Sleep Clinic

This is an individualised program to assess and address your child’s children’s sleep problems. This program is available in the clinic or online. Therapy 4 Learning believes that sleep problems can be addressed in a loving and understanding manner. We start by trying to understand why your child is struggling with sleep. We then work with the parents to devise a sleep program that will work for your family. Sleep problems in children with developmental challenges are extremely common. It is estimated that over 80% of children with Autism have sleep problems.Sleep problems are also very common in children with separation anxiety, ADHD, trauma, developmental delay and anxiety. In fact sleep differences in the womb may be the first indicator that a child will be diagnosed with autism.

Common problems

• difficulty falling asleep
• not being able to fall asleep alone
• difficulty resettling to sleep
• difficulty staying asleep
• getting up during the night to play
• not being able to sleep alone
• not getting enough sleep
• night terrors
• night mares
• using screens when the child should be asleep
• refusing to use CPAP machine (if required)
• moving around a lot when sleeping
• Lack of sleep make so many other problems worse
• behaviour
• poor focus and concentration
• anxiety
• learning difficulties
• communication
• Stubbornness

Why Children Struggle to Sleep

1. Sensory Sensitivities: Many children are sensitive to sensory stimuli such as light, sound, or touch, which can make it difficult for them to fall asleep or stay asleep.
2. Difficulty in Transitioning: Children with ASD or anxiety may have difficulty transitioning from wakefulness to sleep due to challenges with routine and changes in environment or activities.
3. Anxiety and Hyperarousal: Anxiety and hyperarousal, common in children with ASD, ADHD, Anxiety and Trauma, can make it hard for them to relax and unwind before bedtime. Circadian rhythms: This can be impacted, and children may need help to get into a new sleep routine
4. Medical Conditions: Some children may have co-occurring medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal issues or epilepsy, which can disrupt sleep.
5. Medication Side Effects: Medications prescribed for managing symptoms may have side effects that affect sleep patterns.

Why Professional Help is Important

1. Individualised Assessment: Professionals can conduct a thorough assessment to understand the specific factors contributing to the child’s sleep difficulties.
2. Tailored Strategies: Based on the assessment, professionals can develop personalised strategies and interventions to address the child’s unique needs and challenges.
3. Improving Quality of Life: Better sleep improves overall quality of life for both the child and their family, leading to improved mood, behaviour, and cognitive function.
4. Support for Families: Professionals can provide guidance and support to families, offering strategies to establish consistent bedtime routines and manage sleep disturbances effectively.
5. Monitoring Progress: Regular follow-up with professionals allows for monitoring of progress and adjustments to interventions as needed, ensuring ongoing support.

How Occupational Therapy Can Improve Children’s Sleep

Occupational therapy (OT) plays a crucial role in addressing sleep difficulties in children,). By focusing on enhancing daily routines, sensory processing, and overall well-being, occupational therapists can significantly improve sleep quality for children. Here’s how occupational therapy can make a difference:

Understanding Occupational Therapy for Sleep Improvement

1. Holistic Approach: Occupational therapists take a holistic approach to understand the child’s sensory sensitivities, routines, and environmental factors that may impact their sleep.
2. Sensory Issues: Many children, may have sensory processing issues that affect their ability to relax and fall asleep. Occupational therapists use a variety of strategies to help children to get into a calm state conducive to sleep.
3. Establishing Routine: Consistent routines are essential for children. Occupational therapists work with families to create structured bedtime routines that signal to the child that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep.
4. Environmental Modifications: OTs assess the child’s sleep environment and recommend modifications to reduce sensory distractions, such as adjusting lighting, noise levels, and bedding materials.
5. Stress and Anxiety Management: Children often experience heightened levels of stress and anxiety, which can interfere with sleep. Occupational therapists teach relaxation techniques and coping strategies to help manage these emotions before bedtime.

How Occupational Therapy Works

1. Initial Assessment: An occupational therapist will conduct a thorough assessment to identify the specific challenges contributing to the child’s sleep difficulties. This may include observing the child’s sensory responses, routines, and overall behavior related to sleep.
2. Personalised Interventions: Based on the assessment, the therapist develops a personalised treatment plan and sleep program. This plan may include sensory-based activities, therapeutic exercises, and environmental adjustments tailored to the child’s needs.
3. Collaboration with Families: OTs collaborate closely with families to implement strategies effectively. They provide education and support to help parents understand their child’s sensory needs and how to create a sleep-supportive environment at home.
4. Monitoring Progress: Progress is monitored regularly, with adjustments made to the intervention plan as needed. This ensures that strategies remain effective and continue to meet the child’s evolving needs. Collaboration: with other medical and allied health professionals so that medical and medication issues can be considered as part of designing a sleep program.

Sleep problems also put a lot of stress on parents. Cosleeping is common. Here are some of the ways sleep problems impact parents

• Unable to use baby sitters
• Limited opportunities for intimacy
• Stress of getting grumpy tired children organised in the morning
• Lack of sleep
• Poor quality sleep
• Difficulty socialising in the evenings
• Difficulties completing work and domestic tasks in the evening
• Disturbed sleep
• Reduced health and wellbeing related to poor sleep
• Poor performance due to lack of sleep- driving, work etc

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