Autistic Sleep Problems (Episode 112)

An episode that tosses and turns!

Here’s what’s in store for today’s episode:

* Autistic people struggle greatly with sleep, and while it’s not in the DSM, it definitely should be.

* Many autistic traits overlap with factors that could contribute to sleep issues.

* For example, sleep apnea is common in autistic individuals but often goes undiagnosed. Factors like muscle tone differences, sensory sensitivities, and co-occurring conditions may contribute, yet research on this connection remains limited.

* A major factor leading to autistic burnout is not getting the physical rest we need, which ultimately contributes to exhaustion and burnout.

* Autistic individuals also often experience delayed sleep phase onset, meaning we tend to be naturally late risers and stay up later as well.

* Sleep issues are a common part of everyday life for autistic individuals, but they can be even more challenging for autistic children, who have less control over their routines.

* One of the most common sleep problems is simply taking more than two minutes to fall asleep after lying down, a struggle that many autistic people face.

* Additionally, both insomnia and hypersomnia are very common among autistic individuals.

* Our interoceptive abilities are impaired, so while they may signal that something is wrong, they don’t always let us know when we’re tired.

* Also, our bodies are also hypersensitive to environmental factors, making sleep even more difficult.

* Autistic people struggle with transitions, making it difficult to both fall asleep and wake up.

* One of the best ways for autistic people to reduce sleep problems is by embracing a low-demand lifestyle.

* Sleep isn’t optional—it’s essential. Prioritizing good, healthy sleep is crucial to supporting your needs.

* The best way to combat autistic sleep troubles is by creating a lifestyle that aligns with your needs—this means reducing unnecessary demands, honoring your natural sleep-wake cycle, managing sensory inputs, and building routines that support rest rather than force it.

“We autistic people have meat bodies that just fall apart. And without good, restorative sleep, our bodies don’t get the rest they need in order to rebuild. ” - Matt

“Without good sleep, our bodies deteriorate, we might get fibromyalgia, it raises our cortisol levels, it can lead to epigenetic changes, it can be a factor that leads into POTS and lupus - a decreased immune response, or an increased immune response because we’re on high alert all the time.” - Matt

“It’s not the kid’s fault. It’s not the parent’s fault for how you wake up. It’s society’s fault for waking you up when you should not biologically be awake.” - Matt

“I could have gone to a doctor’s appointment every day for my narcolepsy, and they would have tried to find a cure. The cure was creating a low-demand lifestyle where I was unmasked and accepted that I am a part of a beautiful, rich tapestry of autistic culture. And then my narcolepsy went away, no drugs included.” - Angela

“God, the obsession with melatonin. How about a life that you don’t need melatonin from?” - Angela

Did you enjoy this episode? We explored how sleep challenges impact autistic individuals, from delayed sleep phases to sensory sensitivities and struggles with transitions. Tune in as we unpack why sleep issues are so common in autism and how they contribute to burnout. Let us know your thoughts in the comments, and use #AutisticCultureCatch to share your experiences!

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