Sweet Dreams: Getting them to sleep, Life with Special needs.

Sleep. We all need it. We need it to have energy for our day and to think, focus, speak, move, work and so on. It's a very important part of human health. So what do you do when you have a child with disabilities and they can't sleep?

Madeline would sleep a lot as an infant, because of her heart defects. She would tire out easily and sleep peacefully. But after her recovery from her heart surgeries she was not an avid sleeper. This was one of our biggest challenges, that lasted for many years and is still present today. I hear a lot of parents who have kids on the spectrum quiet literally reach out there hands for help when it comes to this topic. So let's go over a few things first.

I will confess I would get frustrated that she didn't sleep. Of course I had to sleep also and work and be awake during the day. She would get up at all hours of the night. I would have to get up with her, or she would wonder through the house. I had to end up having her sleep with me. Which was not any easier. I would get kicked, woke up, hit, pushed, pinched, and on and on. One time, she had her legs up in the air "which I had no clue.. I was asleep" and she dropped the heal of her foot straight down on my nose. I woke up to the worst pain running through my face. I just knew my nose was broken. Thankfully it wasn't.

It got to a point where I would get up hearing noises and she would have pulled all our food out of the refrigerator into the floor. I had found her in the bathroom running water and toothpaste everywhere. This was getting out of hand and dangerous. I needed to take action or she was going to get hurt or injured. Plus her meltdowns were so bad at the time. I just knew that some of it had to be from being tired. Going on no sleep is difficult, I'm sure a lot of you can relate. But why is it that they can function on just a few hours of sleep a night? Well they can't.

They need sleep just like we all do. There minds and bodies however, don't let them. As a parent with an autistic child knows we have to fight for everything...Well we have to fight for sleep to. And if you haven't hit this wall yet with your autistic child. Your probably thinking, "great something else to worry about."

Don't freak out, I'm here to give you some helpful hints.

Tips and Tricks

Create a safe space: Make sure there room is secure, locked windows, nothing sharp or hazardous like small toys they could choke on and so forth. Set lighting according to your child's needs. Madeline doesn't like the dark so she has night lights and access to her room light. This may differ for other children. Adding child safety locks through out your house is a good idea to if you have a explorer like I do. Baby monitors are a wonderful thing to have as well, that way if they are up during the night you can see and hear them without having to get up a few minutes.

Comfort: Making the room smell nice is helpful, calming and relaxing. I use a room spray and fabric Febreze. Only because Madeline has PICA and will try to drink, spill or eat anything that she sees. So Diffuser's, wax melts and dehumidifiers are a no go for her. But If it is able to be safe in your child's room then you can use those as well.

Fabrics and Bedding: You may think because your child has a disability that they may not know what they like or want, but they do. Take them to the store and let them touch all the sheets and blankets and comforters. The texture and colors of what they sleep in are important to an autistic child and should be considered. Weighted blankets are great for those who need applied pressure. They can be found at most stores or online. Madeline only likes one pillow. She doesn't like extra things in her bed. So that is how we leave it.

Routine: Having them on a schedule is extremely helpful to reduce meltdowns and anxiety before bed. A good dinner, warm bath, and comfortable Pj's. Then read them a story. Madeline always liked to hear my voice to help her fall asleep. I would sing or read, or sometimes call my mom or a friend and talk on the phone while setting in her room. She was able to rest knowing she was not alone. A sound machine or low playing music could also be helpful and soothing.

Medication: (Disclaimer): "The medications I am about to list are from personal experience to help with sleep and anxiety. I do no recommend taking or using anything listed below with out the permission and prescription of a Licensed Doctor. Please only use this information as names of medications you can suggest to your child's doctor for help to promote sleep."

- Melatonin: This has helped Madeline to fall asleep when teeth grinding and stimming are not allowing her to be able to relax.

- Zoloft: This is a medication used for anxiety and depression. But one of the side effects is drowsiness. So taken at bedtime can be helpful because it can help with more than just sleep. But also with anxiety during the day.

- Hydroxyzine: This is a antihistamine used for itching, anxiety, and tension. Which Also has a drowsy side effect. Helping promote sleep if taken before bed.

Helping your child get a good nights rest will really help there all around well being. State of mind and focus. This has helped Madeline so much with one of her biggest challenges. She is able to focus at school, be more attentive, eat better, and most definitely be less stressed and not as easily frustrated. Hopefully this guide will help go in the right direction. Please note these are only suggestions that I have witnessed through personal experience with my child. Do what is necessary for your child. you know them best. And remember, your doing a great job.

If you have anymore questions on this topic your welcome to email me at findingthepieces25@gmail.com or follow us on TikTok @Findingthepiecs.

Thank you, Meagan and Madeline.