Autism and Sleep | 5 Common Challenges and Practical Remedies

This video highlights 5 common autistic sleep challenges followed by practical remedies to help support you on your journey for deeper, less-disturbed sleep. 💤
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⏰ TIMESTAMPS
Click on any of the timestamps below to jump to that particular section of the video.
(1:33) Difficulty with transitions
(2:43) Autistic Inertia and Demand Avoidance
(4:39) Co-existing conditions
(5:22) Gastrointestinal issues
(6:48) Sensory overwhelm
(8:41) Sleeping with other people
(11:32) Delayed processing/trouble turning off your mind
(13:51) Paradoxical reactions
(15:23) Sleep remedies
(22:25) My FAVORITE sleep accessory!
DISCLAIMER: Taylor Heaton is not a licensed psychologist or specialist healthcare professional. Her services do not replace the care of psychologists or other healthcare professionals. Please note that Taylor can’t take any responsibility for the results of your actions, nor any harm or damage you suffer as a result of the use, or non-use of the information available through her website, KZbin Channel, or social media accounts. Please use judgment and conduct due diligence before taking any action or implementing any plan or practice suggested or recommended by Taylor Heaton or Mom on the Spectrum. Please note that Taylor doesn't make any guarantees about the results of the information you may apply from her website, KZbin channel, and/or social media accounts. Taylor shares educational and informational resources that are intended to help you succeed in navigating life as an autistic adult. You nevertheless need to know that your outcome will be the result of your own efforts, your particular situation, and innumerable other circumstances beyond Taylor's knowledge and control. Taylor is an Amazon affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from affiliate links. Taylor is a Flare affiliate and may receive commissions on qualifying purchases from Flare links.
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#actuallyautistic #momonthespectrum #autisticadult

[@MrDaydreamer1584]

Two suggestions: 1. When you lie down to go to sleep, have your mind made up that simply lying there with your eyes closed is almost as good as being asleep. Have your mind made up that it almost doesn't matter if you fall asleep or not, because it feels good just to rest with your eyes closed. (This will make it much easier to fall asleep.) 2. Have your mind made up that once you crawl into bed, you will not make eye contact with any clock until your morning alarm goes off.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for sharing this 💓 I also try to just take in the feeling of my bed through all of my senses. And tell myself it doesn't matter if I'm sleeping, I can actually relax and be safe right here in this moment with all of my comfy things around me.

[@MrDaydreamer1584]

@@MomontheSpectrum Yes! The number one thing that prevents you from falling asleep is the fear of not being able to fall asleep. What I described-- and what you described-- is how you eliminate that fear. Dogs and cats have zero difficultly falling asleep. The reason is that they have no fear of being unable to fall asleep.

[@aka.roryyy]

yes! the clock thing! i can never resist looking at the clock/fitbit when i wake up @ night (last night it was like 4 times. 1am, 3am, 5am, 8am... and then i said screw it, i *guess* i'm awake now. but i normally tell myself *do not look @ the time, it never helps anything* 🫠

[@3SeasonsUSA]

In Winter I have no concept of when it's time to get up and I know I might have wakened too early and just need to go back to bed, so I have to look. This has been a real problem just this year. I am getting older

[@heedmydemands]

Wow smart those sound like some good rules

[@yesterdaydream]

I keep wondering if my parents have known this whole time and chose not to tell me, even well into my 30s?? As a kid, I was like, why do I have to lay here in the dark for x hours and try to turn off my brain when I'm not tired yet? And how am I supposed to turn off my brain when moonlight shows behind the extra sheets pinned over my dark curtains, and the air conditioning sounds like a tornado, and I can't stop picturing what Satan might look like. I woke up my parents nearly every night because I kept hearing a tv on, even though it wasn't. Or because I became increasingly upset that I wouldn't be rested enough for school the next day and I couldn't cope with missing anything in school. I didn't know...but the more I learn, the more I question how much they've known.

[@yesterdaydream]

ALSO my parents eventually gave me sleepy pills (something over the counter like Unisom) and they did NOT help.

[@robochelle]

Careful not to judge others based on only your perspective. Yes it can happen, and only you can keep or change your own opinion, but intentional malice is exceedingly rare. It's possible that your parents were uninformed, or were overwhelmed, or even convinced themselves that you were normal because admitting a child is not normal can lead to societal blame on the parents.

[@MikeOfNotts]

@@3SeasonsUSA Drugs are not a permanent solution. Your body eventually becomes immune to them and they stop working. If you need them now, then use them but you must also have a plan when to stop.

[@3SeasonsUSA]

@@MikeOfNotts These are homeopathic. I used to use Moon Drops, but these have Belladonna in minute amounts. It might have had Melatonin as well. Melatonin affects some people's memory. Calms Forte is wonderful, been using it for about 4 years, no ill affects. I am sure the parents of the child I am concerned about will struggle with just what you said. There is no drug that is the final answer, especially for children. Switch meds from time to time?

[@shasita3361]

My parents always thought I was a bit odd. They knew I had some problems, but they didn't know where to look for help. And my issues were never quite big enough to pursue it. Wasn't untill I hit burnout at 30 yo that we acknowledged something had to happen. Got my diagnosis 2 years later. I don't blame my parents. And back then, I probably wouldn't even have gotten the diagnosis anyways. They weren't as good at diagnosing it in girls back then. No use looking back. Try to change things with the knowledge you have now

[@samanthabeaty4578]

hahaha, I always thought that the fairy tale of "The Princess and the Pea" was about an autistic woman 😆

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Hahaha great point!! Never thought of this

[@3SeasonsUSA]

That's definitely me, sadly

[@judymurray191]

I always related to that story since childhood. I’m just learning, at 75 years old, that all these weird things about me is probably Autism. Better late than never, I guess.

[@marycooney303]

The tiniest crumb can feel like a razor on my skin. I always related to that particular princess, the only one, actually. 😂

[@vslifeofcycles5415]

Me during the intro: "Oh. But I don't have any sleep issues. Maybe I'm not actually Autistic???" Also me: Literally breaks down crying when you say the most common issue is transitioning into bedtime routines. I feel so validated. I have been so down on myself lately because I keep getting to bed late and getting to work late because I just can't start my bedtime routine on time. Thank you so much for this video!!!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re so welcome! I know, I’ve also written off so many issues in my life until I found the autistic community and have been able to make sense of SO many challenges.

[@esm1817]

I struggle with that too, big time!

[@heedmydemands]

Me too. I didn't understand why I was being so resistant to the idea of going to bed even though I really am quite tired

[@thedawnpatrol7139]

@@heedmydemands me too. I told myself I was acting like a petulant child for not getting to bed on time

[@heedmydemands]

@@thedawnpatrol7139 lately I've been doing worse because I'm watching a very exciting show and I get to the end of the episode and I'm like I have to find out what happens next and will sometimes do it again too lol

[@sueannevangalen5186]

It is REALLY HARD being an autistic parent to autistic children because EVERYBODY has sleep disturbances and they never line up with each other. If I have a lot of trouble getting to sleep and don't get there till after midnight, and then my son wakes up ready to go at 3am, I'm in for a BAD DAY the next day.

[@resa31802]

Everybody! My husband is the only one who gets any sleep around here.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yes! I take a while to fall asleep, and then almost as soon as I close my eyes, my son comes in to sleep with me. (Also my cats decide they hate each other and start fighting!)

