SLEEP OR THE LACK THERE OF

They say the older you get the less sleep you need but this is certainly not true in my case.
I seem to fall asleep constantly but thankfully not whilst I am driving!

Beauty seems to be awake later and later recently and eventually seems to fall asleep about 1.30am and whilst she will then sleep all the way through until it is time for school, 5 1/2 hours sleep is just not enough for me.



'Many people with autism, and their carers, suffer from sleep problems, such as insomnia. By the age of one year most children should be sleeping through the night. If after that time your child is regularly unable to sleep or if they have a period of good sleep which is disrupted then this constitutes a sleep disorder Sleep problems of children with autism can be persistent and severe. Specific problems include■Problems falling asleep
 ■Frequent waking during the night
 ■Early morning waking
■Short duration sleep
■Irregular sleep patterns
■Bed-wetting or soiling
■Daytime sleepiness
For most children with with autism spectrum disorders, these problems gradually improve over time but, for some, they don’t. There is some evidence to show that some interventions – such as anti-psychotics, cognitive behavioural therapy, and melatonin – may help some people with autism sleep better.'





The only answer I seem to have at the moment is that if she is still singing at 12 midnight then she comes into my bed and if she continues to make a noise then she is told that if she continues to make a noise then she will be back in her own bed and it works every time.
By 12.15am we are both sound asleep.
I want to take her over to Heath Park daily to 'play' on the adult exercise park to try and wear her out but the constant rain at the moment says NO!






We have tried the Melatonin but it didn't really work and I am not sure that I want her on meds for the rest of her life so for the moment it looks as if it is me and Beauty and 3 lotso Bears that stink of strawberries in a bed made for two !

Perhaps a sleep camp might work :)