Lack of Sleep and Autism

Do you or someone you love have Autism Spectrum Disorder ?  

If so, then most likely you do not get enough sleep. 


Research is  pointing to some possible underlying medical issues as a significant factor in sleep disruption associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

• Gastro esophageal reflux
• Sleep apnea
• Night terrors
• Seizures
• Anxiety
• Insufficient physical activity
• Circadian rhythm (natural wake/sleep cycles) disturbances
• Abnormal melatonin regulation.
• Heightened sensory experiences sensitivity to light, touch or sound

 Methods and options to help with these issues consist of:  

   Behavioral and Educational Interventions,  Social Skills Interventions,  

Speech-Language Pathology,  Occupational Therapy and Medications

 

However  have you looked at Essential Oils as an Integrative Therapy Option?

 

What are Essential Oils

Essential oils are natural aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants. They can be both beautifully and powerfully fragrant.

 

 Essential oils are non water-based phytochemicals made up of volatile aromatic compounds. Although they are fat soluble, they do not include fatty lipids or acids found in vegetable and animal oils. Essential oils are very clean, almost crisp, to the touch and are immediately absorbed by the skin. 

 

How Essential Oils work

Limbic System:

Our sense of smell affects the limbic system of our brain. Because the limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, essential oils can have profound physiological and psychological effects. 

 Anxiety, depression, fear, anger, and joy all emanate from the limbic region of the brain. 

 

 Hypothalamus:

The limbic lobe can also directly activate the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus is one of the most important parts of the brain, acting as our hormonal control center. 

The Hypothalamus releases chemical messengers that can impact everything from sex drive to energy levels. The hypothalamus controls the production of growth/sex hormones, thyroid hormones, and neurotransmitters such as serotonin.  

 

 Some Oils that may help are listed along side their ailment: 

 

• Gastro esophageal reflux- Ginger, Digestzen, Peppermint
• Sleep apnea- Balance, Breathe, Citrus Bliss, Frankincense,Thyme, Ylang Ylang
• Night terrors- Balance, Lavender, Serenity
• Seizures- Frankincense, Life Long Vitality Supplements
• Anxiety- Lavender, Citrus Bliss, Balance, Serenity, InTune, Elevation
• Heightened sensory experiences sensitivity to light, touch or sound- Balance, Life Long Vitality Supplements  

For protocol of use Please see Modern Essentials 
The advice shared in this site has not been evaluated by the FDA. The products and methods recommended are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any illness or disease, nor is it intended to replace proper medical help.  Essential oils work to help to bring the body into balance - thus helping the body's natural defenses to restore homeostasis. Essential oils are not used to "treat" medical problems.

 

PTSD and Nightmares

Re-Occurring Nightmares

source

After someone is exposed to a traumatic event or experience they are likely to experience a few nightmares related to the traumatic incident that they experienced. 

Some people will experience recurring nightmares for a long period of time. These recurring nightmares play a large role and are a defining symptom in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

It is common for 71-96% of patients diagnosed with
PTSD to suffer from nightmares.  

The Mayo Clinic give great encouragement:

"Many people who go through traumatic events have difficulty adjusting and coping for a while. But with time and taking care of yourself, such traumatic reactions usually get better. In some cases, though, the symptoms can get worse or last for months or even years. Sometimes they may completely shake up your life. In a case such as this, you may have post-traumatic stress disorder.

Getting treatment as soon as possible after post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms develop may prevent long-term post-traumatic stress disorder. "

Why can I not sleep? 

I have asked my self this question over and over since my accident in May of 2011.  

After the onset of the accident and the physical pain that ensued, I found myself totally unable to find a comfortable position to sleep.  I lived on the family couch for just over a year and a half!  

I did not want to wake up my family as I struggled to sleep.  For much of the first year following the accident I slept less than a few hours a night and it would take all night to accumulate those hours.

photo source

The National Sleep Foundation states:

Some people with sleep problems and anxiety 

have post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.

 PTSD is a reaction to a traumatic stressful event 

resulting in a feeling of a loss of control and an 

inability to help yourself in a bad situation. 

It’s often experienced by people 

who are in situations that range 

from combat to rape, 

but it can be caused by a variety of events.

I will be honest: At the beginning, I spent hours and hours awake at night crying due to the lack of sleep, physical pain and emotional drain.....