Sleeping Solutions For Children with Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) & Autism
It is very common for children and adults who have Sensory Processing Disorder to have sleeping difficulties.
If you have tried all of these ideas with your child and they are still having difficulties sleeping then I would suggest making a doctors appointment for a referral to have a sleep study done to receive the answers as to why they are not sleeping properly because sleeping difficulties can be caused by so many different conditions.
I know as an adult who has Sensory Processing Disorder how challenging it can be to get a good nights rest each night and I also know as a parent to a child who struggles with sensory differences how much they struggle to get proper rest each night.
1. Make sure bedroom is cool, dark and quiet
2. Exercise during the day
3. Avoid big meals before bedtime
4. Have a healthy bedtime routine
5. Same time for bed time each night
6. Listening to slow relaxing music or nature
7.White noise machine
8. Warm epsom salt bath
9. Don't drink soda or caffeine in the afternoon or before bed
10. Be consistent and don't give up!
11. No TV or screen time after dinner
12. As much sunlight during the day as possible
13. Dimmed lights after dinner and try a sleep mask at bedtime
14. Calming activities after dinner
15. Diffuse essential oils
16. Set a wake up time
17. One stuffie or favorite toy before bed, too many is too over stimulating
18. Soft bed sheets
19. Comfortable pajamas
20. Room darkening shades
21. A lot of reassurance they are safe and you are close by
22. Don't dismiss bed time fears, always address them
23. Your kiddos focus should be relaxing not going to sleep
24. Avoid all stimulating activities at least 6 hours before bed time
25. Always prepare your kiddo it's soon bed time, have a countdown
26. Use visual schedules
27. Bed time routines should be 20-30 minutes
28. Avoid singing or rocking your child to sleep, because if she wakes in the middle of the night she may need you to sing or rock her back to sleep (they need to learn to self sooth)
30. When your child yells out for you always wait a few moments before answering and try to engage as less as possible
31. Every time your child comes out of the bedroom, gently put them back into bed and remind them it is bedtime
32. Tools to overcome fears (flashlight, spray bottle of "monster spray" or a stuffie to "protect" them)
33. Reward system sticker chart and praise all good bedtime behaviors
34. Explain to your kiddo why a good sleep pattern is healthy and important
35. Egg timers to help your kiddo visually see time, it also helps with routine
36. Weighted blanket
37. Turn on a fan
38. Brushing and deep pressure massage before bedtime
39. Tick Tock Turtle
40. Wrap your kiddo in a burrito
41. Avoid day time naps for older kiddos
42. Food that contains natural melatonin before bedtime
How Many Hours of Sleep Do Kids Need?
All children are different and require a different amount of sleep but these are general guidelines from the National Sleep Foundation
1 to 2 months old: 10 1/2 to 18 hours per day
3 to 11 months old: 9 to 12 hours per day
1 to 3 years old: 12 to 14 hours per day
3 to 5 years old: 11 to 13 hours per day
5 to 12 years old: 10 to 11 hours per day
12 to 18 years old: at least 8 1/2 hours per day
Sensory Therapy Tools to Assist with Sleeping Difficulties
When little visitors want to sleep in your bed, but you don't want to be kicked in the head all night, set up their play couch as a bed for them right beside yours.
Barumba Play Kids' 11 Piece Play Couch
Enhance gross motor and problem-solving skills while playing with this multi-purpose toy the whole family will enjoy. Kids use the modular foam cushions to engage in physical activity and work on coordination, developing muscle tone and motor planning as they crawl through tunnels, climb up mountains or jump around in a game of the floor is lava. Sensory-seekers love the velvety soft machine-washable microsuede fabric covers.
Lucky & Me JoJo Boys & Girls Organic Cotton Pajamas Bedtime just got dreamier with our 100% organic cotton Pajamas for kids. Crafted from a luxuriously plush and soft rib knit, these long sleeve PJs breathe and stretch effortlessly to keep your little one warm and comfy throughout the night. The waistband is enclosed with organic cotton for comfort and the soft, rib knit cuffs ensure sleeves and pant-legs stay in place.
With smooth flatlock seams and a tagless back for itch-free wear, these gentle jammies are made for sweet dreams and snuggling. The hefty quality of our fabric means they will be softer with each wash and still look great when it’s time to hand them down.
Please note: Organic cotton is not treated with harsh flame-retardant chemicals so these pajamas are meant to be worn snug for safety. Please give our organic cotton jammies a wash before wearing to ensure the perfect fit.
