The Mental Health Foundation tells us in their ‘Sleep Matters’ report that ‘sleep is as important to our health as eating, drinking and breathing. Poor sleep is linked to physical problems such as a weakened immune system and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression’. It is then no wonder why children - as well as the parents of children - are impacted hugely by sleep deprivation. And unfortunately for children with special needs, sleep deprivation often comes hand in hand.
Disabled children and those with special needs are more than twice as likely to have problems with sleep than others. If sleep problems continue for a long period of time, they can affect a child’s mood, learning, behaviour, and health. There are many sleep problems that children with special needs may face. These are three common ones to look out for:
