Autism and Sleeping Positions
People with autism often have unique sleeping positions. Some may prefer sleeping on their stomachs, while others might find comfort in sleeping on their sides or backs. It's important to note that each individual's preference can vary, and there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Understanding and accommodating these preferences can significantly improve sleep quality for those with autism.
What Is Autism?
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), or equivocal autism is a term describing a group of neurodevelopmental conditions characterized by differences in communication and social interaction [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8].
It is referred to as spectrum disorder because the symptoms can vary from person to person, and can also range in their severity. However, a person with autism typically showcases repetitive interests or patterns of behavior [2, 4, 5, 6]. It is a lifelong condition and it becomes apparent before the age of 3 years.[3, 6]
Regardless of race, ethnicity, culture, or economic background, we see people with autism all around the world. The main cause of the development of autism is considered to be genetic. It accounts for around 90% of cases. Interestingly, environmental factors play also a role in the development of autism [6]. Autism is more often diagnosed in boys than girls [4, 5, 9].
What Are Some Common Sleeping Positions in Autistic People?
There is no specific scientific information about autistic people having particular sleeping positions. However, sleep problems are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting approximately 50%-80% of autistic children.
In another blog, we examined the link between autism and sleeping position where your arms are bent and created a T-Rex arm visual in individuals with autism. Check out our blog to find out whether autistic people sleep with T-Rex arms
It is quite common for people with autism to have sleeping problems.
According to research studies, 80% of autistic individuals experience sleep-related issues [10]. These can manifest in various ways like difficulty in falling asleep, restless sleep, or frequent awakenings during the night [11].
In addition, sleep disorders have also been reported to be more prevalent in patients with autism compared to the general community [10]. These included sleep-disordered breathing, restless leg syndrome, and also insomnia (the problem of initiating or maintaining sleep).
These sleep problems in autistic individuals then affect their daytime functioning. People with autism who have sleeping problems showed an association with more clinical symptomatology and worse daytime functioning. They also reported mood and anxiety symptoms [12].
Interestingly, in younger autistic adults, poor sleep efficiency, and short total sleep time or delayed sleep phase are common. These sleeping problems have also been associated with higher depressive symptoms in these individuals [13].
The most common problems we see throughout the lives of people with autism are sleeping problems. The most common issues are sleep onset delay, frequent nighttime wakings, or just overall shorter total sleep time [14, 15].
What typically helps autistic individuals to achieve a good night’s sleep are several sleep-related practices. These can include using personalized sensory and relaxation tools before bed and during nighttime, engaging in physical activities during the day, and spending time in predictable and fun ways with family members before bedtime [14].
Overall, while there is a gap in research on the sleeping positions of autistic people, their sleeping habits can affect their daily lives significantly.