Autism Key Part 3…A Good Night’s Sleep
At that moment, I was wistfully thinking of that young preschool aged Elizabeth. It was simpler then. “Mom, will you wrap me up like a mummy in my blanket?”
Of course I will. I know it’s the only way to get rest for myself. And, honestly, if that child doesn’t get some sleep soon, I am going to murder someone.
Only now, I’m frustrated with those feelings my 14 year old Elizabeth, who is 5’7” and too big to mummy up, is having. “Mom, I can’t sleep.”
“I know Elizabeth, me neither. I can hear you pacing. You are wearing a hole in the carpet.”
“Mom I just looked. There is no hole.”
“It’s an expression Elizabeth.” And again I may, just theoretically of course, murder someone if I don’t get some sleep soon.
Insomnia is one of the most medicated conditions in our country and perhaps the world. But, I can tell you from experience, and, the literature tells us, the rates are even higher in autistics. Ask any autistic parent. They will confirm this. It’s tempting to ask for a prescription and walk away. Personally, of all the autistic related issues, insomnia is the one symptom that I have been very tempted to ask the doctor for a prescription. Until I found this magic combination and both of us have been sleeping sound ever since. The sensory blanket (the adult version of a mummy wrap) and diffused lavender with roman chamomile.
There is no scientific data that proves that sensory blankets work better than using nothing at all. In fact, most studies show no increase in sleep time or time to falling asleep. However, it worked like a charm at my house and it passed the Elizabeth study, so we use it religiously. Sensory blankets contain metal or plastic beads sewn into quilted layers. The idea is that the weight provides gentle, deep pressure that addresses the sensory-integration issues. I bought Elizabeth’s blanket through Amazon from a company called Dreams4Aidan, which is company inspired by a sensory impaired child. These blankets may be helpful for a number of sensory disorders, not just autism, so its worth the look to avoid medication.
After the first month, I found that the blanket calmed her and helped her fall asleep but we still had waking at midnight or so. So I added diffused 100% CPTG lavender and roman chamomile oil as well. The combination of the two has kept her asleep all night, most nights. And, consequently, this Mom experienced improved sleep, giving both of my girls a much more sane and pleasant mother again.
As always please feel free to leave comments, questions, or other topics of interest!
“See” you next week with our fourth installment.
