Sleep

Some children find it hard to fall asleep or stay asleep. This is common in neurodiverse children. There are many reasons why this happens. Understanding your child’s needs can help you find ways to support better sleep.

Why sleep can be difficult for neurodiverse children

Many parents of neurodiverse children say their child has trouble sleeping. This can include:

  • taking a long time to fall asleep
  • waking up often during the night
  • having a sleep routine that feels unusual

There are several reasons why this might happen.

Sensory differences

Neurodiverse children often have sensory sensitivities. This means they may find it hard to relax in bed. For example, they might be bothered by:

  • the feel of their pyjamas or bedding
  • background noises like a fan or fridge
  • lights in the room, even a small nightlight

Busy thoughts or anxiety

Some children find it hard to “switch off” at night. Their brain might still be very active, especially if they feel anxious or have had a busy day.

Sleep hormones and body clocks

Some children have differences in how their body controls sleep. This includes:

  • how much melatonin (a sleep hormone) their body makes
  • when their body feels ready to sleep or wake up

This can make it harder to follow a regular sleep routine.

What you can do

Understanding that your child’s sleep needs are different is the first step. Instead of trying to follow a typical sleep routine, focus on what works best for your child.

The goal is to help them get the rest they need to feel well and thrive.