We interviewed Theresa Lyons MS MS PhD about how to help your child sleep through the night. You can watch the replay below. Please note that you will be asked to enter your email address at the 30-minute mark to continue viewing.
An Epidemic of Sleep Problems
It seems as if there’s an epidemic of sleep problems these days, even for our kids! Our schedules are packed with after-school activities, and we’re always rushed. This kind of stress and pushing the envelope can disrupt a child’s sleep (as well as our own). Kids need an early bedtime to help them repair and grow by working with the body’s innate circadian rhythm. While Theresa specializes in autism, what she has to say can be applicable to all children with sleep problems.
In This Webinar
What you will learn in this webinar:
- The three key mistakes to avoid when getting your child to sleep through the night
- What to do so that everyone can sleep. You will learn a two-step strategy that you can implement immediately.
- What common sleep supplement can actually influence the microbiota
- How to shatter the four myths that hold you back from enjoying your child
Key Discusssions
Theresa Lyons shares her journey of helping her daughter with autism through dietary changes that led to significant behavioral improvements. Using her expertise in computational chemistry, she formulated a scientific approach and created an eight-step healing system to address autism symptoms, which she now teaches to other parents. Emphasizing the importance of gradual healing and personalized strategies, Theresa provides comprehensive guidance on special diets, supplements, and effective sleep strategies for children with autism.
Dietary Interventions and Autism
Implementing specific dietary changes, such as a gluten-free, casein-free, and soy-free diet, can lead to positive behavioral changes in children with autism. These changes should be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy that includes keeping a daily food journal to tailor and optimize interventions for each child.
The Science of Sleep in Autism
Sleep disturbances are common and significant in children with autism, affecting their overall behavior and health. Understanding melatonin’s role in sleep regulation and gut health, along with other dietary and supplement influences, is crucial for developing effective sleep improvement strategies.
Parental Guidance and Community Support
Parents need structured guidance, support, and reliable information to navigate the complexities of autism treatment. Community support, accessible programs, and resources like “Eat to Heal Autism” can empower parents to make informed decisions and address their child’s unique challenges.
Short-Term and Long-Term Strategies for Sleep Improvement
A dual approach that addresses both immediate relief (through means like melatonin supplementation and Epsom salt baths) and long-term solutions (such as gastrointestinal-tract healing and implementing a gut-healing diet) is necessary for effectively improving sleep in children with autism. This staggered strategy can lead to sustained improvements and better overall quality of life.
Timestamped Overview
00:00 Theresa discusses helping kids sleep through the night.
06:21 Theresa faced with obstacles, family responsibility.
13:35 As a computational chemist, Theresa analyzed 135 food items for daughter’s diet.
20:32 Landmark study in the U.S. challenges autism misconceptions.
21:59 Insufficient sleep exacerbates autism symptoms and behaviors.
27:45 Melatonin regulates sleep and wakefulness.
37:20 Autism research lags in addressing gastrointestinal issues.
41:40 Prepare for healthcare appointment with sleep log.
53:44 Mobile diet app targets child’s symptoms effectively.
01:12:50 Caution needed when choosing supplements.
01:18:23 Gut microbiome influences health in surprising ways.
About Theresa Lyons MS MS PhD
Theresa has an MS and PhD in chemistry from Yale University as well as an MS in chemistry from St. John’s University and loves to teach the real, cutting-edge science of healing autism.
She is the founder of Navigating AWEtism and a frequent contributor about the science of autism-related things for The Huffington Post. You can find out more about Theresa at her website AWEtism.net
Disclaimer
This webinar is not a substitute for medical advice, treatment, diagnosis, or consultation with a medical professional. It is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied on to make determinations related to treatment of a medical condition. Epidemic Answers has not verified and does not guaranty the accuracy of the information provided in this webinar.
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Resources
Articles
Siffre Cave Study Psychology. Study Smarter.
What happens to a person’s biological clock in isolation? Encyclopedia Britannica. Accessed 9 June 2024.
Cartoons
Weinzaepflen, Coline. Enlighten your clock: How your body tells time.
Devices
SOL Telescope™ — Floorlight w/SOL bioBulb (White)
eBooks
Sleep Better, Live Better. How to Hack Your Smartphone, PC & Laptop for Better Sleep.
Sleep Better, Live Better. Why Light Is Just as Important as Food.
Software
Websites
Dr. Jack Kruse: Reversing Disease for Optimal Health