Nighty Night KidSafe Essential Oil 10 ml
Does your child have occasional trouble calming down at night before bedtime? Nighty night helps create a more relaxed and calming atmosphere so that your child can relax before bedtime and promote a good night’s rest.
Does your child have occasional trouble calming down at night before bedtime? Nighty night helps create a more relaxed and calming atmosphere so that your child can relax before bedtime and promote a good night’s rest.
Differing from Sweet Dreams, Nighty Night is used for an overall relaxation and not just soothing the mind.
Apply topically to your child’s chest or back of their neck about 30 minutes before bedtime.
Apply topically to your child’s chest or back of their neck about 30 minutes before bedtime.
Specifically formulated for children ages 2-10. Contains the 100% pure, undiluted KidSafe essential oils of Lavender, Marjoram Sweet, Mandarin, Cedarwood Atlas, Patchouli, Clary Sage, Chamomile Roman, and Blue Tansy at a 2% dilution in FractionatedCoconut Carrier Oil.
Star Essence Relax Sensory Stars SENSORY TOOL + SELF REGULATION
The Relax Sensory Star is a plush and fun equivalent to a stress ball or a fidget. This sensory tool with the Relax blend of essential oils is a wonderful method of self-regulation to help with:
Relaxation
Creating Calmness
Situational Anxiety
Boost Creativity
Overcome Challenges
Relax Sensory Stars are intended to promote movement and tactile input that is critical for some student’s learning. We do not recommend to choose this sensory tool for a child who is showing signs of significant distress. Instead use the sensory stars proactively to promote well-being and comfort.
NON TOXIC + ALL NATURAL MATERIALS
Sensory Compression Blanket | Lycra Bed Sheet for Kids & Adults
Children and adults with conditions stated on the right often experience sensory overload. This may lead to meltdowns, irregular sleeping and poor attention. The compression sheet works in a way that's similar to a occupational therapy (OT) technique that is called touch pressure therapy (DTP). This input provides an overall calming effect by increasing endorphin and serotonin production.
Helps to calm and relax!
Children and adults with conditions stated on the right often experience sensory overload. This may lead to meltdowns, irregular sleeping and poor attention. The compression sheet works in a way that's similar to a occupational therapy (OT) technique that is called touch pressure therapy (DTP). This input provides an overall calming effect by increasing endorphin and serotonin production.
Helps to calm and relax!
By helping to calm these persons, deep touch pressure improves their ability to cope with stress and anxieties, giving them more control over their lives, hence allowing for a better quality of life.
Having trouble with your sleep? We have placed the same powerful LED's from our best selling sleep aid lights in a new portable rechargeable stick anywhere modern design! Easy on the eyes with brightness adjustment in an all new glare free indirect light form factor. With powerful built in magnets and mounting plate included, stick it anywhere in your house and also easy to take on the go.
Night time Motion Activated, Stick Anywhere Magnetic Mount, Sleep Friendly Long Wavelength Light
No Glare Indirect Diffused Light, Easy on Eyes with Maximum Visibility
8 Built in LED's with Two Levels of Adjustable Brightness using the same High Output LED's as our Plug-in Lights
Night time Motion Activated, Stick Anywhere Magnetic Mount, Sleep Friendly Long Wavelength Light
No Glare Indirect Diffused Light, Easy on Eyes with Maximum Visibility
8 Built in LED's with Two Levels of Adjustable Brightness using the same High Output LED's as our Plug-in Lights
Auto - ON - OFF and Brightness Control Toggle Switch
Sensory Processing Disorder Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets are a sensory tool that often Occupational Therapists recommend for children and adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, Anxiety and Autism Spectrum Disorders to assist with calming and sleep. The weight is intended to provide proprioceptive input to the brain, which has a calming and organizing effect on the central nervous system. Children with Sensory Processing Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorders crave pressure.
Weighted blankets should be 10% of body weight plus 1 pound. If your child weighs 40 pounds then that would be 4 pounds plus 1 more pound to make a 5 pound weighted blanket. Please follow these guild lines for safety.
Calming the Child KidSafe Essential Oil
Calming The Child is loved by children and adults alike for its ability to help promote a tranquil atmosphere during the day or before bedtime. With the sweet, soothing scents of Mandarin, Tangerine and Lavender, and the relaxing aroma of Chamomile Roman, Calming The Child is a natural, safe way to ease in to sleep or to slow revved-up minds and emotions. Plus it smells amazing!
Diffuse a few drops of Calming the Child for 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off. Alternatively, dilute Calming the Child to 1-3% using your favorite Plant Therapy Carrier Oil and apply topically on your child's chest or back of the neck.
Calming The Child is loved by children and adults alike for its ability to help promote a tranquil atmosphere during the day or before bedtime. With the sweet, soothing scents of Mandarin, Tangerine and Lavender, and the relaxing aroma of Chamomile Roman, Calming The Child is a natural, safe way to ease in to sleep or to slow revved-up minds and emotions. Plus it smells amazing!
Diffuse a few drops of Calming the Child for 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off. Alternatively, dilute Calming the Child to 1-3% using your favorite Plant Therapy Carrier Oil and apply topically on your child's chest or back of the neck.
Specifically formulated for children ages 2-10. This synergy contains 100% pure, undiluted essential oils of Mandarin, Tangerine, Lavender and Chamomile Roman.
Emagine A Better mornings for the whole family! The bedside companion that improves sleep and helps wake better through proven science. Deep sleepers wake up refreshed while providing sleep training for early risers. Tick Tock Turtle's simple light up pattern also teaches children of all ages how to tell time!
Nighty Night KidSafe Essential Oil
Does your child have occasional trouble calming down at night before bedtime? Nighty Night helps create a more relaxed and calming atmosphere so that your child can relax before bedtime and promote a good night’s rest. Differing from Sweet Dreams, Nighty Night is used for an overall relaxation and not just soothing the mind.
Apply topically to your child’s chest or back of the neck at a 2% dilution using your favorite Plant Therapy Carrier Oil 30 minutes before bedtime.
Does your child have occasional trouble calming down at night before bedtime? Nighty Night helps create a more relaxed and calming atmosphere so that your child can relax before bedtime and promote a good night’s rest. Differing from Sweet Dreams, Nighty Night is used for an overall relaxation and not just soothing the mind.
Apply topically to your child’s chest or back of the neck at a 2% dilution using your favorite Plant Therapy Carrier Oil 30 minutes before bedtime.
Add 3 drops to 1 tablespoon of fragrance free shampoo or body wash and add to a warm, nighttime bath. You can also add ½ cup of Epsom salt if desired.
Diffuse throughout the night in your Plant Therapy AromaFuse Diffuser at 30 minutes on and 30 minutes off.
Specifically formulated for children ages 2-10.
Specifically formulated for children ages 2-10.
By popular demand, the motion activated version of our best selling sleep aid night lights! In need of a night light that will provide visibility in the entire room yet be dim enough for a restful nights sleep? Look no further! The other night lights on the market just don't cut it. They either use blue light sources, are too dim, too bright, do not stay on long enough and the list goes on. See our blog post on how many night lights on the market may be keeping your family from getting enough sleep.
Night light stays on until no motion detected, daylight sensor turns off the night light when surrounding environment is lit
Plant Therapy Sleepy Time KidSafe Essential Oil Blends Set 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade
SWEET DREAMS BLEND: Does your child struggle with nightmares or bad dreams? Our KidSafe Sweet Dreams was formulated to help soothe those turbulent emotions and promote a peaceful, uninterrupted night of rest.
SWEET SLUMBER BLEND: Even though we love Lavender, it's not for everyone. Sweet Slumber was formulated for kids as another option for those unable to use Lavender. This blend uses other effective essential oils that are calming, soothing, and sedating.
NIGHTY NIGHT BLEND: Does your child have occasional trouble calming down at night before bedtime? Nighty Night helps create a more relaxed and calming atmosphere so that your child can relax before bedtime and promote a good night’s rest.
Sweet Slumber KidSafe Essential Oil
Sweet Slumber Essential Oil Blend was formulated for kids as another option for those unable to use Lavender. This blend uses essential oils that are calming, soothing, and sedating, a perfect combination to get your little ones ready for a good night of sleep. The scent is pleasant, gentle, and sure to help one snooze. Although this synergy is KidSafe, you can be sure that it will still be effective for adults as well. Sweet Slumber Essential Oil Blend mixes Cedarwood, Ho Wood, Sweet Orange, Roman Chamomile, and Vetiver to make for a relaxing night's rest. Safe for the whole family, Sweet Slumber is a wonderful blend to help quiet one’s mind and relax the body. Cedarwood is soothing and calming.
