Helping Children Feel Safe Enough to Sleep: Neurodivergence, Trauma, and Bedtime Routines

Sleep is often viewed as a simple matter of tiredness, but for many neurodivergent children and those who have experienced trauma, it is far more complex. Sensory needs, feelings of safety, predictable routines, and emotional regulation can all play a significant role in helping a child settle and rest. In this article, I share the bedtime strategies our family has discovered through trial and error, and why creating a calm, secure environment before sleep can make all the difference.