Night-Time Wakings
Frequent wakings — especially between 2–3am — are common in children with ADHD and autism. Here's how to respond without re-starting the day.
The Key Principle
The goal isn't to stop all wakings immediately — it's to keep the night feeling like night. A consistent, low-key response teaches your child's body that waking doesn't mean the day has started. Over time, this can reduce the frequency and duration of wakings.
Response Strategies
Keep It Dim
Keep the room dim; avoid turning on bright lights. Even a quick flash of overhead light can signal "morning" to the brain.
Quiet Activities Only
Offer a quiet, non-stimulating activity your child likes — simple reading or soft play. Nothing competitive or exciting.
Low Emotional Energy
Keep conversation and emotional energy low — calm, brief, and reassuring. Your tone says "it's still sleep time".
No Screens
Avoid offering phones, tablets, or TV. The light and stimulation will make returning to sleep much harder.
Minimal Interaction
One family simply allowed their child to do a quiet preferred activity with minimal interaction and found that, after a few weeks, early wakings reduced significantly.
Remember
These approaches work best with consistency. It may take a few weeks before you see a significant change. Each calm, low-key response is building a new pattern for your child's body and brain. You're not failing — you're teaching.