Autism and insomnia

I don’t know where to turn. My autistic 17-year-old girl struggles so much to sleep at night but then can sleep all day but is still exhausted. She suffers from extreme anxiety. Her psychiatrist has gradually prescribed more and more medication. Sertraline for the anxiety, then three different medications to help her sleep. I hate her taking so many pills and am desperate to find someone or some other way for her to get a good night’s sleep. Without it, I don’t see how she will ever be able to lead a ‘normal’ life. She wants to go to college but it seems impossible if she can’t sleep at night. Has anyone else had similar problems? What did you do? What help is available? Doctors don’t seem to have any answers, just pills.

Parents
  • Many many of us suffer from insomnia. 

    There could be other causes.  In my case I was eventually diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, this caused me to instantly wake up in the middle of the night and I couldn't fall back asleep.

    I worry about her being prescribed too many sleeping pills.  Too many pills make it too easy to overdose.

Reply
  • Many many of us suffer from insomnia. 

    There could be other causes.  In my case I was eventually diagnosed with an irregular heartbeat, this caused me to instantly wake up in the middle of the night and I couldn't fall back asleep.

    I worry about her being prescribed too many sleeping pills.  Too many pills make it too easy to overdose.

Children
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