Neurodivergent Sleep Struggles: Real Solutions for Better Nights

The Unfinished Idea | Autism Spectrum, ADHD, AUDHD, Neurodiverse caregiver

Sleep Isn’t a Luxury—It’s a Lifeline
If you’re raising or supporting a neurodivergent child, you already know how tough bedtime can be. Meltdowns, 2 AM wake-ups, and total bedtime resistance are all too common. But what if there were real, gentle strategies that actually worked?

In this episode, I speak with Lindsey Clark, sleep coach and neurodivergent parenting specialist, about why ND kids and adults often struggle with sleep—and how we can improve it without shame or rigid routines.

Meet Our Guest: Lindsey Clark
Lindsey is a certified sleep coach who specializes in supporting families of neurodivergent children. With experience working from birth through age 11, Lindsey brings practical, compassionate solutions that are backed by science and shaped by lived experience.

Here’s what we cover:
Why neurodivergent brains struggle with sleep (and how it’s not your fault)
The five key reasons ND kids can’t “just fall asleep”
How sensory input, anxiety, melatonin, and circadian rhythms impact rest
Tools to support PDA, autism, and ADHD bedtime needs
Creative strategies to regulate after school and wind down naturally
How to include your child in designing a visual bedtime routine
What actually helps exhausted parents function during hard seasons

What We Talk About
Sleep and neurodivergence aren’t often discussed together—but they should be. Lindsey breaks down how factors like overstimulation, low melatonin, irregular circadian rhythms, and demand avoidance play a massive role in ND sleep issues. She shares why traditional sleep advice often backfires—and how personalized, sensory-aware solutions can help kids (and parents) get the rest they need.

Key Takeaways
Neurodivergent kids can sleep well—it just may look different.
Melatonin levels and body clocks are often out of sync in ND children, especially those with autism or ADHD.
Simple changes—like light levels, visual schedules, and sensory checklists—can lead to big improvements.
Bedtime routines don’t have to be perfect—they need to be personalized.
Giving kids control (especially those with PDA profiles) helps lower anxiety and increase cooperation.
Parents: Rest matters for you too. Even if it’s not sleep, don’t feel guilty taking time to recharge.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices