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Sleep is essential for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of every individual, and it is especially important for children with neurodiverse conditions such as autism, ADHD, and Down syndrome. Unfortunately, many neurodivergent children struggle to get the sleep they need, which can lead to a host of problems, including behavioral issues, decreased cognitive function, and decreased overall health. However, there is hope in the form of the OK to Wake Clock. This innovative device can help neurodivergent children establish healthy sleep habits and get the rest they need to thrive.
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links found in this blog are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I use all of the products mentioned and recommend them because they are companies that I have found helpful and trustworthy.
What is the Wake Clock?
The Wake Clock is a smart visual aid clock designed to help children with sleep problems get better sleep. Unlike traditional clocks, the Wake Clock uses a combination of light and sound to help neurodivergent children sleep better, and stay in bed! The device has several features that make it especially helpful for neurodivergent children, including:
Customizable light and sound settings: The Wake Clock allows you to choose from several different light and sound combinations to find the one that works best for your child. You can also adjust the brightness and volume of the light and sound as needed.
After conducting extensive research, we have determined that the Hatch Wake Clock is the best option available. This innovative device is not only easy to use but also features all the necessary components to help children get a good night's sleep. One of the standout features of the Hatch Wake Clock is the light changing feature. The color of the light can be changed to RED, which is designed to help promote sleep. Studies have shown that red light does not suppress the release of melatonin and decrease the activation of the sympathetic nervous system, both of which are key components in promoting healthy sleep patterns. This particular clock can be used from birth well into adulthood.
Gradual wake-up process: The Wake Clock uses light and sound to gently wake your child, allowing them to gradually adjust to the new day. This gentle wake-up process can help your child feel more refreshed and energized in the morning.
In addition to the red light feature, the Hatch Wake Clock also includes white noise which can be a helpful tool for children with neurodivergent conditions. White noise can help create a calming and soothing environment, which can be especially helpful for nonverbal children. These children may struggle to communicate their needs and feelings, but white noise can help them feel more relaxed and calm before bedtime.
Read more: 4 Simple Calming Strategies for Your Neurodivergent Kids and Teens
White noise is a type of sound that contains a mixture of frequencies that are audible to the human ear. The science behind white noise is based on the concept of masking, where background noise is used to mask or block out other distracting noises. Research has shown that white noise can be effective in helping people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This is because white noise helps to create a stable and consistent sound environment, which can be especially beneficial for neurodivergent children who may be prone to sleep disruptions or difficulties. By using white noise, parents can help their neurodivergent child establish a more calming and relaxing sleep environment, leading to better sleep and overall improved health.
How to Use the Wake Clock to Help Your Neurodivergent Child Get Good Sleep
Before you Begin
Start with a sleep routine: Before using the Wake Clock, it is important to establish a sleep routine for your child. This might include activities such as reading a book, taking a bath, or listening to soft music. A consistent sleep routine can help your child feel more relaxed and ready for sleep.
Set a consistent bedtime: Children, including neurodivergent children, benefit from having a consistent bedtime each night. This can help them establish a sleep pattern that is easy to maintain.
Choose the right light and sound settings: The Wake Clock has several different light and sound combinations to choose from. I recommend using the colors RED/PINK/ORANGE as a sleep time cue. For wake up, I recommend GREEN, or use your child’s favorite color. I also love to incorporate the child into the process by having them pick the wakeup time color (as long as it is not the same color as their bedtime color). This will give them a sense of control and excitement over the new process.
Implementation
First begin by modeling and role playing the rules below. The new process being put in place should be well communicated during the daytime hours so your child knows exactly what to expect.
Bedtime
Remind your child before they get into bed that the light turned on and that signals that sleep time is near. I also recommend another reminder letting them know that sleep time as signaled by the light.
I love to tie this process in with a positive reinforcement system. Read this article to know how to set up a successful positive reinforcement system for your neurodivergent child:
How to make your neurodivergent child's positive reinforcement system a success.
Night Wakes
Explain to your child that if they wake up in the middle of the night and the sleep light is still on then it is not time to get up, and that they need to go back to sleep. This should be a very clear expectation made many times throughout the day.
Early Mornings
Early rising is considered to be any wakeup that happens before 6:00 AM. Use the clock to help signal to your child when it is okay for them to get out of bed for the day.
Use the Wake Clock consistently: It is important to use the Wake Clock every night to help your child establish a healthy sleep pattern. Staying consistent will really help. as your child may not pick up on it right away. The more consistent you are and the more you explain/model/role play it to your child, the easier it will be for them to understand how the Ok to Wake process operates.
Getting good sleep is essential for the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of every individual, especially neurodivergent children. The Wake Clock is a smart alarm clock designed to help children with sleep problems get better sleep, and it can be an invaluable tool for parents of neurodivergent children. With its customizable light and sound settings, and gradual wake-up process, the Wake Clock can help your child establish healthy and peaceful sleep for neurodivergent children and the entire family.
Overall, the Hatch Wake Clock is an excellent tool for helping neurodivergent children get the sleep they need. Whether you have a child with autism, ADHD, or Down syndrome, this innovative device can help improve their sleep patterns and overall well-being. So, if you are looking for a solution to help your neurodivergent child get better sleep, the Hatch Wake Clock is definitely worth considering.
Dedicating my career to assisting families and children with sleep problems, my passion stems from the challenges my own children experienced. Today, I continue to work with other families facing similar struggles. Discover my journey by reading more and reaching out to schedule a free 15-minute consultation to see how The Slumber Academy can support your child's sleep difficulties.
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links found in this blog are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I use all of the products mentioned and recommend them because they are companies that I have found helpful and trustworthy.