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Poor sleep with PDD-NOS: the causes, consequences, and advice

Do you sleep poorly or do you know someone who sleeps poorly and has to deal with PDD-NOS? In this article, you will read more about what you can do about it.
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- Reading time: 3 min
Published: 03-11-2023
Updated: 08-04-2025 2025-04-08T20:59:24Z

PDD-NOS stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. This developmental disorder was merged in 2013 with other diagnoses into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Therefore, the diagnosis is no longer given, but people who have had it may still use the term. People with PDD-NOS generally experience difficulties with communication and social interaction.

Poor sleep with autism is a common problem. People with PDD-NOS also often experience sleep problems. In this article, we discuss the causes of poor sleep in PDD-NOS and provide tips for a better night's rest.

The causes and effects of poor sleep with PDD-NOS

Sleep problems in people with PDD-NOS can have various reasons. One of these reasons is that they are often extra sensitive to stimuli such as light, sound, and touch, which can hinder them from sleeping well.

In addition, people with PDD-NOS have difficulty finding a fixed sleep rhythm, meaning they feel sleepy and awake at different times. This can cause them to be tired during the day and unable to function well.

It is also common for people with PDD-NOS to suffer from anxiety and stress, which can disrupt their sleep. The worries and social situations they face can make it hard to fall asleep and cause them to stay awake. Furthermore, medication for PDD-NOS can also affect the quality of sleep.

Unfortunately, sleep problems have consequences. They can cause people with PDD-NOS to be tired and therefore struggle with daily tasks, such as school or work. People with PDD-NOS can also be irritable and have difficulty with social situations. It is important to understand and address these sleep problems to improve the quality of life for people with PDD-NOS.

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What can you do to sleep better with PDD-NOS?

It is important that you avoid screen time before going to sleep. So turn off your TV and/or computer about an hour before bedtime, and try reading or chatting instead. Additionally, a weighted blanket can help you relax.

Make a cup of herbal tea, grab a book, and snuggle up with a weighted blanket in your favorite corner of the couch. By placing the blanket over you, pressure is applied to your body. This pressure helps your body to relax. Once you are fully relaxed, you can go to bed. You will notice that you fall asleep sooner and sleep more soundly.

Can people with PDD-NOS benefit from using a weighted blanket?

Besides helping to relax in the evening, using a weighted blanket at night can also help improve the sleep of people with PDD-NOS. The deep pressure of the blanket can calm the nervous system and provide a feeling of safety and comfort, leading to a better night's rest.

Do you have trouble sleeping because of PDD-NOS or do you know someone with PDD-NOS and sleep problems? We hope this article has helped you understand it better. We hope you can now better recognize the causes and use the tips to sleep better.

Do you also want to start the day well rested?

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