sleep problems

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I am 28 and ever since I was a kid I have had real sleep issues I have trouble getting to sleep sometimes getting no sleep at all or very little (usually about once a year these days) but most nights not getting enough sleep I wake up really early and have trouble getting to sleep. I get headaches as a result of lack of sleep and usually feel tired I have spoken to a lot of people about this but none seem to have any useful suggestions is it an AS issue?

I've heard of this as an AS thing... I know a lot of autistics don't seem to need as much sleep as others.

My suggestion would be try a herbal sleeping remedy. See if you can find something with valerian, passion flower, scullcap, hops, or wild lettuce (or any combination of those pre-made), a lot of health food shops will sell them. Valerian tea is a good one to have before bed, as it's a mild natural sedative. Lavender is a classic sleep-enhancer - a few drops of oil on the pillow or a bath with lavender oil before bed might help.

Also, make sure the room is DARK (so it doesn't mess up your circadian rhythm), you don't have a computer or anything on in bed before bed, your mobile is away from your bed (as the signal can interfere with your mind slightly, which some think can disturb sleep), and you're relaxed before heading to bed.


Hope that helps as a start!

I have this problem,too. Its difficult to know what to suggest, since you indicate that you've gotten a good deal of advice, none helpful. If you think anxiety could be contributing to the problem, consider breath control (slow, deep breaths when you want to fall asleep). Progressive relaxation might help, too. Consciously relax your body, bit by bit, starting with the toes, and working upward. Have you considered the possibility that you may not be getting enough physical exercise? A hour per day of a reasonably vigorous activity you enjoy, though *not* within three hours of retiring, could make a real difference. If none of this applies, or works, write again, there are many other possibilities. Best of Luck. Ross

i have the exact same problem

i have tired EVERYTHING and i mean EVERYTHING. every little bit of advice that anyone could ever give me and its all pants. the only thing that works when it gets really really bad are good old prescribed drug. but you can only get these maybe twice a year so they are for when it gets really bad. i have had to give in to my body and accept and deal with it like i have done with my brain. a sleep diray helped me see how much sleep i needed (when i wasn't tired) and when i slept and i have readjusted my sleeping and my day to fit it. i have to say this worked a treat. yes its not a complete fix as sometimes (eg if your away) you have to change it, but it fixed my day to day insomnia.

Im da opposite i don't have sleep problems.

I've always had trouble sleeping too, and I've been on a variety of different stuff for it (mostly herbal, it has to be said, I'm not big on pills).

Make sure that your room is dark/quiet. Even if this means getting blackout blinds or ear plugs, it should be worth your time. Turn the landing light out if possible so that doesn't get into your room.

There's a hundred and one over the counter/herbal sleeping pills that you can try. In my experience, they work for a couple of days, and then stop, but you might want to try experimenting/trying different ones to see if one works for you.

I'm currently using Melatonin, which is a hormone supplement. It says to take 1-2mg, but I actually take six. My mum told me that anything up to ten is okay. It works for me, and my mum was advised to let me try it by someone she knows with an autistic kid who it works for too, so it could be worth trying.

problems sleeping is a common issue with aspies, what always works for me is a good work out, a glass of wine, or a sleep pill. The sleep pill is always a last option for me because I don't want to become dependent on it.

Have you tried changing your diet?

It could be the result of a "hidden" food allergy/intolerance, hidden by daily top-up doses of whatever it is so you don't realise that it is actually disagreeing with you. It could be gluten ( in wheat, bread etc), or dairy/milk stuff. It could be eggs, coffee, sugar, soya, peanuts, corn, citrus, etc.

Is there a food that you particularly crave? Is there a food you "have" to eat every day, or even at every meal? Tragically it is often our favourite foods which are the problem; we love them so much because we are addicted to them, because we need another dose to recover from the downer/bad reaction it produces.

It's just something to consider/investigate if you haven't already. Good luck.

Talk to your doctor about it.

Hmm...so this could explain why I seem to only sleep every second (or third) night.
It can't be good for me physically though.

I've not had any sleep issues up until about 2 years ago (apart from when I was under 5 years old). I've gone from being an insomniac, to a hypersomniac, to just an irregular sleeper.

When I was a kid I survived for years on between 1.5-3 hours a night... now I usually get about 6.5-8! So there is always hope!