Evidence-based UK guidance
SleepSpectrum
Sleep support for autistic children
Practical information to help families understand sleep difficulties in autistic children — from sleep hygiene to melatonin, and to trusted UK sources.
Studies report sleep difficulties in around 50–80% of autistic children. That is a range, not a slogan: definitions and methods differ. The figure is still high enough that nights often affect the whole family. Understanding what is going on is a first step.
Topics
Information to work through at your own pace.
Sleep strategies
Bedtime routines, visual supports, sensory-friendly environments, and sleep hygiene.
Read moreMelatonin
What melatonin is, how it is used in the UK, how to support it, and second-line medicines.
Read moreVideos
YouTube searches aimed at paediatricians, NHS Trusts, and autism charities.
WatchUK resources
NHS guidance, NICE, National Autistic Society, Cerebra, and related services.
BrowseHealth conditions
Problems that can disturb sleep: apnoea, reflux, constipation, dental pain, and more.
Learn moreAbout
Written by Dr Mark Aszkenasy, consultant community paediatrician, University Hospitals Tees.
Read moreMedical disclaimer
This website provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your GP, paediatrician, or healthcare provider about sleep and medication. Melatonin is a prescription-only medicine for children in the UK.
Why nights are often hard
Melatonin timing
Some autistic children produce less melatonin, or produce it at a different time of day, which shifts the sleep–wake cycle.
Sensory load
Light, sound, texture, and temperature can make it hard to settle and to stay asleep.
Anxiety and change
Heightened anxiety and difficulty with transitions often make bedtime the hardest hour of the day.
Other conditions
ADHD, epilepsy, gut symptoms, and other conditions that often sit alongside autism can further disrupt sleep.