Getting good sleep is important for everyone, but for PWDs it can be especially difficult. Many people with physical or developmental disabilities face extra barriers that make it hard to fall asleep, stay asleep, or feel rested in the morning.
Let’s look at why sleep problems are particularly pronounced in people with disabilities, what effects poor sleep can have, and what can help improve sleep quality.
Why Sleep Can Be Difficult for PWDs
Several factors make it harder for people with disabilities to get proper rest:
1. Pain or Discomfort
Chronic pain, muscle spasms, or joint stiffness can make it uncomfortable to lie in bed. People with conditions like cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or arthritis may struggle to find a comfortable sleeping position.
2. Mobility Issues
Changing positions in bed or getting up to use the toilet can be challenging. Some may rely on caregivers, which can disturb sleep schedules.
3. Sensory Sensitivities
People with autism or sensory processing disorders may be sensitive to light, sound, or textures. Even a small change, such as the texture of bedsheets, can make sleep difficult.
4. Medication Side Effects
Some medications commonly taken by PWDs, such as those for seizures, muscle control, or anxiety can cause insomnia, drowsiness at odd hours, or frequent waking.
5. Mental Health Challenges
Anxiety, depression, and PTSD are relatively common among people managing lifelong conditions, regardless of whether these conditions are physical or psychological. These mental health challenges can, in turn, be pervasive roadblocks to both falling and staying asleep.
Why Sleep Matters Especially For PWDs
When sleep is poor, everything else gets affected. The body may lose some efficiency in being able to heal itself, and one’s brain may end up more sluggish at processing information. In other words, people without sleep, especially those with disabilities, may experience:
- Trouble focusing or remembering things
- Irritability or mood swings
- Weaker immune systems
- Worsened physical symptoms
For children with disabilities, poor sleep can also affect learning and general temperament.
Ways to Improve Sleep for PWDs
Although not every solution works for everyone, here are strategies that many people with disabilities may find helpful:
1. Establish a Routine
Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate the body’s internal clock. A calming routine before bed—like a warm bath, gentle stretching, or listening to quiet music—can signal it’s time to sleep.
2. Create a Comfortable Sleep Environment
- Keep the bedroom cool and quiet
- Use blackout curtains or eye masks
- Choose bedding that doesn’t irritate the skin
- Use supportive pillows or positioning aids for comfort
3. Check Medication Timing
Talk to a doctor about when medications are taken. Sometimes a simple change in timing can reduce sleep-related side effects.
4. Limit Screens Before Bed
Phones, tablets, and TVs give off blue light that can keep the brain awake. Try turning off screens at least 30 minutes before bed.
5. Ask About Assistive Equipment
There are specialized beds, mattress toppers, and supports designed to help people with limited movement sleep better and reduce pressure on the body.
6. Seek Professional Help
If sleep problems are serious or ongoing, a sleep specialist, occupational therapist, or psychologist can each offer personalised support. Behavioral sleep therapy may also help in managing sleep routines and habits.
References
Laura Korb (2023) Sleep: the neglected life factor in adults with intellectual disabilities [Accessed 25 September 2025] Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10214421/
Dr. Nilong Vyas (2025) Sleep And Disabilities: Everything You Should Know [Accessed 25 September 2025] Available at: https://amerisleep.com/blog/sleep-and-disabilities/
Power Mobility (2016) Tips To A Good Night’s Sleep With A Disability [Accessed 25 September 2025] Available at: https://www.powermobility.com.au/knowledge-hub/blog/medical-health-and-wellbeing/tips-to-a-good-nights-sleep-with-a-disability/