Sleep Dependencies: Friend or Foe?
Welcome back! The last few weeks we’ve been talking about the four most common causes of sleep problems and what you can do to fix them. This week we are going to focus on sleep dependencies, a common problem that most people don’t even know exists! Sleep dependencies are anything that someone needs to have with them/around them to fall asleep. Sleep dependencies can be things like a pacifier, a blanket, a stuffed animal, a parent, a cell phone, music, noise, silence, or even TV. There are some sleep dependencies that are healthy because they help you to fall asleep fast and [...]
The Bedtime Routine: Your Key to Fixing Nighttime Chaos
The last few weeks we’ve been talking about the four main causes of sleep problems, and what you can do to fix them. This week we are going to focus on problem #2: chaos and unpredictability before bedtime. Not having a predictable bedtime routine can wreak havoc on sleep for both children and adults, but the good news is that it’s a pretty easy problem to fix! This week we will talk about why bedtime routines are important, and what makes a good bedtime routine. What is a bedtime routine? Bedtime routines are a set of consistent and predictable activities that [...]
What To Do When You Aren’t Tired At Bedtime
We’ve all been there- you can barely keep your eyes open all day, but then suddenly when it’s time to get ready for bed you are wide awake and feeling wired. Or maybe you’re a parent and you’ve finally finished all the evening chores, baths are done, teeth brushed….and now the kids are bouncing off the walls. Last week we talked about four of the most common causes of sleep problems and reviewed some reasons you or your child might not be sleepy at bedtime, this week let’s talk about how to fix this frustrating sleep problem! A good, healthy sleeper should [...]
The Four Main Causes of Almost All Sleep Problems
Sleep: we all know we need it, we all know it’s vitally important to our health and well-being; but for some adults and children sleep can be so elusive. From difficulty falling asleep, to problems staying asleep, sleep issues can leave you feeling frustrated and exhausted. By the time most people contact me in search of sleep help, they are feeling hopeless. Many sleep-deprived adults and parents of children with sleep problems struggle to get to the bottom of what’s actually causing sleep problems, and often (incorrectly) assume that sleep problems are medical or biological in nature. Luckily, most sleep problems are [...]
What’s the deal with melatonin?
A good night's sleep is essential for the overall health and well-being of every child. As a parent, you understand the importance of ensuring your child gets enough rest. However, many parents struggle with bedtime issues and are unsure where to turn and in need of a quick fix. Melatonin, a hormone known for its role in regulating sleep-wake cycles, is a popular sleep aid. It’s often seen as a quick and easy solution for bedtime struggles for adults and children alike. While melatonin can help with some sleep issues, it's important to understand what it is, how it works, and whether [...]
Autism and Sleep: How a Sleep Coach Can Transform Bedtime Challenges
As the parent of an autistic child, I’m sure you’re aware of the unique challenges that come with nurturing and supporting your child's development. You work hard to give them the best care, guidance, and opportunities to thrive. But have you thought about sleep? Sleep issues can have a significant impact on your child's overall well-being, their ability to learn, and the quality of life for your whole family. As a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) with a decade of experience treating sleep problems in autistic individuals, I want to help you understand why children on the autism spectrum frequently struggle with [...]