We don’t always recognise that the importance of getting a good night’s rest is key to supporting our overall health and wellbeing, moreso for the neurodiverse, which isn’t as easy as it can be for the neurotypical person!
The neurodiverse brain works very hard to navigate the world especially for people with dyslexia, ADHD, and Autism even though there are some who operate well enough on four hours sleep a night, this is not ideal for most people.
Sleep is vital for good health and wellbeing throughout your life. The way you feel while you are awake depends on what happens whilst you are asleep, when your body is working to support a healthy brain and maintain optimum physical health.
Those with Autism average 10% less REM sleep than the allistic population and studies show that 30% of the general population experience sleep issues in contrast to 85% of those with ADHD, Sensory Processing Disorders (SPD), and 80% of those with Autism.
Typical causes of disrupted sleep:
- Lights and sounds
- Anxiety and depression
- Irregular circadian sleep rhythm
- Existing breathing-based sleep disorders
- Genetics related to melatonin and regulation
- Blue light or screen time ar bedtime
- Eating too late in the evening
- Caffeine or alcohol
The beauty of restorative sleep for the body and mind is vital for good brain function and very apparent when you see the difference good quality sleep can make.
Consider the following solutions:
- Sleep routines, regular sleep patterns
- Disruption of circadian sleep-wake cycle
- Reduced blue-light stimulus, phone, TV, computer etc
- Sensory supports such as eye masks, earplugs, weighted blankets etc
- Specialist working one-to-one to improve your sleep quality
- Sophro Relaxation mindfulness practices or meditation
There is no doubt that getting plenty of sleep will help reduce stress, defuse PTSD, lessen anxiety, and enable the body to cope better with other conditions such as dyslexia, ADHD and Autism. Creating a routine for geting 7-8 hours of sleep a night, even at weekends, can ensure a supportive sleep schedule which makes a huge difference to our behaviours, our disabilities and our emotions.
“Sleep is the golden chain that binds health and our bodies together.”
-Thomas Dekker-
Contact me for advice on how Sophro Balance could benefit your personal journey of change and transformation.
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SOPHRO BALANCE for Wellbeing 
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