Sleep issues for older asd/adhd

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olly
olly Online Community Member Posts: 4 Contributor
edited November 2024 in Families and carers

hi, my name is Eileen and I’ve brought up my adhd/asd grandchild up from a baby, never slept well, now 23 getting no more than 2 hours a night and when he does sleep nightmares all the time, we have tried sleeping pills don’t work as once took 24 and still didn’t sleep for next 3days, this impacts him a lot, any suggestions??

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  • Miche_Marples
    Miche_Marples Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    melatonin? Blue light glasses if he goes on phone, is his bedding comfy? It’s a tough one, my daughter and myself have the same dx too and certainly she’s been pretty nocturnal right from a young age. Dx at 13. She has melatonin and takes it some days but not all it’s a tough one, ADHD meds?

  • Miche_Marples
    Miche_Marples Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    ADHD meds may interfere with sleep too if he’s on any? Sorry I clicked send before I’d finished

    Miche

  • Amaya_Ringo
    Amaya_Ringo Online Community Member Posts: 395 Championing

    I am not too bad at sleeping so I don't know if this will help, but I find listening to an audiobook helps me to go to sleep when I need something to disengage my brain from whatever loop it's ended up on.

  • olly
    olly Online Community Member Posts: 4 Contributor

    he’s hoping by going on the adhd meds they will stop his brain racing and he can get some sleep

  • Miche_Marples
    Miche_Marples Online Community Member Posts: 3 Listener

    I think it depends which type as some are more long lasting than others. I did try various stimulants and some left me wide awake late into the night with no appetite all day either. I’m super sensitive to meds tho tbh and perhaps my slower metabolism was to blame. My godson has circadin at night same as daughter (melatonin) as that’s what we are depleted of I believe.
    that’s the natural hormone that helps sleep…

    Poor lad he must be exhausted. I wonder why he has nightmares. 🫤 I wish you both well

  • olly
    olly Online Community Member Posts: 4 Contributor

    thank you, melatonin never worked when he was younger. He also has a very high pain threshold. Now told we have to wait at least 6 months for adhd appointment. Hopefully sooner

  • OneSunnyDay1
    OneSunnyDay1 Online Community Member Posts: 47 Connected

    Hi I don't know if he has tried exercise? Before bed might be a good time and remember to drink water as well, dehydration doesn't help with good sleep.

    Also a light strip or lightbulb where you can choose a relaxing colour and turn the brightness down. The audiobook idea is great also, whatever topic he is interested in.

  • olly
    olly Online Community Member Posts: 4 Contributor

    Thank you for advice, he does gym daily and drinks gallons of water.
    anyone know what causes nightmare and who would I talk to about these as becoming daily now

  • Albus_Scope
    Albus_Scope Posts: 10,513 Scope Online Community Coordinator

    SOrry to hear he' not sleeping well. Nightmares could have multiple causes, so I'd suggest speaking to his GP about this asap. They may be able to suggest someone to speak to, or offer some prescription medication.

    Is he practicing good sleep hygiene?

  • Annie_Scope
    Annie_Scope Posts: 75 Scope Online Community Children and Family Specialists

    Hi @olly

    Here are some links you may find useful to have a look though with regards to sleep and nightmares. The Sleep Charity may be a good place to seek support, nightmares can be very distressing and upsetting, but like the others have suggested definitely talk to your GP too.

    Information & Support - The Sleep Charity

    How to Stop Adult Nightmares: 12 Ways to Get Rid of Bad Dreams

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