How parents can help their children improve their sleep

  The following was originally written for parents of autistic children, but has implications for parents of other children, including parents of “normal” children.  Sleep problems in children with autism are one of the most common and difficult issues for many families with autism. While there may be a variety of reasons that affect your child’s sleep, developing good habits and maintaining consistency in your child’s routine is the key to solving sleep problems. To help your child have a more reasonable sleep schedule, the following areas may be worth your attention: 1. Avoid high physical activity. In the hour before bedtime, try to avoid engaging in any overly stimulating activities (e.g., running, jumping, etc.).  2, avoid eating a lot of food before bedtime. It is also not advisable to provide any caffeine-containing diet to your child.  3. Eliminate potential triggers. Let your child watch less TV and play games before bedtime. Pack up the toys or games in your child’s room, and don’t put the TV in your child’s bedroom.  Keep 4. Maintain a consistent work schedule and develop the habit of relaxing before bedtime. It is important for Star Child to maintain a predictable and soothing bedtime. Sticking to a routine of bedtime activities in the same order every night, such as developing a routine of bathing, brushing teeth, bedtime stories or listening to soft music will help your child prepare physically and mentally for bedtime.  5. Provide your child with one or two things that can help alleviate his anxiety. For example, you can give your child a flashlight, a favorite sheet or a stuffed animal toy to help him feel comfortable to help him transition and fall asleep.  6. Try to make sure your child’s daytime activities are varied and fun. Give your child the opportunity to get plenty of physical exercise.  7. Make sure your child has a comfortable environment to fall asleep. The clothing is loose and soft, and the temperature of the bedroom should not be too hot or too cold.  8.Find out the ideal bedtime for your child. When you notice signs of fatigue in the evening, it is usually time for your child to go to bed, so get your child into the habit of going to bed before then if possible.  9, to prevent the child’s sensory interference. It is best to use dark, heavy curtains to block out the light from the windows and keep the bedroom as quiet as possible.  10. Help your child make a smooth transition to bedtime. Remind your child before he goes to bed, or give him a choice to help him transition to bedtime. For example, you can tell him it’s bedtime in five minutes, or let your child choose “whether to go to bed now or wait five more minutes to go to bed,” but only allow him to choose once.  11. Maintain a wake-up time for your child. Establishing a regular wake-up time is just as important as establishing a regular bedtime, both of which can help keep the body’s own internal biological clock rhythm consistent.