Sleep is essential for children’s development, learning, and emotional regulation. But for neurodivergent children with conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, complex genetic conditions or autism, getting a good night’s rest can be challenging. One often overlooked factor is bedroom temperature and bedding comfort.
Why Temperature Matters
The human body is guided by a circadian rhythm, a natural cycle that lasts about 24 hours. It influences when we feel awake and when we feel sleepy. As part of this rhythm, the body lowers its core temperature in the evening to prepare for sleep but increasing the blood flow to the body’s extremities (Kräuchi et al., 2000). If the sleep environment is too warm, the body may struggle to make this natural drop, making it harder to fall or stay asleep.
For most children, the ideal bedroom temperature falls between 16°C and 20°C (National Sleep Foundation, 2015). However, this may need adjusting for children with impaired thermoregulation, which is more common in conditions such as Cerebral Palsy, and room temperature and excess sweating is a common complaint among children with Cerebral Palsy (McCabe et al., 2015).
Children with limited mobility or sensory sensitivities may not be able to move bedding or express discomfort, which can lead to them overheating or becoming cold during the night.
Supporting the Circadian Rhythm: The Role of a Warm Bath
A helpful, way to support the natural drop in core temperature is giving your child a warm bath about 60–90 minutes before bedtime. The warm water increases blood flow to the skin, and once the child gets out of the bath, their body temperature drops, helping signal to the brain that it’s time to sleep (Haghayegh et al., 2019).
For neurodivergent children, a warm bath may also have calming sensory benefits, creating a relaxing routine that eases transitions and reduces bedtime anxiety. However, for some children a bath can be too exciting, or they may be faced with sensory challenges, causing anxiety. Some who are autistic may also struggle with transitions between rooms, getting dressed/ undressed, into the bath and out of the bath which might be a source of stress, which might cause a negative association with going to bed.
Special Considerations for Neurodivergent Children
Many neurodivergent children, including those with autism or sensory processing disorders, are highly sensitive to textures, temperature, and pressure. This means that even minor discomforts can affect their sleep.
Helpful strategies:
- Choose soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo or other natural fibres. Synthetic fibres have been associated with frequent wheeze in children, as have electric blankets and sleeping on a bottom bunk (Ponsonby et al., 2004), so as well as affecting temperature regulation, this might be another issue.
- For children who benefit from pressure, compression sheets, such as Fidgetbum (available in the Cerebra Library to borrow or from Fidgetbum’s website to buy). Weighted blankets are not recommended for all night use, especially for those with low muscle tone or limited mobility. For more information on the current research see the Cerebra Factsheet on Weighted Blankets.
Other things to note:
- Look out for signs of discomfort: restlessness, sweating, flushed skin, or cold hands and feet.
- Room temperature – consider using a room thermometer.
- Choose layered bedding that can be easily adjusted during the night.
- Consider cooling or warming mattress pads for children with more significant regulation needs (check with a medical professional to ensure it is safe to do so).
- Work with your child’s occupational therapist or healthcare provider to find sleep aids that match their needs.
References:
Haghayegh, S., Khoshnevis, S., Smolensky, M. H., Diller, K. R., & Castriotta, R. J. (2019). Before-bedtime passive body heating by warm shower or bath to improve sleep: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Medicine Reviews, 46, pp. 124–135.
Kräuchi, K., Cajochen, C., Werth, E., & Wirz-Justice, A. (2000). Functional link between distal vasodilation and sleep-onset latency? American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, 278(3), pp. 741–748.
McCabe S, Blackmore AM, Abbiss C, Langdon K, Elliott C. (2015) Sleep concerns in children and young people with cerebral palsy in their home setting. J Paediatr Child Health. 5 pp. 1188–94.
National Sleep Foundation. (2015). Bedroom environment and sleep. Retrieved from www.sleepfoundation.org
Ponsonby AL, Dwyer T, Trevillian L, Kemp A, Cochrane J, Couper D, Carmichael A. (2004) The bedding environment, sleep position, and frequent wheeze in childhood. Pediatrics.113(5):1216-22.
