At 5 Little Monkeys, we're on a mission to help kids everywhere get better sleep. We've proudly created the best children's mattress on the market to help out with that goal, but we know all too well that helping a child get proper sleep goes beyond a quality kids mattress, and that goes double for children with special needs. If you're raising a child with autism, you may be all too familiar with the nightly difficulty of helping your child settle in for bed. But at 5 Little Monkeys, we're here to help. Here are a few tips for helping your child with autism get a great night of sleep.
1. Keep a Sleep Journal for Better Understanding
First things first: the more you know about your child's own particular sleep habits and routines, the better you'll be able to help them get good sleep. One great strategy is to keep a sleep journal. Each night, jot down notes on the entire process of sleeping: write down what happens before bed, any difficulties you run into, how easily your child falls asleep and stays asleep, and any other relevant details. Keeping this nightly journal will help you spot patterns, which will make it easier to support your child for proper sleep.
2. Find and Implement a Routine
Kids thrive on ritual, and nightly routines are even more helpful for children with ASD. Use your sleep journal to find out what does and doesn't help your child go to sleep, then construct a nightly bedtime routine full of things that soothe and relax your child, preparing them for sleep. Having this routine each night will help your child learn when it's time for bed, making it easier for them to fall and stay asleep.
3. Don't Forget About the Day
The truth is, quality sleep isn't solely about what happens at night: your child's daily activities are just as important. Making sure your child gets plenty of physical activity and eats a healthy diet during the day will support both their sleep and their health overall, so if your running into problems with sleeping, the first step may be to look at your child's daily schedule.
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We hope these tips are helpful in promoting healthy sleep for your child, and we encourage you to contact us or consult a behavioral expert if you need more information. And if you're looking for even more ways to help your child get better sleep, it might be time to think about how comfy their bed is! Most childrens beds leave a lot to be desired. Thankfully, the 5 Little Monkeys childrens mattress is specifically designed to support growing bodies by giving kids what they need for a great night of sleep. Interested? Try our world-class kids sleep system for 100 nights, risk-free!