What you need to know
Sleep issues are common.
- Frequent waking at night
- Difficulty starting or maintaining sleep
- Irregular sleep/wake cycles
- Disruptive night behaviors (i.e. periods of laughter)
- Sleep related seizures
What you can do
- Discuss the child's nighttime sleeping patterns with the parents and provide suggestions on strategies for improvement. Provide consistent routine. Take cues from children who don't have AS.
- Look at temperature in the environment and make it cooler if necessary.
- Schedule daytime naps or afternoon rests if needed.
- Some children respond to a change in scenery (i.e. taking a walk) when tired.
- Lack of restful sleep can contribute to behavior issues and temper tantrums.
- Doctor may discuss:
- Behavioral treatment programs
- Administration of melatonin
- Use of sedatives