Much is written about the benefits of sufficient sleep and good quality sleep when it comes to physical and mental health. This is true for both adults and children.
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A recent survey in Canada highlighted that in children aged 5-11, high sleep quality was consistently associated with better mental health. Where rules were rigidly enforced at bedtime, however, there was an association with some negative mental health outcomes.

How we enable children to achieve good quality sleep is therefore important. Bedtime routines need to meet the specific needs of the child and wider family, be inclusive and adaptive. Studies show that using a behavioural approach, which includes preventive and environmental modifications, can be highly beneficial.

For many children with Autism, falling asleep and achieving good quality sleep can be a particular challenge. Research in this area is limited, but increased sensitivity to stimuli during the evening and throughout the night, higher anxiety levels, irregular melatonin levels, problems caused by food allergies, or extreme exhaustion caused by the additional stress autistic people experience in social situations can all be contributing factors.

Whatever the triggers, a reduction in the quality of sleep a child is able to achieve can significantly impact their physical and mental well-being and their ability to cope at home and in school settings.

• Explaining the need for sleep to children, creating a safe sleeping environment and introducing changes during the evening to help promote sleep can all bring about positive sleep associations. For children with Autism, the use of visual supports can also prove effective.
• Providing consistent reassurance and listening to, and taking a creative approach to, their individual needs is key to enabling children to achieve the quality sleep needed to promote physical and mental health.

Additional reading:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/physical-health/sleep/parents
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/physical-health/sleep