Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome

I know a lot of moms with kids on the spectrum have troubles with getting them or keeping them asleep - just like I do - so I thought I'd share this.

My son is tired and ready for bed at 5 or 6 pm and the automatically wakes at 4 am or earlier EVERY SINGLE DAY. So after a long battle with this, I took him to see a sleep dr and he was diagnosed with having Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome http://www.brightenyourlife.info/ch6.html

He was prescribed to use a light box from 5:30-6 pm daily and then to put him to bed later (8:30) to help his body get into a more natural rhythm. Right now, he naturally wants to sleep from 5-4 am and that is no bueno. He actually asks to go to bed right after dinner. The opposite can also happen - not being able to sleep until later than normal. Those individuals would use the light box in the morning to trigger their brains to understand that NOW is day time.

Also interesting, we've been giving him melatonin nightly and the dr things that for Gavin and someone with ASPS, we could actually be making his sleep worse.

I hope this is helpful or somewhat interesting. If it wasn't my situation, I would be intrigued.

Wow. This is exciting that you found the problem and they gave you a very proming sounding solution. Where do you get the box and when do you start?

Quoting Epic Big Head:" Wow. This is exciting that you found the problem and they gave you a very proming sounding solution. Where do you get the box and when do you start?"

I am searching for a light box. They are pretty expensive (boo) but as soon as it gets here, I will start.

Isn't it kind of interesting? like if you weren't living the hell, wouldn't it be kind of cool to learn about?

Quoting CrapBag [VBA2C]:" I am searching for a light box. They are pretty expensive (boo) but as soon as it gets here, I will ... [snip!] ... I will start. Isn't it kind of interesting? like if you weren't living the hell, wouldn't it be kind of cool to learn about?"

Definitely. Will insurance cover any of it?

Quoting Epic Big Head:" Definitely. Will insurance cover any of it?"

I am going to ask the dr to write a script. I didnt think of that and then see if I can process a claim.

You really can't put a price on sleep and if someone said "It will cost you $150, but you will get to sleep until 6" I'd be all over it...

Laurie!
Wow!!!!!!! This is amazing news. You have a diagnosis and a plan. It doesn't get better than that. I'm so happy for y'all.

This is awesome news Laurie! You finally have something.


I've been reading about light boxes too. And the melatonin      I'll have to bring it up at Kieran's next appointment. Thank you!

Quoting Just Ames:" Laurie! Wow!!!!!!! This is amazing news. You have a diagnosis and a plan. It doesn't get better than that. I'm so happy for y'all."

thanks! I think I found a light box I can order, but it takes 6-10 days to get here! I'm trying to find it elsewhere. There are a lot to choose from but it has to be 10,000 lux or he'd have to sit by it for longer then 30 mn - and that will already be a challenge, lol.

Quoting CrapBag [VBA2C]:" I know a lot of moms with kids on the spectrum have troubles with getting them or keeping them asleep ... [snip!] ... be making his sleep worse. I hope this is helpful or somewhat interesting. If it wasn't my situation, I would be intrigued. "

I think its awesome that you can help him get back on a schedule. Yay for the light box.  

Quoting ♡Sarah♡ + 2:" This is awesome news Laurie! You finally have something. I've been reading about light boxes too. ... [snip!] ... about light boxes too. And the melatonin      I'll have to bring it up at Kieran's next appointment. Thank you!"

I know, right?! I've been reading that for this and delayed sleep, melatonin is bad. His dr said that a lot of kids on the spectrum suffer from delayed sleep phase.

Quoting OmegaDucks!:" I think its awesome that you can help him get back on a schedule. Yay for the light box.  "

I am really hopeful. I am also glad he didn't just prescribe meds. They can be so zombie like and for Gavin it could worsen the situation.

Quoting CrapBag [VBA2C]:" thanks! I think I found a light box I can order, but it takes 6-10 days to get here! I'm trying to find ... [snip!] ... from but it has to be 10,000 lux or he'd have to sit by it for longer then 30 mn - and that will already be a challenge, lol."

But imagine, that's nothing compared to no end in sight in terms of relief  

Wow, Laurie that is so great!

I am so excited to hear the results from this!

Quoting .Colleen.:" Wow, Laurie that is so great! I am so excited to hear the results from this!"

I know! This is like, the best ever  

Quoting CrapBag [VBA2C]:" I am going to ask the dr to write a script. I didnt think of that and then see if I can process a claim. ... [snip!] ... can't put a price on sleep and if someone said "It will cost you $150, but you will get to sleep until 6" I'd be all over it..."

I'm really excited for you. This will help so much especially when you go back to work.