[@sueannevangalen5186]

@@MomontheSpectrum Yeah, cats can be so noisy at night. I'm not even sure what that's all about 😸

[@3SeasonsUSA]

@@sueannevangalen5186 This is really been a problem when I sleep over at my daughter's home. They have 3 cats. It's getting easier, if I use white noise. The neighborhood is the real problem, if there is street racing, fireworks or someone drives into the complex with music blaring, car alarm, etc. Before Covid-19 lock-downs, things used to be quieter.

[@jimwilliams3816]

@Mom on the Spectrum ....nooooo! Triggered! Our cats (litter mates, for cryin’ our loud) have been coming and going on whether they hate each other, and last week was a bit of an eruption. We had gates up around the house most of last year. 😾

[@krovidae]

A common reason I find it hard to go to bed is that I find the prospect of everything I have to do each day so overwhelming (even though I don't work so all I have to do are basic household/survival tasks) and in the evening after dinner is when it's finally all done and I can actually relax, that I don't want to transition to the next day because then I have to do it all over again. I suffer with depression and the mood/energy I have upon waking up is pretty variable, so when I'm enjoying my evening activity and feeling pretty good, it's really hard to bring that to an end prematurely because I take so long to get my mood stable and spend so much of my day feeling irritable and stressed out that that peace feels really precious. So instead I often end up procrastinating going to bed until I AM irritable again so that I'm not losing anything, and then it's hard to get up at a decent time because I need a lot of sleep to function and my sleep routine can just never settle into a healthy pattern. I'm sure these kind of sleep troubles are experienced by a lot of people, not just autistic, but it's such a constant internal battle it can be really demoralizing.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Wow I really appreciate how you put this cycle into words. This is very similar to what I experience too but I haven't had the words to put these thoughts together.

[@LM-uq9nv]

Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes.

[@amemabastet9055]

Exactly. And even worse. I did have a shift job, so I have been taught not to respect the clock. "Last night" lasted until 8 am this "morning" which happened at about 12:30 pm. I'm now struggling with the idea that I might at least go ahead and change into night gown and brush my teeth so I'm prepared for bed when I feel drowsy. But writing this is so much more fun. Normally I succeed in getting into be about 1-2-3 in the morning, sleeping to 10-11-12. I now have plans on how I will rebuild my bed environment to make it more attractive, so I want to go there.

[@shasita3361]

Same. Except I do have a job. Been partially sick for almost 2 years due to burnout, and am now about to lose that job. The whole having to jobhunt while being exhausted and overstimulated, and still trying to perform at work, makes it so much harder to go to bed. I do not want to start the next day at all. And when I do go to bed, everything is too much: the feel of the pillowcase on me, my hair, the sound of my partner sleeping. If only the cartoon mallet to knock someone out worked in real life...

[@roweme]

This 100% Thank you so much for sharing - it's so validating. I'll get so frustrated with myself that I'm eating into tomorrow's energies and positive mood by staying up late, but I'm just trying to squeeze every last drop out of the peaceful, no-pressure, relaxation time that the evenings bring because, as you say, it's so precious 😢

[@amandamills6181]

I'm sitting here struggling to stop watching KZbin & go to sleep. I do this all the time.

[@tinahatch7440]

After years of being diagnosed as OCD, highly sensitive, ADHD, possibly bipolar...my new therapist diagnosed me as on the spectrum. Everything makes sense now! What you said about challenges with transitions has blown my mind. I've always struggled with that but didn't know why. As someone who struggled to feel and act "normal" for 48 years, I deeply appreciate voices like yours.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks so much Tina and congrats on your dx. That changed my life so much! I hope it continues to bring you clarity and self compassion!

[@CK_SiQue_MT-BC]

Hey! Me too. And once I was cycled off many of my high-dose meds for bipolar disorder my brain started to focus and some of my OCD was easier to manage. Being misdiagnosed for 48 years is both painful to look back at, but a life-changer for the future.

[@kathyborthwick6738]

It’s such a relief to finally be diagnosed accurately! 🌿💚🌿

[@lovepeace11]

Same here - at 60! But I'm loving this new discovery and connecting the dots of years long "weirdness".

[@bolinhong2598]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it

[@sueannevangalen5186]

I have a much better night if I spend about half an hour rocking in the rocker-glider before going to bed. I just seem to need it. RE: reading at bedtime... I can read fiction at bedtime but not non-fiction. Non-fiction gets my mind whirling for some reason while fiction calms me right down. Does anyone else find that? Also, I am SO GLAD my husband and I aren't the only couple who sleep with separate blankets. We are each so high maintenance about what we need in blankets that it's just better if we each have our own. It's really hard to buy sheets, though. What we need is a queen size fitted sheet plus two twin size flat sheets. I always end up using the flat sheets from my oldest son's sets (he doesn't like the texture of them). My sheets have airplanes and dinosaurs on them 🤣

[@MomontheSpectrum]

That does sound like quite a predicament with the sheet situation but I do love the dinosaurs!

[@esm1817]

I'm the reverse. I can't read fiction or I get hooked and I am up all night.

[@sueannevangalen5186]

@@MomontheSpectrum 🤣

[@sueannevangalen5186]

@@esm1817 Oh, that's so interesting 🤔

[@Fidram]

I’m undiagnosed, but I’m hot-faced crying right now, because you just gave me so much validation. Every point. Thank you. I don’t mean to sound poetic, but I feel saved. Thank you so much. 😭😭😭❤️

[@bolinhong2598]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it

[@DhhskkHehdis]

So glad I got the best treatment for my autistic son who is only 4 years old I've been using Dr Oyalo Herbal medicine and it has been really helpful,💯 his speech has improved completely

[@Brantithor]

To get to sleep with minimal difficulty, I need to have a ton of things set just so: 68°, blackout curtains, one or more fans, ear plugs, weighted blanket, nighttime mouthguard, properly aligned bedding, no wrinkling of the sheets, at least one of my pets, and the list goes on! I wish I had a proven system to make myself "ready" to start transiting to bedtime. That's where my biggest shortcoming is. Doesn't matter how tired I am, how long the day was, or how early I need to wake up the next day, it might be 1am before I finally "feel ready" to go to bed. Transitions are hard 😖

[@MomontheSpectrum]

sigh... yes transitions can be so difficult to manage.

[@bolinhong2598]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it

[@JAZZYGIRL1988W]

Speaking of having different/opposite reactions to medications, I actually participated in a genetic study that was testing how autistic people metabolize different psychiatric medications! I sent a saliva sample to the research team at the hospital and a few months later got back a report about what medications I metabolize faster, at a normal rate, and slower. Now my primary doctor can make recommendations based on my specific metabolism. Really cool stuff imo!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

This is awesome!!

[@toes3286]

I'm working with my doctor to get this test done!

[@madams3916]

It would be great to have this done! My reactions to medicines are usually outside the norm and it's hard to ever be on anything because if it does work it's usually for a limited period of time (placebo probably?) and then the wheels falls off again. I didn't even know there was a test for this, if you see this comment do you have a name for what this test is called?

[@nicolebeaumont8549]

The medication bit is interesting. Do you have a video about that and serotonin levels? I woke up in the middle of having my wisdom teeth removed. I could hear the dentist scraping and talking about a park picnic with family. It was weird. Birth control worked, but also messed up with my system. I went to a women's health store they recommended a book that teaches how to chart and observe your cycle. This and protection worked great.

