Fixing Autism Sleep Issues | Dr Megan Neff

Why do autistic people struggle with sleep? Do autistic people have a different sleep cycle? How can we fix autism sleep issues?

In this episode of the Thoughty Auti Podcast, Thomas Henley talks to Dr. Megan Neff from Neurodivergent Insights about the sleep issues autistic people face and how to fix them.

Chapters:
00:00 - 01:10 Introduction
01:10 - 04:09 Catch Up With Megan
04:09 - 5:03 Alexithymia In Therapy
05:03 - 09:00 The Importance Of Sleep
09:00 - 21:31 Autistic Issues with Sleep
21:31 - 34:29 Autistic Strategies To Fix Sleep
34:29 - 40:42 The Vagus Nerve & Breathing Techniques (Q&A)
40:42 - Pain, Sleep and CBi Therapy (Q&A)
42:04 - 45:07 Sleep Supplements (Q&A)
45:07 - 46:37 Conclusion

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[ThomasHenley]

Hi peeps! Just letting you know the episode has a lot of audio-video sync issues that I haven't been able to fix in editing. I've left the video on this episode as we have some cool graphics, but please try to listen as I know how frustrating it can be.

I will try fix this for our next episode!

[freecat]

"People with autism tend to have sensitivities to medications." I could have used that information during my last doctor's appointment.

[theJellyjoker]

The more "quality sleep" I get, the more confused, disoriented, and forgetful I get, the longer it lasts and the more intense the symptoms are. It makes me very anxious. I've found that a few hours of meditation and I feel like what waking up rested sounds like.

[ruthhorowitz]

I will not take any pharmaceuticals.
When I'm struggling to fall asleep I find a stand up comedy to listen to on YouTube. It calms my brain.

[steveneardley]

I did some work for a woman who was a NASA scientist who designed the Mars rover. Because the Martian day is close to 25 hours long, and they wanted her to be awake and receiving data during that period, she had to adjust her sleep cycle to 24.6 hour days. She said it was awful and she never really got used to it.

[ShadoeLandman]

Unfortunately, my sleep issues have gotten worse with age. Discomfort is probably the biggest reason. I’m too hot, my feet hurt, my back hurts, my joints or muscles hurt. My feet are flat and I have heel spurs. I’m too heavy. Then I can’t sleep because things hurt in addition to all my anxiety and sensitivities to light (it’s never dark enough unless the power in the whole neighborhood is out and it’s fully dark out. Blackout blinds and curtains still let light in.

And if I have legal things to do, or anything that makes me panic or almost panic, it’s either don’t sleep or block it out so much I forget to do it. Then I’m in trouble.

[tcrowley]

So much of this discussion was relatable. Gonna try some of the sleep strats (fingers crossed). Thanks much to you and Dr. Neff for sharing your time with us.

[steveneardley]

When I was around 20 I had a period of about five months where I didn't sleep at all. I was dreaming with my eyes open, and of course exhausted all the time. The good news was that it forced me to see a psychiatrist. I have had bouts of insomnia all my life. Catnip tea and benadryl are two go-tos I've used. Anything to calm your stomach helps.

[Pjolter]

Another great podcast Thomas. Dr Megan should be on more often 🙂👍. I don't know if it's just my phone, but the new episodes in 2024 are not out on the Apple podcast app yet🤔.

[thuggie]

Sleep is an odd one for me. I will have coffee to make me sleepy, and I remember once the doctors game me this sleeping tablet, I took it, and it felt like my blood pressure dropped

[Catlily]

I have plenty of magnesium. My levels went too high when I took a supplement. So be sure to check your levels when you take supplements.

[Catlily]

You can get high from lack of sleep! Especially when you are around other people. Not by myself so much.

[TheRawChuck]

I need to get ten hours of sleep. I have to wear earplugs because both my wife and I snore, loudly.

[Catlily]

I have POTS so I spend a lot of time in bed.