Tharon's Thoughts: Sleep and Autism: Considerations for the Night-Time Puzzle

October 4, 2025




By Tharon

Neurodivergent Consultant at helpz


Sleep and Autism: Considerations for the Night-Time Puzzle


Sleep is one of the most fundamental human needs, yet for many autistic individuals, it’s one of the most elusive. It’s widely recognised that people with autism, and often those with ADHD, experience chronic sleep issues, with difficulties beginning as early as childhood and often persisting into adulthood. While the reasons are varied and complex, they’re deeply personal and often rooted in neurological, sensory, and environmental factors.


What is a natural sleep cycle?


A natural sleep cycle is the body’s internal rhythm that guides how we move through different stages of sleep each night. Each cycle typically lasts 90 to 110 minutes and includes four stages: light sleep, deeper non-REM sleep, deep sleep, and REM (rapid eye movement) sleep - where most dreaming occurs


On average, adults experience 4 to 6 sleep cycles per night, depending on how long they sleep. These cycles help the brain and body rest, repair, and process memories. Disruptions to the cycle, like irregular bedtimes or screen use before sleep, can affect sleep quality and overall wellbeing.

For most healthy adults, it typically takes 10 to 20 minutes to fall asleep after lying down, this is known as sleep latency. Falling asleep much faster may indicate sleep deprivation, while regularly taking longer than 30 minutes could suggest issues like stress, poor sleep habits, or an underlying sleep disorder


Why Sleep Is So Tricky


There’s no one-size-fits-all explanation. For some, sleep challenges stem from co-occurring health conditions, anxiety, or sensory sensitivities. For others, it’s simply the way their brain is wired. Many neurodivergent people are naturally night owls, with a delayed sleep/wake phase, a circadian rhythm that makes falling asleep before midnight feel nearly impossible. This tendency often intensifies during adolescence, when melatonin (the sleep hormone) is released later in the evening due to typical developmental changes.


Research shows that 50–80% of autistic individuals experience sleep disturbances, compared to just 25–30% of neurotypical people.

These can include difficulty falling asleep, frequent night wakings, short sleep duration, and irregular sleep/wake cycles. Autistic individuals also tend to spend less time in REM sleep, which is vital for emotional processing and memory consolidation.


A Personal Perspective


While I’m not a sleep expert, I can share my lived experience. Personally, I tend to fall asleep between 2am and 4am, although I do refer to it more as “passing out”. Sleep before midnight is rare. Over the years, I’ve learned that preparing for sleep, even if sleep doesn’t come immediately is key. Establishing a consistent night routine helps signal to the body that it’s time to wind down. For some, stepping away from screens can support earlier sleep onset. For others, calming activities like reading, drawing, knitting, or listening to soft music can quiet the mind.


That said, not everyone is a reader or finds relaxation in the same way. Some may benefit from physical activity, a walk, a dance party, or stretching to help wear themselves out. Ultimately, it comes down to two strategies: relax yourself or wear yourself out. Finding what works is a personal journey.

Sensory Considerations


Sensory sensitivities play a huge role in sleep. Some people are triggered to sleep by sunlight, while others are kept awake by it. Preferences around temperature, bedding, and noise vary widely. Ceiling fans may offer soothing white noise and airflow, while others prefer weighted blankets, tight sheets, minimal clothing, or massage. Some children may feel safest with a trusted adult nearby.


Changes in routine, unfamiliar visitors, or new staff in the home can also disrupt sleep. Anxiety, overstimulation, and mental health fluctuations are common contributors. Even small things like scratchy sheets, uncomfortable pyjamas, or a quilt that’s too light, can make sleep difficult.


Medical Considerations


It’s important to rule out underlying sleep conditions. Chronic insomnia, defined as difficulty sleeping at least 2–3 nights per week for over a month, is different from delayed sleep/wake phase disorder, which involves a consistent shift in sleep timing. Restless leg syndrome is also common among autistic individuals. Low iron levels, vitamin deficiencies, and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) can all impact sleep quality and should be assessed by a medical team.


Sleep issues don’t just affect the individual, they can significantly impact caregiver wellbeing, increasing stress and reducing overall family harmony.


Supporting Better Sleep

Here are some practical tips to consider:

  • Keep a sleep diary to track patterns and triggers.
  • Create a predictable bedtime routine.
  • Explore sensory-friendly sleep environments.
  • Avoid caffeine within 8 hours of bedtime.
  • Consider a sleep study to investigate medical causes.
  • Look at specific techniques suck as the Military Sleep Method.

