Sleep

Why is sleep a challenge?

Sleep can be a challenge for many neurodivergent children, especially those with ADHD. Their brains are wired for stimulation, curiosity and movement which can make winding down at night feel unnatural or stressful.

Sleep Challenges

  • Children with ADHD often have a delayed sleep phase, their natural rhythm kicks in later than expected.
  • Their minds may be busy with thoughts, ideas or worries after a stimulating day.
  • Transitions (like going from play to bed) can often feel abrupt.
  • Sensory sensitivities may make certain bedding, lighting or sounds uncomfortable.

Sleep Strategies and support

  • Create a predictable, sensory friendly bedtime
  • Avoid screen to bed time , this can delay melatonin (natural sleep hormone)
  • Explore sensory tools, weighted blankets, white noise and soft textures
  • Use a visual chart or picture schedule
  • Offer movement before rest – stretching, yoga, short walk
  • Validate their experience and work with them to understand what will help

These tips aren’t a one-size-fits-all, they’re a starting point to explore what works for your child’s unique needs:

Impact on learning

If sleep challenges are affecting your child’s learning or emotional regulation, talk to their teacher or SENCO. Sleep difficulties can be part of a wider support plan, and schools may offer strategies to help with this.

Sleep medication and support

Your child may be experiencing ongoing sleep challenges despite trying routines, sensory adjustments and behavioural strategies.

Support

For parents of children and young people with ADHD, sleep often feels difficult to manage. Here are some helpful links and resources to support better sleep routines and make nights feel a little easier.

Medication

There has been a change to guidance for the prescribing of medication for sleep challenges from August 2026. If a child or young person is diagnosed with Autism and/or ADHD and various sleep strategies have been trialled, GPs are now able to prescribe Melatonin and should be contacted directly to explore this option. 

We do use Melatonin, but this is only for young people who are prescribed ADHD medication through our team.  Our role is to offer supportive strategies and information to help navigate the sleep challenges your child is having.

Page last reviewed: 7 August, 2026