How to Get Your Child with Autism to Sleep — and Stay Asleep

By zPods Family

If you’re a parent of a child with autism, chances are you’ve typed something along the lines of  “How to get my autistic child to sleep?” into Google at 2 a.m in an act of desperation to catch a few hours of sleep before the sun comes up. You’re not alone in this constant bedtime struggle and you’re not doing anything wrong. Sleep challenges are one of the most common struggles among families with children on the spectrum.

Many kids with autism wake up frequently throughout the night, due to sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or simply a brain that just doesn’t wind down the same way others do. When a child can’t sleep, neither can their caregivers. So, what helps these kids on the spectrum fall asleep?

Why Do Kids with Autism Wake Up at Night?

Children with autism often process sensory information differently, which can affect their sleep patterns. Studies have found that up to 80% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience sleep difficulties, with many waking frequently throughout the night. 

Sensory sensitivities are common in children with autism, meaning little changes in their sleeping environment, like sudden sounds, a slight change in temperature, or even a shift in lighting, can disrupt their sleep. Add in other co-occurring conditions like anxiety or ADHD, and their nighttime routines become even more complex.

There’s also growing research that points to differences in melatonin production and circadian rhythms in children with autism. In children with autism, melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep-wake cycles, is often produced in smaller amounts, and can lead to delayed sleep onset and frequent waking throughout the night.

How to Keep a Child with Autism Safe in Bed

For some children, waking up in the middle of the night doesn't just mean loss of sleep, it can also raise safety concerns. Autism and elopement (the tendency to wander) can make traditional beds risky at night. This is one of the many reasons some families begin to ask: What does a safe bed for a child with autism look like?

The answer often lies in creating a predictable, enclosed, and secure environment. At zPods, our enclosed beds are designed with these challenges in mind. Our autism-friendly beds offer calming features like noise reduction, airflow, customizable lighting, and a sense of enclosure that many children find comforting and welcoming. 

Building a Better Bedtime: Practical Steps

If your child with autism won’t sleep or wakes up frequently, you’re not alone in facing sleep challenges. Many families find themselves searching for ways to help their child fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. 

Here are some steps to support your child’s bedtime routine and improve their sleep quality. 

1. Simplify and Structure the Routine

A consistent bedtime routine with clear, visual steps can help reduce anxiety and give your child’s brain the cues it needs to begin winding down for the night. This can include activities like a warm bath, reading a favorite story, or listening to calming music to promote relaxation and sleep. 

2. Address Sensory Triggers

It’s important to create a sleep environment that minimizes sensory overload. Consider dimmable lights, weighted blankets, soft textures, or ambient noise. Or you could take it a step further: some families find that sensory-friendly, enclosed beds make a dramatic difference in the sleep these children get.

3. Create a Safe, Calming Space

If your child is a sensory seeker or prone to elopement, enclosed sensory beds can create a secure space that feels safe, comfortable, and controlled. Some sensory sleep pods integrate calming features like soft lighting and noise reduction (those sensory triggers mentioned above) to create a soothing sleep environment. .

Will Insurance Pay for a zPods Bed for Autism?

One of the most common questions we hear is: “Will insurance pay for a zPods bed for autism?” The answer varies on your provider and situation. Still, we work closely with families to help them explore funding options, including insurance reimbursement, Medicaid waivers, and nonprofit resources for parents of children with autism. You can learn more on our resources page or contact our team directly.

A Personalized Path to Sleep

Every child with autism is different and has different needs, including how they sleep. Whether your goal is fewer wake-ups, more safety, or simply a calmer bedtime, understanding your child’s sensory needs is a powerful first step. And when paired with the right tool, such as a sensory sleep pod designed for neurodivergent children, you might just find that bedtimes are less of a hassle and more of a peaceful routine.

Sleep doesn't need to be  a luxury. For many families it is. At zPods, we're here to help you find it.