Me, my bed and I.
Autism, Sleep Science and Technology.
Photo by Megan te Boekhorst on Unsplash
Sleep is an important natural physiological process that is characterized by a state of reduced consciousness, muscle activity, inhibition, ability to react to stimuli, and interaction with surroundings. For something that is essential for human health and wellbeing, sleep is for many people (not just autistic people) very hard to come by. Several hours of scientific inquiry have been invested in helping people to sleep better.
A good night’s sleep has such a profound positive influence on the mind, it’s no wonder that we ventured into tech-assisted sleep techniques and how these could benefit people with autism. Sleep problems are very common especially in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder causing related behavioral issues such as inattentiveness, aggression, and hyperactivity.
At the heart of every sleep strategy is the sleep environment- think bedroom or if you’re extra fancy, the royal bed-chamber. Regardless of whether an autistic person is hyper or hypo sensitive to stimuli, their bedroom should be dark, quiet, and cool making it easy to regulate sensory input and reduce late-night disturbances. For people who live in quiet country places getting a peaceful night’s sleep should ideally come easy; not so much for people who live in busy towns or cities that never sleep.
Enter sleep science to save the day! Technology to treat sleep disorders is nothing new, as even as far back as 1981, scientists had developed the Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machine to treat obstructive sleep apnea and reduce snoring. This machine revolutionized sleep therapy as a serious medical condition that previously required extreme surgery to resolve could now be treated simply and in a non-invasive manner.
Today’s sleep science can regulate, monitor and reimagine not just the person who sleeps, but also where they sleep and the bed upon which they sleep. Sleep Apps that are downloadable on mobile devices track sleep and wakefulness to develop relaxation techniques and regulate sensory output. Wristbands and Fitness trackers encourage wearers to carry out levels of activity sufficient enough to increase blood flow, cause muscle fatigue and stimulate tiredness and hence sleepiness.
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
Technology has influenced the design and manufacture of smart beds and mattresses that contour to fit the sleeper’s body, alleviate the sleeper’s head to enhance breathing, regulate temperatures in the bed so that it’s not too hot under the blankets, and make it easier for two or more people to comfortably share a bed. Weighted blankets and heated blankets have been developed for people who need that extra snuggle to fall asleep; reducing insomnia.
Photo by Somnox Sleep on Unsplash
Bedroom technology had advanced to encompass light, sound, and temperature components that ensure that the environment is perfect for sleep. Using mobile apps and specially designed ‘smart’ bulbs, air conditioners, and sound machines once can create the perfect bedroom suited to your individual needs. Smart bulbs can be tuned to a dull glow to create a relaxed ambiance, sound machines can be switched on a timer to emit white noise that has been found to promote sleep and smart air conditioners can be used to ensure that the bedroom stays at an optimum room temperature.
Regardless of what you need to go beddy-byes, you can rest assured (pun intended) that Science has your back!