Creating a Safe and Comfortable Sleep Environment for Individuals with Autism

If someone in your life has autism, you know how important it is to make sure they have everything they need for a successful day. From routines to a comfort blanket, having these things in place can make a huge difference for them and their ability to thrive.

This is especially true when it comes to cultivating an ideal sleep environment. Whether you’re looking at autism bedding and safety beds for autism or proper lighting and noise control, there are a few key things you can do as a parent or caretaker to set them up for a successful night’s sleep.

In this blog, we’ll cover sleep challenges that can accompany autism, as well as specific actions you can take to help someone with autism to have a safe and comfortable sleep environment with everything they need to sleep well through the night.

Understanding Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a developmental condition that can impact a person in a number of ways. It can impact the way a person communicates, interacts with other people, embraces certain experiences, etc. There are three levels of autism:

• Level One Autism: This person may struggle to communicate with people who are not on the autism spectrum, but they are able to speak in full sentences most of the time. This person may shy away from unfamiliar or potentially overstimulating experiences, and transitioning from one activity to the next will likely require a lot of preparation. 
• Level Two Autism: This person will struggle more with communicating with others and entering social situations. In an effort to self-regulate and manage their emotions, this person may need to engage in activities such as pacing back and forth and saying the same thing over and over again. This is called stimming, or behavior that requires repetition.
• Level Three Autism: This person requires the most care and support of the three levels. They will have the same challenges as those in levels one and two, and will also have trouble expressing themselves verbally. This person likely needs assistance to carry out their daily tasks.

Having a deeper understanding of autism gives us the opportunity to appreciate the unique perspectives and experiences of those on the spectrum. It is through this deeper understanding that we are able to create an environment that is both inclusive and supportive.

Autism and Sleep Issues

So how does autism impact sleep? Many people on the autism spectrum struggle to sleep, and it can be due to a number of different factors.

It could be that they struggle to “turn their brain off,” or that they struggle to stay asleep. Many people with ASD wake up frequently during the night and struggle to fall back asleep. It could also be due to an irregular release of melatonin, the hormone that helps us sleep. 

Another potential cause for sleep issues in autistic people is sensory issues. If lights are left on, sound is coming from the TV, or if their bedding is uncomfortable, this could cause a long, sleepless night. 

Creating a Safe and Comfortable Sleep Environment

Parents and caretakers should strive to provide a sleep environment that is just as comfortable as it is safe. This could be the difference between a good night’s sleep and a tiring, restless night. Here are some of our top tips on how to create that perfect space for someone with autism!

Start With the Bed

Depending on the needs that you’re facing, you may find that a safety bed for autism to be a great benefit. Safe beds for autism are designed specifically to keep the individual safe while they’re sleeping. 

While there are many that you can choose from, the primary characteristics of a safety bed for autism include an enclosed design, padded/sensory-friendly features, and of course, they’re incredibly safe! They’re durable and made to last, making it a worthwhile investment.

Someone with autism may benefit from a safety bed if they experience any of the following:

• They frequently wander during the night or they sleepwalk
• They’re very sensitive to light and noise
• They have severe night terrors or anxiety about sleep

If you feel your loved one needs one of these safe beds for autism, this has the potential to make a big difference for them and their ability to sleep comfortably and safely.

Autism Bedding

One of the primary challenges that many with autism face is a sensitivity to certain fabrics. Having the right bedding can make a world of difference in your loved one's ability to have a good night's sleep. Beddy’s offers bedding with an ultra soft minky lining, providing a comfortable and cozy sleeping experience that can’t be beat.

With the Beddy's design, everything in this autism bedding stays in one piece, so there's no need to worry about it being upside down or inside out. Keeping one side of the comforter zipped at night can also help the individual feel enclosed in a soothing and comforting way, and also helps  keep the sheets from getting tangled in the night! The ease of use can also be a motivational tool and a manageable step toward independence and self-reliance. 

Lighting Matters

Lighting can make a huge difference in creating a comfortable sleep space, and there’s a number of ways that you can accomplish the right balance. 

Incorporating a small lamp or two in the bedroom can help incorporate soft lighting options. This way, if it’s time to wake up in the morning, it’s not such a stark transition to the lights being on. This could also work when turning the lights off in the evening. Instead of going from bright light to pitch black, there’s a smoother transition option by having a small table lamp on. This can also be accomplished by installing a dimmer switch.

Blackout curtains are also highly recommended for the bedroom. This adds another element that allows you to more effectively control the light in the room, giving you the option to adhere to the preferences of your loved one with autism.

Control the Noise

Noise can really make or break the sleeping experience for anyone, but it can be especially impactful for those with autism. Luckily, there’s a number of things you can do to control this.

One thing you can do is invest in some noise canceling headphones they can wear to bed. Adding other small accents to the room, such as rugs for the floor and acoustic tiles to hang on the walls, can also have a positive impact on controlling the noise around them. 

Cozy, Cozy, Cozy

And of course, making their bedroom as cozy as possible is going to make it a space that they love to spend time in! Making their bedroom a comfortable and inviting place will help them to feel relaxed, reduce the possibility of sensory overload, and boost their overall happiness.

There are a few different ways this can be accomplished. Adding some soft, fluffy throw blankets and fun pillows is a great option. You could also consider hanging an autism swing from their ceiling in their room. These swings can work wonders with their calming effects and sensory regulation.

Above all, it should be a space where your loved one will enjoy spending their time. It should help them feel comfortable and relaxed, and serve as a place where they can recoup their energy.

The Beddy’s Impact: Better Sleep For Autism

Creating a safe and comfortable sleep environment for individuals with autism is so impactful for overall well-being and quality of life. From selecting the right autism bedding and safety beds to optimizing lighting and noise control, every detail matters in providing a nurturing and secure space. 

Here at Beddy’s, we are passionate about providing high-quality products that simplify and enhance your life. Over the years, we have had the pleasure of hearing from our customers about how impactful it is that their children and loved ones with autism are able to experience the satisfaction and accomplishment of easily making their bed and having a calm, serene space in their bedroom. 

So are you ready to transform your loved one's sleep experience? Explore our collection of cozy and practical bedding solutions designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with autism. Shop our collection of Beddy's now and discover how the right bedding can make all the difference!