Teaching Behavioral Quietude: The Prerequisite Skill for Easier Bedtimes
If you've ever supported a learner who seems to shift into overdrive the moment bedtime begins, you’re not alone. Many children—especially those with autism—struggle to calm their bodies when it’s time to wind down for the night. As behavior analysts, we know that bedtime is not the ideal time to first introduce new behavioral expectations. And yet, that’s exactly what often happens when learners are expected to suddenly shift from active, sensory-seeking behaviors to stillness, separation, and sleep.
The truth is, the ability to fall asleep independently starts with a foundational skill: behavioral quietude. That means being still, calm, and disengaged from high-stimulation input long enough for sleep to take hold. If we aren’t teaching this skill during the day, we’re missing a huge opportunity to help our learners succeed at night.
Why It Matters
Falling asleep requires more than just physical tiredness—it requires the ability to decrease motor activity, tolerate low stimulation, and maintain stillness for extended periods. This is especially hard for learners who seek constant movement, touch, or sound. For these individuals, the absence of stimulation at bedtime may feel unfamiliar or even aversive, which leads to increased bedtime resistance.
Instead of jumping straight to nighttime behavior strategies, we can support families by embedding behavioral quietude practice throughout the day. And importantly, we can do this in a way that aligns with the learner’s unique sensory profile and developmental readiness.
How to Build the Skill of Behavioral Quietude
Here are a few strategies BCBAs can integrate into ABA sessions or coach caregivers to implement at home:
Scheduled calming activities: Throughout the day, introduce quiet-time breaks that include dim lighting, soft textures, or auditory input like white noise or gentle music. These can help familiarize the learner with low-stimulation environments.
Practice stillness as a skill: Build in short intervals of sitting or lying quietly (even 10–30 seconds at first) and reinforce calm body behavior. You can shape longer durations over time using differential reinforcement.
Transition away from high movement: Make sure transitions from active play to calm activities are gradual. Going straight from jumping on the trampoline to “time for bed” is a recipe for dysregulation. Instead, use intermediate transitions like sensory bins, puzzles, or tactile books.
Model and rehearse routines: Don’t wait for bedtime to practice bedtime routines. Try running through “mock bedtime” during the day when everyone is regulated and expectations can be clearly taught and reinforced.
Use visuals and cues: Visual schedules, first/then boards, and timers can help signal the shift toward calming activities, so learners aren’t caught off guard by sudden changes in routine.
As with any skill, consistency is key. When caregivers can build calming routines into everyday life—and when learners have multiple opportunities to practice behavioral quietude during the day—bedtime becomes far less of a battle.
Behavioral quietude goes beyond a sleep strategy—it’s a life skill. And when it’s taught intentionally, it can unlock more peaceful nights for the whole family.