[@seahorse251]

I had an eye doctor test me for dry eye by putting little strips of paper on mt lower eye lids. He then left the room. I began to pass out. I had to yell for help. He said that test sometimes causes that reaction but he never mentioned that to me before he did the test. I felt so ill after that test and had to ride the bus home feeling ill. It was awful.

[@samanthabeaty4578]

Man, it sure is nice to know why the heck I always just sit in my car for a long time before I do anything. I've always called it "glitching out" haha. It makes sense now.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Glitching out is a great phrase for it!

[@corafishy]

it absolutely feels like glitching out.

[@mazzystarr7078]

I'm going to try this rather than rushing into places. I will sing some songs in the car.

[@lauranilsen8988]

My kids and I laughed when she takes about sitting in the car. 😂 That’s the #1 reason they sometimes don’t want to go with me to the store.

[@taylorwild7624]

I always wondered why my partners hated waiting for me and wondered what I was doing. I am preparing for whatever has just come and whatever is coming next I think. Becoming a mother has shortened the time I spend doing it because kids don't always have the capacity to wait! 😊

[@barn_ninny]

For many, many years, before I had an ASD diagnosis, I called my sleep problem "sleep inertia": if I'm awake, I tend to stay awake, and if I'm asleep, I tend to stay asleep. This was eventually diagnosed as Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder, which is a circadian rhythm disorder. That was also before the ASD diagnosis came along. Not sure of the relationship between those 2.

[@capriquarius9861]

Ooooh I've never heard of this, ty for the info. This is me to a t... gonna look into it more.

[@MrsHuff16]

I feel like I’ve exhausted EVERYTHING I possibly can to have the best “sleep hygiene” for myself, however since stumbling on this idea that my insomnia (and a plethora of other bizarre/unexplained and impossible to treat symptoms) could all be related and potentially linked to a missed autism diagnosis….just KNOWING there are actually other people out here with these same experiences, is a huge relief. Not that I wish these struggles on anyone, but I have felt so alone and crazy, and almost wanting to “check out” of life. Not end it, but basically given up on even trying because there are road blocks to everything for me. I felt cursed…now that I’m learning there are other people out here with these same life experiences, gives me some new perspective and feelings. I can’t describe them, but I can say it’s positive

[@writerious]

One thing I notice is that some of the "sleep hygiene" things don't work for me. Having a bedtime routine is okay, once I can get myself off of the couch. No TV in the bedroom is fine, I don't even have one in the house, and screens do keep me awake. But there's the advice that if you can't get to sleep in 20 minutes, or wake up and can't get back to sleep, get up and do something quiet until you're sleepy. Ahhahahaha, no. If I get up and turn on a light to read or something, it will be hours before I'm sleepy again. It's much better for me to just lie there and play stories in my head and not worry whether I'm asleep or not. They also say not to have a clock that you can see because every time you look at it, you'll be more stressed that you're not asleep. For me, it's the opposite. If I can't see a clock, I worry about what time it is. If I wake up at 3:00 am and I have to get up at six, I'm not frustrated that I'm awake at three, I'm thinking, "Oh, good, I still have three hours to sleep."

[@MomontheSpectrum]

thanks for sharing your experience!

[@mercuryistired7191]

Oh my god. The trouble transitioning- why has no one ever told me about this. This sums up my struggles I deal with everyday

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I know - once I saw this for myself it was life changing! When I get stuck in the car now and can’t transition into the next thing I just kinda laugh and give myself more time. So strange, these patterns! But I’m glad I’m learning to understand them.

[@r.1599]

Transitions...that makes sense. Not only for sleep, but for just doing things throughout the day. It takes me three hours from the time I get up, to be ready to go out the door, and all I have to do is make breakfast, feed the cat, dress, and leave (I shower the night before). But it's like I freeze and the minutes tick by as I sit there, unable to hoist myself up to go onto the next thing.

[@mazzystarr7078]

I have a hard time getting into deep sleep, the transition from awake to deep sleep is a big issue. And I have such vivid dreams that once I'm really deep, it's hard to come back. Weird.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Interesting!

[@mazzystarr7078]

@@MomontheSpectrum thank you for this discussion, at least I'm not alone in these issues.

[@saraadams1391]

Never knew I was autistic, found out 2 days ago. I have exhausted myself having coped for all my years, being unaware, and undiagnosed. Fitting for autism awareness month. Feel like I can rest in the knowing and thrive now. I masked less today, really to conserve my energy and embody my true self. It’s a great feeling to know that I finally found out what my deal is. I can forgive myself and others. Understanding mostly how poor I am at maintaining relationships and how difficult it can be to be my friend.

[@bolinhong2598]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it

[@allsheeverwanted1991]

All I want is a weighted blanket, weighted eye mask and a fan for my bus where I live. Insomnia has been in my life since I was a kid and I take a lot of medication and still wake up. Ear plugs are great and I sleep with my dressing gown covering my face. I can’t have my face uncovered, makes my feel too exposed. I hope I can buy a few things this year so I can finally maybe sleep.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I sleep with my hands pressed against my face! I forgot to mention those types of things. Thanks for sharing.

[@heartsmyfaceforever8140]

I do yoga and deep breathing for about an hour before beds. Melatonin gummies too.

[@Amara262]

All this time I thought I was just an irresponsible person who couldn't get to sleep on time. I never thought about bedtime as having a difficult time with transitions and it is so validating! I use body doubling all the time with tasks!! I never even knew that it was a thing, I just always knew if I could get my husband to "help me" that I would be able to do the task, even if it was a task I could do by myself. When I was younger I had very specific bedtime routines, but after I started living with my husband I had to adapt, and it went poorly. My way to deal with bedtime is to just keep going until I get so tired I pass out (not healthy, I know). I'm so excited to start trying some of these to see if they help! Thank you so much!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re so welcome! And re: body doubling, isn’t it interesting that sometimes our bodies just instinctively know what we need?

[@bolinhong2598]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it

[@DhhskkHehdis]

So glad I got the best treatment for my autistic son who is only 4 years old I've been using Dr Oyalo Herbal medicine and it has been really helpful,💯 his speech has improved completely

[@eph2vv89only1way]

I could ask someone to body double, but I don't think my dog or cats will cooperate. But it is a great idea for people who don't live alone

[@ryn2844]

ahaha... Watching this while I've been procrastinating on going to bed for a couple of hours now. I feel called out. Alright alright I'll go to bed.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Hahaha. You can do this! One step at a time.

[@BrazenNL]

Finally someone else that needs to hear something to be able to sleep (a "comfort show on tv"). For me, it has to be a subject that interests me, so my mind doesn't race between various interests, and the voice needs to be calming. Without that, I have a very hard time falling asleep with my mind still trying to solve problems or process situations.

[@reginalutz3680]

I usually can't fall asleep to a show but Ancient Aliens is one that I can absolutely sleep to. No loud transitions and the voices are all similar and soothing in tone.

[@rachaelb9164]

I thought I was the only person that procrastinated bedtime even though I was completely exhausted and had work the next day. That makes sense. I used to work nights and got used to sleeping with earplugs, eye mask, and blackout curtains. I can’t sleep without all that and I also have a CPAP and it’s taken years to find the perfect mask. I’ve been wanting to try the Manta mask for a while. Good excuse to use your link :)

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I hope you love it as much as I do! 💤 😴

[@515aleon]

I couldn't adjust to CPAP. I would lie awake for the two hours I was supposed to wear it--and then try and fall asleep. The place I got CPAP didn't really allow me to try different masks. I wonder if that would have helped.

