Rest and Sleep
Below you will see groups of behaviors that describe specific patterns of sensory processing. As you read through these lists, make note of any that stick out to you or seem to be descriptive of your child. Click on any group for more information about that particular pattern of sensory processing. Children can display different patterns at different times, so make sure to click on all that apply.
My child appears...
- to require extra dark conditions during rest periods or to have trouble "winding down"
- to have trouble "winding down" or may require ear plugs or noise reduction measures in order to settle
- sensitive to temperature and texture; unable to soothe or settle without certain pajamas, a preferred stuffed animal or toy; to benefit from deep pressure (from a weighted blanket, lycra sheets, or a swaddle) to settle
- restless at nighttime; to not expend enough energy during the day to settle well at rest times; to be sleepy throughout the day
My child appears...
- to require increased light for waking
- to be slow to wake to an alarm or other noise
- not too notice if the room is too hot or too cold
- to not expend enough energy during the day to settle well at rest times; to be sleepy throughout the day
- to toss and turn to fall asleep or during sleep
- to struggle to regulate arousal level; to be incontinent during sleep beyond a typical age
My child appears...
- to have trouble "winding down" or struggle to close eyes to rest
- to frequently sing to self or vocalize while settling
- to fidget with a stuffed animal or blanket to fall asleep; to prefer to sleep with a fan blowing directly on him or her
- to need to sniff a favorite blanket or comfort item to help settle
- to mouth, lick, or chew on comfort items, bed rails, or pajamas while settling
- to move and stretch excessively; to kick the crib or bed; to hug comfort items tight; to need to suck on a pacifier, thumb, or blanket; to grind teeth during sleep
- to roll around in bed or toss and turn while settling
My child appears...
- confused about light and dark
- to struggle to determine if the room is too hot or too cold
- to struggle to understand where the body is in space and how the body parts relate to each other, especially if eyes are closed; to be hesitant to close eyes
- to feel he or she is in a vertical position if horizontal or upside down or spinning if upright and still
My child appears...
- lazy or lethargic
- to struggle to maintain position change positions in the night
- to be easily fatigued by everyday tasks and require more sleep than same aged children
- to struggle to wake; to be sleepy throughout the day