We all have nights where we toss and turn, nights where our autistic child keeps us up most of it, and nights we feel completely rested and ready to start the day as soon as our alarms go off. I personally don’t know anyone who does the third but I guess it’s a possibility. When it comes to running a household full of people with different sleep cycles, you can get on each other’s nerves quickly if sleep deprived. Teach everyone how to get enough sleep in order to make Autismland a happy place.
Getting good sleep differs from person to person, and there’s a lot you have to take into account both internally and externally. These include age, the day’s activities, any disabilities to take into account etc. It all matters. It’s important to keep track of how much sleep everyone in your house is getting on a regular basis.
Some people need minimal sleep like my husband, Michael. He can doze off for a few moments then be wide eyed and bushy tailed. I, on the other hand, need a full nap or none. I also need a minimum of 8 hours of sleep. I become a grumpy bear if sleep eludes me.
Let’s Start With Getting The Baby to Sleep
It’s hard to get into a routine with someone who doesn’t know how to communicate except through crying. Of course, as time goes on, both you and your baby naturally settle into a routine. A rhythm starts to occur as you get to know each other better.
There are ways to help get this rhythm going in the right direction faster. Attempt to feed at regular intervals, put them down for their naps and to bed at the same times, and remember this season will pass soon enough. Madison was an easier child as a newborn because I had the experience from Logan to know she would sleep through the night in a few short months. She was not easier to care for but it helped to know this too shall pass.
Let‘s Get Your Teenager To Bed At A Decent Time
Teens need a lot of sleep. It makes sense between growth spurts, hormones, and all the stress of being a teen. It’s important to teach your teens the best ways to wind down before bed in order to get the best night’s sleep. Make sure you are teaching by example here and doing it yourself. Your teen is more likely to cooperate if you do it too.
Have a timer on the wifi, and have it switch off at a certain point in the evening or at night to make sure your teen has a chance to settle down. Similarly, make sure there’s a lack of screens to access the internet in their bedrooms, and make it a habit for the both of you to do together to put down the phone and relax before bed.
Here in Autismland, we like to do family read a loud together before bed. This signals to both children that it’s time to put away their screens. We gather to unwind with Sleepytime tea and Dreamtime in the diffuser. This is an important part of our bedtime regiment that helps all of us prepare our bodies for rest.
Having a good night’s sleep whenever your head hits the pillow is something no person has ever quite seemed to achieve. Except my husband. He can fall asleep standing up. Who does that?
Your family deserves good rest, so take some steps to promote this.