[@princesspiranha]

Thanks for the explanation on delayed processing/trouble turning off your mind at night! I tried to describe this when I went for an autism diagnosis. I so often go through conversations (or even presentations) in my head and indeed change how I reacted or what I said. Or say anything at all when I wasn't able to join a conversation earlier. Sometimes these conversations are from months or even years ago. I just can't help it, but it somehow feels like good practice to me haha. Sadly, the woman who did my assessment kept asking follow-up questions like: "So you're anxious about what you said?" "You worry about what other people thought?" things like that! I tried to explain SO hard that I wasn't worrying about the memories. They just pop-up, I think about them, adjust it. It goes on autopilot and it feels more like what I can do in the future, instead of being super anxious about is. But it really felt like she didn't want to take a no for an answer and she kept pushing it towards anxiety.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Hmm yes it does kind of sound like she had an idea in her mind of what she wanted it to be. I’m glad the delayed processing concept was helpful to you. Total game changer for me as well! Thanks for your comment.

[@thatonecordelia]

The first psychiatrist I went to for my ADHD fixated on the fact that I said I used to be depressed and anxious in the past, though I believe it was connected to my ADHD in a way as well. He kept going back to depression & anxiety and it was just not the vibes. If possible I'd always recommend looking into different people if someone doesn't click with you. My current psychiatrist took 2 sessions with me and diagnosed me with ADHD, and is currently working with me on an ASD diagnosis because he believes I deserve to know if I have it or not, and understands that the two sometimes go hand in hand. It's exhausting that it's so normal to have to go through multiple doctors to find someone who will genuinely listen to you, and I wish it wasn't so, but it's the best thing one can do for themselves despite it being extremely draining at times.

[@rebeccamay6420]

"Ruminating" is one way we process experiences. I notice that I recall unpleasant moments that occurred when I am in either the same place or a similar place that the moment first occurred. Ex: a traffic light or intersection where the other driver was a jerk. I replay and rewind and rewrite my responses "for next time." I also noticed something I didn't know was A Thing with autistism, the "self soothing" habit of softly sighing or humming with or without melody. I may recall the anxiety that I had in that moment, and I may feel the emotions again. I'd connect it to "processing" but not necessarily to an anxiety disorder.

[@lauranilsen8988]

I relate so much to this. I replay conversations analyzing the whole thing but NOT worrying. It does seem helpful, like practicing. I will also imagine and practice for conversations coming up. 😆

[@bolinhong2598]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it

[@Sasha8611]

Had the most unexpected reaction to your explanation of body doubling, I completely teared up because I felt so validated by that and everything else you’ve discussed. I’ve suspected that I’m autistic for a while (I’m currently in the process of seeking a diagnosis) but it’s just such an incredible feeling to hear my experiences and struggles mirrored by others. Thank you so much for providing information like this, it’s invaluable to people like me!

[@bolinhong2598]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it

[@DhhskkHehdis]

So glad I got the best treatment for my autistic son who is only 4 years old I've been using Dr Oyalo Herbal medicine and it has been really helpful,💯 his speech has improved completely

[@Alirosa937]

I 1000% have to trick myself into the bare essentials of my bed time routines- flossing & taking off makeup while watching my shows- or it NEVER happens. Then I can focus all my energy on just trying to get into bed & going to sleep! Not being able to do the majority of maintenance most people do at night has had a bad effect in my health too. Not to mention difficulty with falling asleep once I get into bed. This whole issue is such a huge problem for me!! (Adhd & autistic)

[@marshmallow13585]

My biggest problem when trying to go to bed on time, is when my day with friends extends longer than expected, because then it interrupts my routines which I must do before going to bed. So I end up going to bed so late that I get overwhelmed and can't sleep even though I'm exhausted.

[@shga7897]

Body doubling!! It’s amazing there’s a term for that. When you were talking about autistic inertia it occurred to me that that used to be such a problem for me, but not since I’ve been married-it’s SO MUCH EASIER getting ready for bed with someone. But-if I’m ever in the middle of a task and he fully goes to bed before me, I’m doomed. I’ll even think, “oh no he’s almost in bed, I better hurry and catch up to him or I’ll be up until 2.” That mask looked amazing. I’ve slept for years with a buff as an eye mask. Even before I knew I was autistic, I identified that the gentle pressure it placed on my eyes is as important as the black out effect. I can’t sleep without it. Journaling: I made a template in the day one app that allows me to summarize my day easily and thoroughly. It starts with “quick notes” where I list what I read, studied, cleaned, exercise, errands. Then I have the following headings, where I just make quick notes of anything notable: conversations, physical, emotional, mind’s preoccupation, prayer, gratitude. I usually fill it out in ten minutes or less and it’s been so helpful. I feel so relaxed after doing it, and it helps me be recognize how emotions play out in my body, how conversations (or lack of conversations for days on end) impact my emotions-it’s just increased my general self awareness.

[@coffeebeforemascara]

Would you be willing to make that template available publicly? Is that sharable? Highly interested in daily Journaling prompts like this! 👍

[@bolinhong2598]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it

[@Evilfairy04]

I've had great success with rain sounds. I have adhd as well so I allow about an hour with my phone to just feel tired, while playing the rain sounds playlist. I also have tinnitus so this background noise helps stop that from being noticeable.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for sharing your tips with us!

[@eliza_kai]

Yes! I have a Nest sound machine that also works for my autistic child

[@dawnmulder3540]

YES to all of this!! If I could just go to the bedroom and crawl in bed, I would be asleep earlier, if I wasn’t in the middle the middle of something I couldn’t stop doing. 🙂 And, the bedroom has to be a certain temperature, completely dark, no sound and no touching/snuggling or anything lightly touching my face (sheet, pillowcase, hair). Like sensory deprivation.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yes!! 🙌🏻

[@Torby4096]

Diagnosed in my late 50's. Even as a small boy, I realized that I had a lot of inertia. I must go to sleep sometime in the night, because I wake up.

[@Fred-ff6bv]

i was diagnosed at 37 i am now 46. i find that i fight sleep in a similar way to babies and young children.

[@barbarascheck6519]

Wow I don't know if I'm autistic, but I can relate to 90% of everything mentioned in this video, especially with transitions and sleep resistance. This video was in my youtube line-up, and since I stay up way too late all the time, I thought I'd check it out. Great info! I'm realizing that my bedtime routine is both exhausting and energizing - just showering, brushing teeth, putting on PJs, but I often wish I could just jump into my bed and sleep. So, duh, I probably need to get my routine started earlier! Also, I have learned that when I'm on a car-camping trip (alone), it's easier to get to sleep earlier and wake up earlier because there's no artificial light and no internet so no screen time. Being in natural light for 4-5 days helps re-set hormones and other brain chemicals. And when at home, I try to remember to dim my lights after sunset, and keep off screens or use blue-blocker glasses/programs on my devices. Too much blue light at night makes your brain think the sun is rising again and messes with your hormones. More sunlight during the daytime helps me sleep better at night too. Crazy complicated bodies we have!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I like how you phrased it - “exhausting and energizing.” Yep

[@joycebrewer4150]

​@@MomontheSpectrum I like this comment. I can't tell you how often I have gotten sleepy while in my easy chair, only to wake up when I got up to start bedtime routine.

