routines for children with autism spectrum disorders.J Autism Dev Disord. 2018;48(4):1002-1019. doi:10.1007/s10803-017-3398-4
Williams Buckley A, Hirtz D, Oskoui M, Armstrong MJ, Batra A, Bridgemohan C,et al.Practice guideline: Treatment for insomnia and disrupted sleep behavior in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology.Neurology. 2020 Mar 3;94(9):392-404. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000009033
Gagnon K, Godbout R.Melatonin and comorbidities in children with autism spectrum disorder.Curr Dev Disord Rep. 2018;5(3):197-206. doi:10.1007/s40474-018-0147-0
Esposito D, Belli A, Ferri R, Bruni O.Sleeping without Prescription: Management of Sleep Disorders in Children with Autism with Non-Pharmacological Interventions and Over-the-Counter Treatments.Brain Sci. 2020 Jul 11;10(7):441. doi:10.3390/brainsci10070441
Harvard Medical School.Sleep Problems.
Hayduke D, Nye A.C-60 The efficacy of weighted blankets for quantity and quality of sleep in autism spectrum disorder: a meta-analysis.Arch Clin Neuropsychol. 2019;34(6):1089-1089. doi:10.1093/arclin/acz034.222.
Stanford Medicine Center for Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder.Interventions for Sleep Problems in Autistic Adolescents and Adults.
Autism Treatment Network / Autism Intervention Research Network on Physical Health.Sleep Strategies for Teens with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
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