Sweet Slumber Essential Oil Blend was formulated for kids as another option for those unable to use Lavender. This blend uses essential oils that are calming, soothing, and sedating, a perfect combination to get your little ones ready for a good night of sleep. The scent is pleasant, gentle, and sure to help one snooze. Although this synergy is KidSafe, you can be sure that it will still be effective for adults as well. Sweet Slumber Essential Oil Blend mixes Cedarwood, Ho Wood, Sweet Orange, Roman Chamomile, and Vetiver to make for a relaxing night's rest. Safe for the whole family, Sweet Slumber is a wonderful blend to help quiet one’s mind and relax the body. Cedarwood is soothing and calming.
Number-one Play Tents for Girls Boys Galaxy Starry Sky Dream Bed Tents for Kids
Kids Sweet Dream
The kids bed tent can help calm and soothe kids when taking a nap or sleeping at night, make baby fall asleep faster.
Double net curtain for entry. Windows allow air flow and visibility. Soft, bright material, safe and easy to clean. Large enough space: Tent size: 140x100x80cm, give your child plenty of space to move and can also store toys. Sturdy and safe: The support poles are light and lightweight, and the support poles are connected by wires. Perfectly shaped tents and not easy to tilt. Rounded corners: Rounded corners to avoid collisions that could cause your child to be injured, make your child play games more safely. Cartoon space patterns: Play tent for boys or girls, let them enter the fun starry sky world and enrich their imagination.
Say goodbye to sleepless nights with Munchkin's award-winning Lulla-Vibe Vibrating Mattress Pad for babies. The pad easily slips under a crib mattress or bassinet and creates gentle, soothing vibrations to help lull baby to sleep. The convenient portable design even allows you to soothe on the go. With the Lulla-Vibe Vibrating Mattress Pad, you and baby will have peaceful nights and sweet dreams.
Number-one Play Tents for Girls Boys Galaxy Starry Sky Dream Bed Tents for Kids
Kids Sweet Dream
The kids bed tent can help calm and soothe kids when taking a nap or sleeping at night, make baby fall asleep faster.
Double net curtain for entry. Windows allow air flow and visibility. Soft, bright material, safe and easy to clean. Large enough space: Tent size: 140x100x80cm, give your child plenty of space to move and can also store toys. Sturdy and safe: The support poles are light and lightweight, and the support poles are connected by wires. Perfectly shaped tents and not easy to tilt. Rounded corners: Rounded corners to avoid collisions that could cause your child to be injured, make your child play games more safely. Cartoon space patterns: Play tent for boys or girls, let them enter the fun starry sky world and enrich their imagination.
Dr Teal's Kids Melatonin & Essential Oils Gift Set ~ with 3 in 1 Bubble Bath,Body Wash, Shampoo,Gentle Epsom Bath Sleep Soak & Body Lotion
Dr Teal's Kids Gentle Epsom Bath Sleep Soak and Body Lotion is specially formulated to create a relaxing bath time experience for your kids. This hypoallergenic formula combines Pure Epsom Salt, known for its ability to soothe skin and growing bodies, with Melatonin, a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles. Calming essential oils and nourishing Coconut Oil help your kids wind down from the day. 3-in-1 is specially formulated to be safe and hypoallergenic with gentle cleansers that make incredible bubbles for a great-smelling bubble bath. With Melatonin, a natural hormone that helps regulate sleep and wake cycles, and natural essential oils to help your kids wind down from the day, this 3-in-1 also works great as a shampoo and body wash.
LittleHippo Mella Ready to Rise Children's Trainer, Alarm Clock, Night Light and Sleep Sounds Machine
Can't keep your kid in bed? Let us help with that.
MELLA is the #1 most backed kid's clock and all-in-one Ready to Rise children's sleep trainer designed to keep your kid in bed longer. MELLA is a sleep trainer, alarm clock, sleep sounds machine, night light and nap timer rolled into one adorable package.
Studies show that children do not fully understand the concept of time until around 8 years old. MELLA uses colors and facial expressions to teach your kid when it's time for bed and when it's okay to wake up. With MELLA, your kid can learn to stay in bed longer, giving you more sleep!
Can't keep your kid in bed? Let us help with that.