[@bolinhong2598]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it

[@brittanypratt5919]

@@bolinhong2598interested to hear what herbs he’s using!

[@DhhskkHehdis]

So glad I got the best treatment for my autistic son who is only 4 years old I've been using Dr Oyalo Herbal medicine and it has been really helpful,💯 his speech has improved completely

[@writerious]

My sleep issues go back as far as I can remember. My mother always had strict bedtimes for my brothers and I, which didn't vary ever, so in the summer I often had to go to bed when it was still light out. I'd lie there and listen to everyone else watching TV, then my brothers went to bed, then my parents watched the news, and finally they went to bed and the house was quiet and I was alone in the dark. To cope, I made up stories that were usually wrapped around me having adventures with my favorite characters in books or TV shows. I'd sort of dissociate into these fantasy stories, and then the stories merged into dreams. Sometimes. Other times it just got my mind all wound up if the stories were too exciting, and I'd have to stop the story and think of something else. Now, as an adult, it's hard to give myself a strict bedtime even when I need to. It's that transition problem, plus some ADHD time blindness. I need to be in bed by 9:00 because I have to get up early for work? Okay, sure, it's 8:30, I can keep doing what I'm doing. And now it's 9:00 and I should have been getting ready for bed, but I'm still okay, I'll just watch this one three-minute video and now it's 10:30. Again.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

thanks for sharing your experience here

[@lauranilsen8988]

Yes. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Every night I say, “how is it already 2? It was just 12:30 a min ago”.

[@LaurasYouTube]

I had such similar childhood experiences! I had some pretty fantastical recurring storylines. I also remember that when I was very young (4-6?), I often used to cry myself to sleep. My mom heard me one night, tried to comfort me, and asked me why I was crying, and I couldn’t tell her why.

[@MxSae]

I’m not diagnosed with anything but man I didn’t realize I had problems with transition until I watched this video. I’ve been like that my whole life.

[@buttercxpdraws8101]

Reading out the comments and giving mentions is a great way to engage your subscribers. I find it really interesting to see the techniques you use to manage your channel as well as appreciate the info you share about autism. The correlation with GI issues and sleep disturbances with autism is a really great point. Get well soon Belfry (hope I got the name right) 😻

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Oh and his name is Beltre. It’s SO weird I know. Our daughter named him when she was 3, after her favorite baseball player at the time who she now cares nothing about!

[@buttercxpdraws8101]

@@MomontheSpectrum Cute 😻

[@bolinhong2598]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it

[@DhhskkHehdis]

So glad I got the best treatment for my autistic son who is only 4 years old I've been using Dr Oyalo Herbal medicine and it has been really helpful,💯 his speech has improved completely

[@Emma.H06]

Omg I never knew that paradoxical reaction to Melatonin could be related to autism… i would have full blown panic attacks or meltdowns from how absolutely uncomfortably restless I would become when taking melatonin. It would feel like my whole body was squirming from the inside and my skin was crawling. This was super helpful to learn, thank you!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

you're welcome! I know, I remember my psychologist telling me this about paradoxical reactions and I was like WHAT?! WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT THIS? Explains so much. 💗

[@bolinhong2598]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it

[@louiseyoung1231]

I have CPTSD, but relate in many ways. Taking magnesium at night is super helpful to help me relax and relax my body if I'm struggling with restless legs. I trigger a lot with anxiety at night, so I use my skills to calm myself down. My husband wakes me up with snoring and kicking. I can struggle with getting back to sleep. If I can't, I will sleep downstairs. I also have super vivid dreams or nightmares & that can wake me up and disturb me. If so, I'll use my skills again.

[@philly8184]

I absolutely love Triple calm magnesium on Amazon!!!

[@wildmoonchild8210]

oh boy, the amount of times I've cried from the overwhelm of the TV being on below my room when I'm trying to sleep. I wish my family was more understanding and let me have a quiet environment at night

[@humanwarm]

For years I couldn't sleep. Getting myself to sleep was so complicated, I couldn't stop anything in the middle, every little light bothered me. Family and friends told me to try not to think about anything and not to move. How can you not move and not think at all? It's impossible. Until I was able to sleep I would wake up in the middle of the night and not be able to go back to sleep. Every night I'm sleeptalking and sometimes I also sleepwalk. When I realized I was autistic (in general) it was amazing because all the pieces suddenly fell into place. Today I know to sleep with earplugs and a blindfold, I imagine specific stories and characters before bed and it helps and also makes me look forward to bed and I get into bed before going to sleep and work there to ease the transition.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks so much for sharing your tips here!

[@MattStrom1]

Restless leg is the biggest challenge for me. I am twitching all night. As such, I have been taking Ambien nightly for years now (if you know anything about Ambien, that is not normal). It's the only thing that gives me any relief from RLS. Thank you for mentioning RLS. I have never been able to find much information or studies about RLS and autism, but I knew it had to be common among autistics.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I was honestly surprised to hear so much about it from the community while I was researching. Very interesting to me, and I wouldn't be surprised at all if it's connected to overstimulation of the nervous system. So sorry you struggle with this. Sounds miserable! My dad has RLS too.

[@thedawnpatrol7139]

RLS is horrible. My cat wouldn't even sleep with me. I take Mirapex which helps tremendously

[@3SeasonsUSA]

Dr Berg on KZbin has something to say that might help. I think our digestive system tends to prevent absorption of certain nutrients. I don't have RLS, but I recall he used to

[@jimwilliams3816]

@@3SeasonsUSA I've wondered about that. I've always thought I had no real digestive issues, but I...process things quickly, and I've thought food must be moving through too fast for optimal nutrient absorption. I'm quite sure it's related to my overactive nervous system. And of course restless leg is one of the long list of things I get (in this case, on and off), that hint at but are not determinative of being on the spectrum. It has the bad taste to show up on some night when my cat decides to sleep with me, and I'm trying to keep the darned thing still. (And yes, my father too.)

[@markp8263]

My RLS was never that bad, but I started using magnesium supplements before bed and this is going to sounds nuts, but I started electrically grounding myself at night. I know it sounds nuts, but I read somewhere it can help you sleep better, so I gave it a try. Got some cheap aluminum tape, put it on the bud (under the sheets) and plugged it in to the ground ($15). It was like a week or two later before I realized that my RLS was mostly gone, the wife noticed it too. Went on a longer vacation (2 weeks), didn't think about it, and by the time I got home things were worse again.

[@BeeWhistler]

Years and years ago I was given a “mild sedative” in the hospital had a panic attack. It was like it suppressed whatever I was using to handle the situation and left me exposed. And journaling winds me up. So does conversation.

[@rachelmitchell2144]

Same with journaling! It helps and hinders. It helps process, but then can kick my brain into high gear.

[@3SeasonsUSA]

Ohhh! Glad for the warning. I forgot that about myself. It brings up too many memories. I have heard that journaling in the morning is also great, before you are too much awake and your subconscious is telling you things, before coffee.

[@pyotrpustota1053]

Same here on both accounts. Anti-anxiety medication causing anxiety 🙄

[@heatherdwilliams]

Wow. The hyper-awareness of little things (damn red light on some electronic item just STARING at me!!! lol) and the textures/sounds/etc. needed to get sleep 'right' or it's impossible is my life 100%! Thanks for this (and the dozen of other videos I've watched of yours in the last few days since my doc suggested looking into a ASD diagnosis) ... as an adult who's been 'weird' and awkward all my life, the discovery that people saying "Heather's always been quirky" (accompanied by THAT look, if you know what I mean) is possibly because of ASD has been such a relief. I really appreciate how you explain ideas and that there are lots of suggestions for handling issues that are adaptable for our specific experience. Thx again!

