Trauma-Informed Sleep: Creating Sensitive and Supportive Sleep Programs
The Intersection of Trauma and Sleep
For many learners, particularly those with a history of trauma, sleep isn’t just a biological process—it’s an emotional one. Trauma can disrupt the ability to settle, feel safe, and transition into restorative sleep, making it critical for BCBAs to approach sleep programming with sensitivity and care. A trauma-informed perspective recognizes that sleep challenges are not just behavioral hurdles to overcome but are often rooted in deep emotional and physiological responses.
What Does Trauma-Informed Sleep Programming Look Like?
A trauma-informed approach to sleep involves more than simply addressing behaviors—it’s about fostering safety, trust, and predictability for both the learner and their caregivers. This means assessing the environment, understanding the learner’s sensory sensitivities, and crafting routines that promote calm and connection.
For example:
Create a predictable bedtime routine: Establish routines that include calming, sensory-friendly activities like soft lighting, deep pressure, or gentle stretches.
Introduce gradual transitions: For learners who have experienced trauma, sudden changes—like turning off a screen or going straight to bed—can feel overwhelming. Gradual transitions can ease the process.
Involve caregivers with empathy and support: Caregivers of learners with trauma histories may feel overwhelmed or unsure how to help. Providing them with tools and strategies that prioritize emotional safety is key.
These approaches create an environment where learners can not only fall asleep but stay asleep, achieving the restorative rest they need to thrive.
The Role of Calming Activities
One of the most actionable ways to help learners is by introducing calming activities that can reduce overstimulation and ease the transition to sleep. During my recent appearance on the How to ABA Podcast episode “How to Create a Sensitive Sleep Program,” I discussed the importance of incorporating these activities into your sessions.
Calming activities don’t have to be complicated! Simple, low-energy options like simple closed-ended tasks, sensory play, or listening to soothing music can be a great way to signal that it’s time to wind down. By modeling these strategies during sessions, BCBAs can empower families to use them effectively at home.
I was thrilled to be back on the How to ABA Podcast for my third guest appearance! In this conversation, we dive deep into the practicalities of creating sensitive sleep programs, breaking down common barriers to progress, and offering new BCBAs advice on tackling sleep challenges with confidence.
Listen to the episode here: How to Create a Sensitive Sleep Program
Building Skills, Breaking Barriers
Trauma-informed sleep programming isn’t about fixing a problem overnight—it’s about understanding the learner’s lived experience and crafting solutions that support their emotional well-being. As we build these sensitive programs, we help learners achieve better sleep and a higher quality of life while empowering families to feel confident and supported.
Ready to elevate your practice with sleep programming?
Learn more about The Sleep Collective, where I train BCBAs to become Certified Behavioral Sleep Specialists. Our February and April cohorts are now open for enrollment!
Let’s work together to bring better sleep—and better outcomes—to the autism community.