MELLA is the #1 most backed kid's clock and all-in-one Ready to Rise children's sleep trainer designed to keep your kid in bed longer. MELLA is a sleep trainer, alarm clock, sleep sounds machine, night light and nap timer rolled into one adorable package.
Studies show that children do not fully understand the concept of time until around 8 years old. MELLA uses colors and facial expressions to teach your kid when it's time for bed and when it's okay to wake up. With MELLA, your kid can learn to stay in bed longer, giving you more sleep!
Parenthood just got easier.
Letsfit White Noise Machine with Baby Night Light for Sleeping, 14 High Fidelity Sleep Machine
14 Soothing Sleep Soundtracks: Letsfit white noise machine has 3 white noise, 3 lullabies, 1 fan sound effect，2 clothes dryer and 5 relaxing natural sounds. A sleep sound rhythm that helps you drift off to sleep.
Soothes Fussy Infants: Our calming nature sounds are perfect for your baby's sleep routine to help them fall asleep faster and sleep longer. A Sleeping baby means more sleep for the whole family.
14 Soothing Sleep Soundtracks: Letsfit white noise machine has 3 white noise, 3 lullabies, 1 fan sound effect，2 clothes dryer and 5 relaxing natural sounds. A sleep sound rhythm that helps you drift off to sleep.
Soothes Fussy Infants: Our calming nature sounds are perfect for your baby's sleep routine to help them fall asleep faster and sleep longer. A Sleeping baby means more sleep for the whole family.
Warm Night-light: A function that is perfect for new mothers, this night-light emits just enough light for night nursery or change diaper without being so bright as to cause any disturbances.
Bedtime Meditations for Kids: Quick, Calming Exercises to Help Kids Get to Sleep
From Awake to Zzz―30 fuss-free techniques and activities for sleepless kids ages 4 to 8
If counting sheep isn’t helping your child fall asleep, Bedtime Meditation for Kids is a dream come true. Discover tons of techniques, breathing exercises, mindful meditations, yoga poses, and more to help your little one fall asleep faster and easier. No more tossing and turning!
Kids can drift into a deep slumber with fun activities designed to help them calm down, cope with difficult emotions, improve concentration, and get restful sleep. From getting rid of the wiggles to imagining tranquil thoughts, the exercises in this book about meditation for kids will help your child sleep tight all night long.
Star Night Light Projector 8 Color Light Change for Kids
The baby light projector allows you to set time from 5 - 999 minutes through the remote, the whole functions will turn off automatically while the time is end, effectively realize energy saving. The star projector night light can be powered instantly by powered bank, car interior USB port, computer etc, Just plug in a usb slot and done.
When you move me away from the ceiling, my stars and moon gets bigger enough to surprise the children and protect them from darkness. I will immerse baby in the beautiful starry sky.
White Noise Machine, Sleep Sound Machine for Baby Kids Adults, 24 Natural Sounds Therapy, Night Light, Timer & Memory Function, Portable Sound Machine
24 Soothing Sleep Sound tracks: Aibaolo white noise machine has 7 white noise, 7 fan sounds, and 10 nature sounds (Rain, Brook, Thunder Rain, Bird, Sea Wave, Cricket, Train Sound, Music Box, Campfire, Fetal Tone). Simply pick your desired sound to facilitate a restful night's sleep - ideal sleeping sound machine for babies and family.
Soothes Fussy Infants: Our calming nature sounds are perfect for your baby's sleep routine to help them fall asleep faster and sleep longer. A Sleeping baby means more sleep for the whole family.
Dr Teal's Kids Gentle Epsom Bath Sleep Soak ~ Elderberry & Vitamin C with Essential Oils
Dr Teal's Kids Gentle Epsom Bath Sleep Soak is specially formulated to create a relaxing bath time experience for your kids. This hypoallergenic formula combines Pure Epsom Salt, known for its ability to soothe growing bodies and skin, with calming essential oils and Vitamin C for a bath that will help your kids wind down from the day.
Gentle Epsom Salt ~ Sleep Soak ~ Elderberry & Vitamin C with Essential Oils
Boost & Renew ~ Net WT 2 lbs
Hypoallergenic ~ No Parabens & Phthalates or Dyes
Promotes a Better Night's Sleep
This product is intended for external use only. Use only as directed
Ages 3+
DISCLAIMER: I am not an Occupational Therapist. I am an adult who has Sensory Processing Disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists gives you. These are just ideas and information that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for suggestions and informational purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different needs. Please always consult with a professional.
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