[@Rob_TheOne]

Trying to explain this to normals is exhausting. Lack of sleep leads to depression and suicidal thoughts. Meditation is the only thing that helps me.

[@rosakatrin007]

Is Bluetooth healthy for people? All this wifi and extra electricity is not good for me.

[@jennasink8743]

This video is so relevant for me right now. I am trying to make some positive changes to my routine, but sleep struggles have been tripping me up. I can’t fall asleep, I can’t stay asleep, it’s a whole mess. I’m going to have to take a look at the sleep masks! Also, the breaking things into tiny steps really helps me.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

So glad it is helpful! Thanks for your comment. And I hope you love the sleep mask as much as I do! It’s a part of my routine that almost instantly calms me.

[@skillit32]

I’m with you on the falling asleep and staying asleep issue. The mask with Bluetooth sounds like a great idea, especially with the idea of using white noise.

[@aka.roryyy]

the best thing to ever happen to me was getting my own room & queen size bed.

[@Speakup117]

Haven't even watched but reading the comments wow I don't feel so alone. I wake up all the time frustrated and then get more frustrated because I'm too amped to sleep and now tomorrow will be hard cause I'm sleepy...sigh

[@MomontheSpectrum]

ATTENTION: MOMONTHESPECTRUM code glitch is now fixed! Thanks for your patience. You can now enter this code at checkout for 10% off. Please use the link in the description.

[@Kreageek]

Oh yes to Paradoxical reaction. Sleep meditations/stories or calm music might help me fall asleep, but gives me nightmare. And earplugs half the time makes the sound of my own breathing so loud that it sounds like having darth vader in my head. Getting my brain to shut up is definitely my biggest difficulty in falling asleep

[@rachelmitchell2144]

Same! The ear plug comment made me lol. The breathing is SO LOUD! Getting my brain to shut off is my biggest struggle too. Sleep meds give me nightmares too. I’m either having some crazy dream or in this weird wired place between awake and asleep. Then I’m so tired and hungover the next day that I can barely get going.

[@jimwilliams3816]

That’s what I’ve been debating. I actually started a med in part because I was having trouble with waking up with existential dread in the middle of the night. It remains good at helping me fall asleep but the dread came back after a while.

[@rachelmitchell2144]

@@jimwilliams3816 existential dread. That’s a good way to describe all the middle of the night worries about the next day.

[@lauranilsen8988]

Magnesium L-threonate. 😊 I take 600 mg or sometimes a combo of that one and magnesium glycinate, but always around 600mg.

[@Lil-ut4ky]

For me it’s my own heartbeat booming in my ears that make earplugs too loud for sleep

[@ABC-jq7ve]

I love that you don’t add music or film outdoors. I find myself distracted with unnecessary noises in videos.

[@CanCricket1]

Holy moly. I’ve suspected for a while that I’m autistic. In the 80s, when I was going through school as a young person, people just weren’t diagnosed, particularly girls. I’m such an expert masker that I don’t even know who I am. But… wow. I had no idea my issues with severe restless leg syndrome, sleep problems, and gastrointestinal issues were related to autism. And I have exactly the same reaction to things, like melatonin, that are supposed to me make sleepy… they just make my mind race. I’m so glad I discovered your channel. ❤

[@memyselfandchristina]

Anyone else procrastinating going to sleep by watching this video? Almost 2am here for me :p

[@MomontheSpectrum]

☺️

[@stuart959]

Thank you so much for rebalancing the sound and eliminating the brightly colored transitions! It is so much easier to focus without background and transitional music. Thank you! thank you! thank you!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Glad it was helpful! It’s something I’ve been working towards for a while and I’m still learning. Always open to feedback.

[@dawnmulder3540]

I used to leave laundry on the bed where my legs are. The weight helped my restless legs. Now, I put a heavy quilt at the end of the bed.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

So interesting! Thanks for sharing

[@dawnmulder3540]

@@MomontheSpectrum thanks for responding! It was clean laundry, btw. 🙂

[@thedawnpatrol7139]

Great idea! I'm gonna try that

[@kackmalwieder]

Holy shit, she is talking about ME. It blowes my mind. I wish, I had been aware of all this decades before...

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Hi! I’m glad you’re here. Thanks for your comment.

[@whitneymason406]

I'm hypersensitive to sound so earplugs have been so helpful. My son is struggling to fall asleep ever since the holidays. We've used melatonin in the past but I don't want to rely on it. He's also hypersensitive to sound but too young for earplugs. Hypermobility causes me pain in my hips and getting comfortable is hard. It's tough so thanks for tackling the topic! 💞

[@laurenhebert4245]

I got really sick with a respiratory virus over the holidays and my earplugs started to irritate my ears so bad they hurt too much to leave in…I’m hoping they’re healed up now so I can try again tonight. 😢 I love my earplugs.

[@laurenhebert4245]

Oh I didn’t even finish reading that you have hypermobility too. I have undiagnosed Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. My oldest daughter is in the process of getting diagnosed. I wonder if hypersensitivity to sound is related.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

@@laurenhebert4245 i hope you feel better!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

@@laurenhebert4245 interesting idea about the connection! 🤔

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Hyper mobility does sound very difficult to deal with at night!

[@hannahreynolds179]

I need to get one of those masks for my husband. He needs total darkness and I like light and the TV. Maybe I won't end up on the sofa so much!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I hope you love it as much as I do!

[@Wonyoungschoxo]

I have high functioning autism and adhd, going to bed is literally the hardest part of my day. My brain thinks that if I go to bed I'm not actually tired and I don't have to sleep so I stay up sometimes really late and can't wake up the next day. Also my emotions distract my sleep.

[@rebeccamay6420]

After going to bed at a reasonable hour, I woke up around 2:30 this morning. Now, 2.5 hours later, my mind has not settled back to sleep. If I do fall asleep, I'm likely to oversleep and be late for work. If I get up and start my day this early, I'm likely to need a mid-afternoon nap ... during work hours. I hadn't realized that these sleep issues I've had are probably Because Autism.

[@timpeters7852]

Normally, once I lie down here's very little that will impede my sleep. However my mind will randomly dig up moments where I feel i mishandled a social interaction. This will keep me up all night going through the dialogue over and over not coming to any conclusions.

[@natalieedelstein]

My challenge is the opposite. I have idiopathic hypersomnia. I can't wake up. I can't stay up. The sleep inertia is also bad with sleep drunkenness. I can't hear alarms. I also have a fairly healthy digestive system as well, no autoimmune issues despite both running in my family, which is something you described as "universal". I am autistic (diagnosed age 2), chronically ill, and more prone to both of those, and I /STILL/ don't experience these things you always describe as effectively synonymous/universal to the autistic population. It feels like it's shutting down the conversation of other people's experiences who are also autistic being validated if they have a different experience like me. I know your goals is to hear people and understand the spectrum of diversity as the true representation, and I want you to understand that describing things like that feels invalidating and shuts down people who have a different experience; thus you won't get the best full-picture representation of what actually is the experience set of the diverse spectrum of our community because people will feel too invalidated and shut down to share their own. I'm just trying to support your mission of learning and gaining an accurate representation. I understand you used a qualifier of practically synonymous and not precisely synonymous, but these comorbidities are not practically synonymous; they're just more prevalent than in the general population, but so are issues on the complete other end and there are many in the middle too--that's why we're a beautifully diverse spectrum. We are all different. :) Take care!