 

Sleep is deeply personal, especially for neurodivergent individuals. What works for one person may not work for another. The key is curiosity, compassion, and consistency. Whether you’re a parent, carer, or practitioner, supporting someone with sleep challenges means listening, observing, and adapting. And if you’re neurodivergent yourself -remember, your sleep needs are valid, and support is available.

For best results, consult your GP or paediatrician to explore medical assessments and speak to your Behaviour Support Practitioner or Occupational Therapist for tailored strategies.

For further information about these topics and more, join our upcoming webinar or training modules.

Register here

News & Insights

Check Our Latest Resources

Kia’s Big Leap: From Challenges to Triumph at McDonald’s

November 7, 2025
At helpz, we love celebrating milestones that highlight resilience, growth, and the power of support. Today, we shine a spotlight on Kia, a young woman whose journey reminds us that with compassion and belief, incredible things are possible. Kia has faced more challenges than most her age. Growing up in foster care and overcoming significant hurdles in her early years has not stopped her. Kia has not let her life story define her spirit. Recently, she achieved a life-changing milestone: she proudly started her first job at McDonald’s . This isn’t just employment; it’s a symbol of her growing confidence, independence, and belief in herself. Working at McDonald’s is more than flipping burgers and serving fries. For Kia, it’s an opportunity to develop essential life and work skills; communication, teamwork, following routines, and managing new responsibilities. Each shift strengthens her sense of purpose and pride, proving that she’s capable of thriving in a structured, supportive environment. The McDonald’s team has played a vital role in Kia’s success. Their welcoming and inclusive approach ensures she feels supported as she learns at her own pace. Patient guidance from colleagues, combined with ongoing encouragement from her behaviour support practitioner, Marika Williams, has created a foundation where Kia can flourish. Equally deserving of recognition is Renee, Kia’s Living Skills Keyworker from Catholic Care . Renee has worked tirelessly alongside Kia, providing consistent, grounded support that has been instrumental in helping her reach this milestone. Her dedication, patience, and unwavering belief in Kia have made a profound impact, and we deeply appreciate the role she’s played in Kia’s journey. Starting a customer-facing role is no small feat for someone who has experienced social anxiety and depression. Every interaction, every smile exchanged, is a step toward conquering fears that once felt overwhelming. Kia is not just earning a pay cheque, she’s building confidence, practising social skills, and connecting with others in meaningful ways. Kia’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right supports, compassion, and belief, people can achieve incredible things. She is discovering her strengths, embracing new challenges, and proving to herself, and to all of us, that she is capable of greatness. Congratulations, Kia! Your courage and determination inspire us all. Here’s to many more milestones and a future filled with possibilities.

Disability Awareness Hub: Huntington’s disease

November 7, 2025
Understanding Huntington’s disease

The new NDIS needs assessment

November 7, 2025
Are you ready for a fairer, simpler NDIS? What the new support needs assessments mean for you and your clients The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is evolving, and one of the most exciting changes on the horizon is the introduction of support needs assessments, set to roll out from mid-2026. These assessments promise to make planning fairer, more consistent, and less stressful for participants, families, and providers alike. So, what’s changing and why does it matter? What are support needs assessments? Support needs assessments are a new way for the NDIS to understand what supports a person with disability truly needs. Instead of relying on participants to gather their own reports and evidence, the NDIS will use a validated, strengths-based tool called the I-CAN (Instrument for Classification and Assessment of Support Needs) — developed by the Centre for Disability Studies and refined over 20 years. This tool focuses on a person’s support needs, not just their impairments, and is built on the globally recognised International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health. Why this is a game-changer For too long, participants have faced the burden of sourcing costly reports, navigating complex systems, and advocating for their needs in planning meetings. The new assessments will: remove the need for participants to provide their own evidence create fairer and more equitable budgets offer more flexibility and choice in support arrangements ensure consistency across the NDIS planning process And importantly, the government will fund these assessments, not participants. How will it work? Trained, accredited assessors will meet with participants aged 16 and over to complete the assessment. The process will include: a personalised interview using the I-CAN tool consideration of environmental and personal circumstances additional assessments for complex support needs The NDIA is working closely with the disability community to co-design this process, ensuring it reflects lived experience and is accessible to all. What’s next? The rollout will be gradual, with full implementation expected over five years. This phased approach allows for real-time feedback and continuous improvement. Most participants will continue using the current planning process for now, but the NDIA will notify individuals when it’s time for their assessment. Final thought: planning with purpose This isn’t just a new tool — it’s a new mindset. By focusing on what people need to live well, rather than what they can’t do, the NDIS is taking a major step toward a more inclusive, empowering future. Are you ready to support your clients through this change? Now’s the time to learn, prepare, and embrace a more proactive approach to planning.