Nourishing Sleep—The Connection Between Feeding and Rest
In partnership with Autism Feeding Specialist: Valori Neiger, MS, BCBA
Sleep and feeding are essential to overall health, but for many autistic learners, these two key aspects of daily life can often be out of sync. Poor sleep and feeding challenges are interrelated in ways that many caregivers and professionals might not fully understand. In this week’s blog, we’ll explore how these challenges intersect and, more importantly, how BCBAs can help support better outcomes in both areas.
The Vicious Cycle: Poor Sleep and Feeding Challenges
When it comes to feeding and sleep, one often disrupts the other. Poor diet can lead to hunger or discomfort at night, making it hard for learners to fall and stay asleep. Learners who eat or drink frequently during the night may struggle with disrupted sleep cycles, further complicating daytime feeding routines. Additionally, when children are sleepy, they may be less likely to tolerate mealtime changes or try new foods.
On the flip side, poor sleep can directly influence feeding behaviors. Research has shown that disrupted sleep can alter hunger and satiation hormones, increasing cravings for sweets and simple carbohydrates. For autistic learners, these physiological changes can amplify already challenging mealtime behaviors, creating a feedback loop that’s tough to break.
Feeding and Sleep: A Biobehavioral Approach
Feeding and sleep challenges often stem from a combination of biological and behavioral factors, meaning interventions must address both.
Biological Factors:
Feeding: Gut issues, food intolerances, or reflux can make mealtimes difficult.
Sleep: Stimulant medications, seizures, or conditions like sleep apnea can disrupt sleep.
Behavioral Factors:
Feeding: Grazing throughout the day may reduce appetite during structured meals, while delayed oral-motor skills can make eating certain foods challenging.
Sleep: Daytime sleep habits, disrupted sleep cycles, and inconsistent bedtime routines can exacerbate sleep difficulties.
A biobehavioral approach helps identify the root causes and tailor interventions that address both biological and behavioral factors simultaneously.
The Importance of Schedules and Routines
Feeding and sleep both thrive on predictability. When schedules are inconsistent, behaviors like refusal, resistance, and even meltdowns are more likely to occur.
Feeding Schedules: Grazing throughout the day often leads to a lack of appetite at mealtime. Structured feeding times help regulate hunger cues and create a more predictable routine.
Sleep Schedules: Irregular wake-up and bedtime schedules can make sleep routines unpredictable, leading to bedtime battles and fragmented sleep. Establishing consistent wake times and bedtime routines can promote more restful sleep.
Healthy Habits for Better Sleep and Mealtime Outcomes
Here are some strategies to support families in fostering healthier habits for both sleep and feeding:
Make Mealtimes Enjoyable: Encourage caregivers to create a calm, distraction-free environment during meals. Positive associations with mealtimes can help learners tolerate new foods and build better feeding habits.
Prioritize Sleep-Friendly Foods: Foods rich in tryptophan, magnesium, or complex carbohydrates can help promote relaxation and better sleep. Educate families on meal planning to include these sleep-friendly options.
Focus on Predictability: Emphasize the importance of structured feeding and bedtime routines. Predictability reduces stress and helps learners feel secure in their environment.
Teach Transition Skills: Many learners struggle with transitions, whether it’s moving to the dinner table or getting ready for bed. Visual schedules, timers, or social stories can help prepare them for these changes.
A Balanced Approach
When feeding and sleep are out of sync, it impacts the entire family. By addressing these challenges holistically, we can create more balanced, sustainable routines that promote better outcomes for everyone.
As BCBAs, understanding the interplay between sleep and feeding empowers us to guide families toward effective interventions that improve quality of life.
Looking for more in-depth strategies on feeding and sleep? Be sure and check out the Feeding & Sleep Course (available Dec. 6, 2024) and subscribe for more content and course updates.