[@summermazur3064]

I also have idiopathic hypersomnia. It started in high school. Before that, I needed very little sleep, like 5 hours a night. My mom claims I didn't sleep through the night until I was 4, lol.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

thanks for sharing your perspective, Natalie. Your experience is just a valid as anyone's!

[@mazzystarr7078]

the interesting thing with autism is we are as different from each other as from the rest of the population. I started talking at 9 months (haven't stopped) and I taught myself to read. I'm excellent with language so delayed speech or shyness is something I never had. Our issues can swing from hyper something to none of it. Very interesting, I think.

[@3SeasonsUSA]

Yes, my daughter has a sleep disorder, might be that one and she has ASD.

[@3SeasonsUSA]

@@mazzystarr7078 This helps me to know, as I sit here self-diagnosing, since my children and grandchildren have issues. I keep saying, "But I am different than some of the people on the spectrum." I have always been different and did not know why. 68 year old, here. Thanks for your comment

[@carolnagy2719]

I also still use counting my age forwards and backwards to get me to continue to get ready for bed.

[@Azzi0921]

I was told that when little, prior 5 years old, I couldn't sleep without being in complete darkness. I still have that sleeping requirements (42).

[@anacastillo9247]

😮I definitely struggle going to bed in a timely manner. And I hang out in the car before going in the car, and like wearing my earbuds as ear protection.

[@jimwilliams3816]

Most things apply, though I can’t really figure out where they fit into my neurodivergent profile, if you will. Many I’ve thought of as ADHD related. I appreciate you talking about the central nervous system, because mine has never performed to NT spec, and whatever else I am, that’s a core feature of my being ND. I need to work through comments and see what others have said about response to meds or similar, because the thing that tracks best with ADHD and sleep for me is that I’ve responded decently to meds that help quiet my mind and help me fall asleep. I can often fall asleep pretty quickly thanks to one, which I have never done. That said, waking in the middle of the night and processing is still a big problem. As is my amygdala getting it’s way with me while my PFC is offline. I’ve always had the “can’t respond right in real time/ruminating-reviewing later” issue, but in my case if I process in the evening that will wake me up big time. Same with journaling, I just found. Moving slowly is something I've taken up, though I still always bristle at the term “mindfulness,” and I am finally realizing it’s partly because I perceive it as a demand, I am certainly PDAish. By the same token, doing bed prep using muscle memory and habit will keep my mind from going hyperactive better than thinking about the steps, at least when I can pull it off.

[@VideoChasca]

The "everything has to be right" part went to a whole next level once I started sleeping with a free willed cat that I need on my face.

[@FreyjaHighUpNorse]

My personal experiences with a few things over the years. No, I'm not a doctor or a medical professional: 1) restless leg - I take extra magnesium; it happens rarely now. 2) never closing movie theater in the mind: - lemon balm tincture or tea with Gotu Kola tincture in the morning to lessen anxiety during the day and at bedtime to close the big movie theaters in the front to only have a late-night show in a small theater in the back. ❤❤✌🏻

[@chickadee893]

Oh my goodness, the paradoxical reactions thing was so crazy to hear! I have that happen with Benadryl. Sometimes instead of making me sleepy, it makes me really keyed up. It can feel like anxiety or panic, or can cause restless leg. That’s interesting that it’s common in asd

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yes! Isn't it wild? When my psychologist told me that I was like WHAT?!?! Why is no one talking about this?

[@LaurasYouTube]

Hmm… I have the opposite with Benadryl - I’m too sensitive to it! I take less than half the children’s dose (I’m not small, either). The adult dose would definitely be an overdose for me.

[@mch1811]

Thank you for this. Feel seen and understand now that I can be kinder to myself when I experience autistic inertia around bedtime. I get so frustrated with myself! Also, massive fan of the eyemask, earplugs, white noise and electric bed sheet on cool over here! Have recently started sleeping separately to my husband and it has been an absolutely game changer for both sleep and intimacy. Highly recommend.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Oh great suggestion! I appreciate you sharing it here. Thanks Mischa.

[@3SeasonsUSA]

I agree, after years of marriage and suffering the snoring issue. Also, when they move around, turn over, get up to the bathroom.

[@heedmydemands]

I feel bad because I'm pretty sure I'm terribly annoying to sleep with lol. I go to the bathroom like a million times and do toss and turn a bit too. Sometimes I apologize but my husband doesn't even notice lol. It certainly is hard sometimes to get a good rest with someone else in the bed

[@bolinhong2598]

I used this doc herbs for my son and now my son is completely free, his speaking and behavior is ok. His herbs is 100% working on ASD. I met Dr Oyalo on channel and I’m happy to share my experience about it

[@DhhskkHehdis]

So glad I got the best treatment for my autistic son who is only 4 years old I've been using Dr Oyalo Herbal medicine and it has been really helpful,💯 his speech has improved completely

[@davidspencer1558]

Loved, your journalism. So much information a to be diagnosed ASD like me can relate to. It's a bit frightening to know no one else who experience what you feel and sense and how you process thought. Thank you.

[@annienamaste8283]

Ohh tears in my eyes.. I feel so seen. I think a lot of these issues contribute to poor self esteem as we can get so down on ourselves for not managing to get to bed and sleep like apparently the rest of the world does so easily and expects us to do just as easily.. I've had issues with it for as long as I can remember and have beaten myself up about it for just as long.. I think the transitions one is massive and also the sensory and delayed processing. And also that night time is more sensory friendly with very little light and sound and demands compared to the daytime, so the ND mind is perhaps more comfortable and at ease and better able to think and be awake at night. Thank you for this really important video and your wonderful channel 🦋♾💖

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Absolutely! Great points. Thanks for sharing and glad the video helped you feel seen.

[@ginadelfina5887]

Thank you so much for this super-relatable video.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bananas1425]

You Taylor are simply amazing! No one in my surroundings, not the health care, not my family etc - has helped me more to understand and accept myself - you give me so much insight on myself and give me more love toward myself. I cannot thank you enough! I share your words and your wisdom with anyone who I think might need it. You are a godsend 🙏🏻 I think you understand when I write especially when you are vulnerable. Not that I ever wish you struggles, ever. But it comforts to know that even someone so insightful can become “un-glued” because it’s Part of our dna and who we are ❤️

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you so much for your kind comment and taking the time to share this with me. I'm glad you're part of the community here.

[@chloebunde4455]

Thank you Taylor! This is a great topic! I used to experience a lot of insomnia until I got creative and found my ideal conditions for sleep: nighty night tea before bed (has valerian and passionflower in it), earplugs, and a special sleep sound on the calm app (as well as a specific order of teethbrushing and skincare). I also find that I sleep best when I meditate for 30 minutes after drinking my tea and before trying to sleep. I think this really helps with my delayed processing so my brain can work through things before I expect it to sleep. I think the slow sounds really help as a cue to my nervous system and mind that it is time to rest. Also, meditating before bed helps me feel refreshed and present first thing in the morning. Otherwise, I often find myself processing yesterday this morning.

