Part of the challenge in raising a child with Asperger Syndrome is dealing with the special needs of the child. Asperger Syndrome -- or AS -- is a developmental disorder, once thought to be a form of autism. According to the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, AS is now recognized as a separate condition. Children with AS may first be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, as the two conditions share similarities. Sleeping problems can be a challenge for the parents of a child with AS, as sleep disorders are common in the disorder.
Asperger Syndrome Explained
Children with Asperger Syndrome have some similar behaviors to those with autism. Asperger's children have the desire to interrelate, but find it difficult. They often do not pick up on social cues and may have trouble showing empathy for others. AS children also may have a specific interest that can seem obsessive, and they tend to talk about that one subject repeatedly. Some children with AS are also sensitive to touch, sounds and light. Unlike those with autism, AS children are often very bright and have good language skills.
Sleep Problems Studied
A 2007 study conducted by Oliviero Bruni, M.D. confirmed what many parents of Asperger Syndrome children already knew -- that AS children often have some form of sleep disorder. Among the children studied, 87 percent of the children had trouble falling asleep, 50% resisted going to bed and 75 percent fell asleep sweating. Half of the children had restlessness while sleeping and felt unrefreshed when awakening. They also reported feeling tired during the day. The study did not find any problems with awakening at night or respiratory sleep disturbances in the AS children.
Exercise and Body Temperature
Exercise can be an important tool to improve sleep in a child with AS. Limit exercise to daytime hours, as activity within two to four hours of bedtime may contribute to problems falling asleep. Lowering a child's body temperature before bedtime can help promote sleep. To do this, have your child soak in a calm, warm bathtub about 90 minutes before bedtime. When the child gets out of the warm water, his body will cool rapidly, which may help promote sleep at bedtime.
Relaxation and Routine
It is important for a child to wind down before bedtime. Set a time before bed, about 30 to 45 minutes, when your child has a routine of calming down. Television, music, electronic games and computers can be too stimulating for the AS child, so eliminate them before bed. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization and progressive muscle relaxation may benefit an AS child as well. A darkened room will help to promote sleep at night, and a bright room in the morning will help promote wakefulness. Set a regular routine for bedtime and waking.
