Helping Kids with Vision and Hearing Impairments Sleep Better

Each child is unique, and so is every sleep issue. At Kinetic Kids, we know how crucial a good night’s sleep is for the whole family - and how challenging it can be for children with sensory disabilities. Kids with vision or hearing impairments often face specific challenges at bedtime that can make sleep difficult. Here’s a closer look at some of these challenges and practical tips to help achieve a restful night.

Unique Sleep Challenges for Kids with Vision and Hearing Impairments

• Darkness: For children who rely on hearing aids or other sensory input, complete darkness can feel disorienting.

• Silence: The quiet of night can be unsettling for children who remove their hearing aids at bedtime.

• Tinnitus: Without the usual daytime distractions, tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can become overwhelming at night.

• Environmental Cues: Common bedtime signals, like lights dimming or sounds decreasing, may be harder to perceive.

• Pain or Discomfort: Sensory disabilities and movement disorders can sometimes lead to discomfort or pain, disrupting sleep.

Tips for Supporting Better Sleep for Kids with Vision and Hearing Impairments

If your child faces these sleep challenges, here are some ways to create a supportive bedtime environment:

1. Create a Consistent Bedtime Routine: A consistent routine signals the brain to start winding down, making it easier to fall asleep. Caregivers can do the same activities in the same order each night, or use tools like a visual schedule to help the child become more independent in their routine.

2. Encourage Restful Behaviour: Even if the child doesn’t fall asleep immediately, resting quietly in bed with eyes closed can help them settle.

3. Use Light Exposure to Aid Sleep: Spending time in natural sunlight during the morning and reducing bright light in the evening can support a healthy circadian rhythm.

4. Ensure a Comfortable Sleep Environment: A cool, cosy room helps children feel at ease and promotes restful sleep.

If your child continues to experience sleep difficulties, reach out to our team of paediatric occupational therapists and physiotherapists in Perth. We’re here to support families and tackle sleep challenges together.