[@herchelleonwood7463]

dear mom, as a newbie to ASD i find you have some of the best advice i have found on you tube,better than many doctors.thank you.

[@katgmied3]

Rhodiola is a supplement that is supposed to help energize people and help them be more productive. For myself, it helps the brain turn off the "extra activity" so I can focus on sleeping.

[@BeingAutistic]

I relate to EVERY one of these sleep issues, plus I also have Delayed Sleep Phase Disorder which now I'm wondering if that's just a result of having all of these other issues!? Interesting!

[@rhonwyncarter7927]

You are wonderful. Thank you for having presented this content. I have ADHD and ASD and absolutely everything you say makes sense

[@tamarah318]

Paradoxical reactions to sleep medication-YES! Lavender - it makes me angry and agitated.

[@headgieslife4177]

Oh my gosh...YES!!! I rarely sleep. My mind goes on and on. I'm laying on the couch now (where I often sleep) and watching these videos as I have to wind down my brain. I often fall asleep on the couch and then go to bed. The process of brushing teeth and removing clothes and any wrinkle/sand/fuzzy literally ANYTHING on my sheets stop me from sleeping. I am so exhausted when we travel as it isn't my routine or space or whatever. The night time is my calm down/alone time as my husband gets up super early and often times I'm going to bed once he gets up at 3:30 am. I too once I'm up, I'm up; no matter how much sleep I've gotten.

[@jamesnicoll8415]

For me it’s getting up and going in the morning but I’ve also always been very aware of not wanting to go to bed either. I just can’t make the transition to bed even although I love my bed and as I’ve said, I find it difficult getting up in the morning. This video has hit it on the head. It’s all about transitioning! Wow 😮. Thanks.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re welcome! Thanks for your comment.

[@tinawells2082]

Thank you for doing this video. I have real trouble getting to sleep most nights because my brain won't stop going over things or making plans or replaying everything I did wrong that day. I've not yet been officially diagnosed, but the psychologist I've been seeing for anxiety issues is fairly certain I have several Autism Spectrum issues going on. The more I learn about this subject, the more I feel like I'm not losing my mind. It just works differently and that's ok. Thanks again. Tx

[@josephveazie]

This is seriously one of my favorite channels is existence. I find myself laughing in agreement with the introduction of each bullet point, like “finally, it all makes sense!” Thank you so much for taking the time to create quality content with genuinely helpful information that’s easy to understand, digest, and apply. You really are making a difference and I, for one, really appreciate the work you’re doing. Cheers! P.S. the joy you have talking about the eye masks is infectious and I WILL be ordering soon.

[@rkgomes3875]

I never knew there was a word for what I find helpful for myself! BODY-DOUBLING!!! Yes! Just having someone sort of ‘bearing witness’, if you will helps me TREMENDOUSLY especially with transitions, etc. I love it!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

So glad!

[@Wyldyflower]

This is so interesting to me. I’m just now realizing all the things I do and why I do them. It’s like wow okay this all makes sense now. And this video just makes me laugh a little because, my go to bed routine is so true with many of these. If it does not go as planned I do not sleep right away or not at all. I find when I’m dealing with insomnia really bad sometimes I just have to have everything off have my dogs with me and basically tell a story to myself in my head to fall asleep. Like I will make up stories until I am sleeping. If i keep my phone on i will not sleep at all. It has to stay on my table.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

thanks for your comment lacey! Glad you're here and I hope that the video helped you understand some of your challenges a little bit more! Or feel less alone. 💓

[@1129buttons]

The paradoxical reaction one is very interesting. It makes sense now why I always have the most energy right before bed (after taking sleep aids), I work out or do yoga and then fall asleep right after. I am not accessed for Autism yet, but this all resonates.

[@chesneymigl4538]

I love your videos. It makes sense now why I sit in the car after work playing on my phone rather than driving home. It feels like too much energy to do.

[@tamaradavis2276]

I remember getting sick as a young adult and using Nyquil for the first time. About an hour after taking it and going to bed I woke up with the bed spins, wide awake and nauseous. I tried it again years later with the same result. Never again. 16:30 Hi kitty!

[@laurenhebert4245]

Same here. Makes my insomnia so much worse and gives me restless legs as well.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I am very sensitive to most meds and I tend to have more side effects than others do.

[@imogenoliver]

Ok so I’m not the only one struggling to sleep 😀. Last night was the worst sleep I’ve had in a long time (thanks to our “wonderful friends” stress and anxiety) I was in my phone trying not to think about stuff I’ve got going on in my life until 1:30am then maybe 10 minutes later started to feel that unsettled mind not stopping anxious feeling come back so was on my phone again till 3:30am. Then woke up from a weird dream at 5:30am ish then woke up at 7:20am from the rest of my family getting ready to go out, though thankfully fell asleep again almost immediately, then woke up at 10:30am busting and had to get up. Then of cause was feeling a little light headed trying to go to the toilet. Slept for another 10 minutes before having to go to the toilet again and finally deciding just to be awake. Sorry, apparently I needed to have a little rant.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Totally fine to rant here!

[@Ann963]

I’m too tired to rant, so I will rant vicariously through you. Thanks! 🤓 (Please excuse my stupid sleep-deprived humor 😅)

[@imogenoliver]

@@Ann963 all good, glad I could help 🤓.

[@vikkikoshoni1168]

Thank you so much! I just ordered a mask and used your discount! You've helped me so much this week with your content 🙌🏾 I'm 45. ♀️

[@lucydanes45]

Can’t thank you enough for this channel. Did some mandatory autism training at work and realised I’m autistic from that! This has been just an absolutely invaluable resource. Really - thank you

[@visionvixxen]

Also, what’s hard if you are on the spectrum and depressed and ADD is you actually need stimulants to be awake and not be depressed and be alert but then I swear the stimulus do something where they make it harder for you to sleep whether it’s Wellview trend or Adderall and also I need tea or coffee throughout the day just to keep with it it’s a weird thing having several of the things going on at once like the ADD and autism

[@sixbirdsinatrenchcoat]

I was diagnosed autistic and adhd a few months ago, at age 40. I have really twitchy, “buzzing” legs, especially at bed time. I found that taking a supplement of magnesium and/or zink can really help. Just be aware that magnesium can have a laxative effect as well. Also, a little bit of hard exercise can help calm hyperactive muscles before sleep. I like to do 10 or 12 squats with a heavy dumbell and then stretch. 2. I get a paradoxical effect from the antidepressant (specifically for seasonal depression) Agomelatine. It has one of those “do not operate heavy machinery” warnings and you are advised to absolutely only take it at night. If I do that … yea, I’m not sleeping.

[@crystald3655]

Sounds like me. Benadryl for example makes me hyper and I was warned about Wellbutrin being stimulating but it knocked me out.

[@KMx108]

I have the twitchy, buzzing legs while resting also. I found 1g of folate, in addition to magnesium, to be really helpful with calming that down.

[@rollespil1000]

Like many other autistic people, I have irritable bowel syndrome. If I lie on my right side in bed, it gets much worse. But if I lie on my left side, it gets better. I read about that life hack and now I wanted to share it ❤

[@takarasights]

Omg, this moment is real! A lot of the times my first response is not my most “coming from my actual head and heart” response. It’s just like… what I think would best follow the conversation so far to keep it going smoothly. Doing this definitely gets me into weird situations. Probably has affected my whole life actually. I feel seen.