Factors that contribute to disrupted sleep

There are lots of factors which can impact on the quality of sleep for children and young people, including.  

• Inconsistent bed time
  • If children and young people have no set bedtime or an inconsistent bedtime pattern this can make it harder for the body to develop a regular and consistent sleep routine 

• Inconsistent wake time
  • Children and young people who stay up late at night and sleep during the day can experience a reversed sleep pattern, this can cause confusion to the person’s natural circadian rhythm  

• Electronic devices
  • Blue light omitted from electronic devices such as tv, video games, mobile phones etc can delay sleep onset and have negative effects on circadian rhythm. The light can trick the brain into thinking it isn’t time for sleep yet and stop melatonin from producing 

• Level of caffeine
  • Too much caffeine or consumption of energy drinks can affect sleep onset due to the stimulant effect on the body 

• Low mood
  • Changes in mood or experiencing depression can affect sleep quality, some young people may need more sleep others may experience less sleep 

• Anxiety and rumination
  • Children and young people who are experiencing higher levels of anxiety may find it harder to fall asleep, they may get ‘stuck’ on negative thinking cycles or worries. Rumination involves repetitive thinking or dwelling on negative feelings and distress and their causes and consequences. Intrusive thoughts and worries about sleep during the pre-sleep phase can trigger increased physiological arousal and emotional distress which disrupts sleep onset.  

• Trauma
  • Children and young people who have experienced trauma may experience sleep difficulties as a result.  

• Sensory over-responsivity
  • Some researchers suggest that hyperarousal and sensory reactivity may also play a role in the sleep problems in autistic children and young people. Children who are over-responsive to sensory input may be sensitive to stimuli in the bedroom including noise, light, temperature and tactile input all of which can negatively influence falling asleep or staying asleep (Mazurek and Petroski 2015).

Debbie Spain and Tasos Galanopoulos discuss common sleep differences autistic children and young people may experience in this video:

The science of sleep is discussed in this Podcast interview with Debbie Spain, Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Tasos Galanopoulos, Consultant Psychiatrist.