Sleep and Autism: How Can You Help Your Child Sleep Better?

Lack of Quality Sleep Can Create Even Bigger Issues for your Child with ASD

Sleep problems can go hand-in-hand with Autism Spectrum Disorder. In fact, it’s one of the major issues we hear from parents who bring their children in for autism treatment: They have an incredibly tough time getting their child to fall asleep or stay asleep.

That’s not unusual since up to 80% of children with ASD have sleep problems. Plus, children on the spectrum are twice as likely to have sleep issues as neurotypical children. 

The actual issue here isn’t just the challenge of dealing with the aftermath of a child’s sleepless night — it’s far more significant than that. Per a study done a few years ago, ASD symptoms can become more severe because of reduced sleep. 

Certainly, many things exist to help children sleep better, from melatonin supplements to creating better sleep routines.

But if you’ve tried everything and still aren’t seeing better sleep for your child, MeRT (Magnetic e-Resonance Therapy) may help.

That’s because one of the first things most patients report after MeRT treatment is better and more restful sleep. 

This can make a tremendous difference in your child’s ability to function more independently.

Sleep and Brain Development

Sleep is vital for so many reasons, including brain function. And as important as sleep is when we’re adults, it’s even more critical for a child’s developing brain. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following amounts of sleep per day for children:

• 4 to 12 months: 12 to 16 hours, including naps
• 1 to 2 years: 11 to 14 hours, including naps
• 3 to 5 years: 10 to 13 hours
• 6 to 12 years: 9 to 12 hours
• 13 to 18 years: 8 to 10 hours

Sleep plays a vital role in a child’s development. Not only does it allow their body to recharge, but it also helps them retain everything they’ve learned throughout the day. To make sure this happens, the body must go through all stages of the sleep cycle many times during the night.

REM sleep, for example, is essential for memory, learning, and creativity. And deep sleep helps the body release human growth hormone (HGH), which grows, reproduces, and regenerates cells. 

Sleep deprivation in children can cause:

• Drowsiness during the daytime
• Mood changes and irritability
• Aggression and hyperactivity
• Inability to pay attention
• Difficulties with judgment
• Organization and planning difficulties
• Memory issues
• Trouble learning or retaining new information

And these issues are common with neurotypical children, so you can see how those with ASD may have more severe issues. 

Fortunately, MeRT has helped many children with autism get better, more restful sleep. 

Learn More about MeRT treatment for Autism. Call Our New Patient Coordinator.

(949) 418-1108

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Contributors to Sleep Problems in Children with Autism

• Trouble settling or winding down when it’s time for bed
• Medical issues like anxiety
• Side effects from certain medications
• Irregular secretion of melatonin, causing a malfunction in the circadian rhythm
• Epilepsy or other neurological conditions
• Social cueing issues (not connecting “bedtime” with sleep)
• Sensitivities to light from digital devices or certain sounds
• GI and digestive issues
• Breathing problems during sleep

These sleep issues can cause issues like repetitive behaviors and poor social skills to worsen. Additionally, one study reported that children with ASD and sleep problems are more easily distracted and hyperactive during the day. 

Plus, sleep can be far less restorative for those on the spectrum, as they spend an average of 15% of their time in REM sleep — while most neurotypical people spend about 23% of their sleep time in the REM stage. 

How MeRT Can Help Children with ASD Sleep More Soundly

We’ve seen remarkable improvements in the sleep patterns of children on the spectrum after their MeRT treatment. Non-invasive and drug-free MeRT works to optimize brain communication so that it is more organized and in sync.

MeRT is an emerging technology that aims to improve brain function and communication. The equipment used is FDA-cleared to treat Major Depressive Disorder and OCD and is used off-label to treat a wide variety of conditions.

MeRT uses gentle magnetic waves to balance and stimulate brain function, guided by sophisticated diagnostics and imaging. And MeRT is compatible with any other type of therapy.

This allows a child to have better communication and social skills and more independence. And one of the first things parents report when a child receives MeRT treatment is a dramatic improvement in their sleep schedule. 

Mikey suffered from going to bed at 1:40, 2:40, 3:40… it was rough on us parents because we have to work — and I had to stay up with my son. On a good night, we would go to bed at 11. While we have been here receiving treatment, Mikey has not gone to bed any later than 9:00, and the earliest he’s gone to bed is 8:00 sharp. And he sleeps through the whole night and wakes up on his own around 7:30 or 8:30. He wakes up energized, not grumpy, and he’s ready for the day.

“Don’t be discouraged by anybody telling you there’s nothing you can do for your child. There’s a lot more you can do.” – Adriana, a parent whose child received MeRT treatment for autism

MeRT treatment can also help improve results from all other therapies — such as ABA and school — as the brain pathways open up. Of course, as each child’s brain is unique, results can vary from patient to patient.