Create a Sleep-Friendly Home Environment

• Encourage everyone in the household to adopt calming pre-sleep routines, reduce noise in shared spaces, and maintain consistent sleep schedules. Tip! Set a collective “tech-free hour” before bedtime to reduce blue light exposure for the whole family.

Model Positive Sleep Habits

• Parents and caregivers can lead by example and show children that prioritizing sleep is a family value. Activity: Hold a family meeting to discuss why sleep is important, and work together to create bedtime routines that support each member’s needs.

Explore and Support Sensory Needs

• For autistic family members, provide tools like weighted blankets, white noise machines, or sensory-friendly pajamas to create a soothing sleep environment. Tip! Let your autistic family member take the lead. They know best what will help them feel secure and comfortable.

Restorative Breaks

• Advocate for rest-friendly policies, such as quiet zones, calming corners, or mindfulness breaks, which can reduce daytime stress and improve nighttime sleep. Tip! During parent-teacher conferences, share tips for supporting students’ sleep habits at home.

Collaborate with Families

• Share resources with families, like sleep tracking sheets or articles on the importance of sleep for academic success and emotional regulation.

Promote Sleep Resources

• Distribute flyers, post on social media, or contribute to newsletters with sleep shift tips and tools, ensuring the message reaches diverse audiences. Tip! Highlight autism-specific sleep challenges and solutions to raise awareness and provide actionable guidance.

Encourage Collective Change

• Advocate for community policies that support better sleep, such as later school start times or access to quiet spaces in public areas. Example: Work with local libraries or community centers to establish sensory-friendly spaces for rest and relaxation.