Sleep Issues with Adopted, Foster, or Relative Children

How do you handle sleep issues when raising a child who has been impacted by trauma, prenatal substance exposure, or other challenges? Listen to our conversation with Dr. Chris Winter, a sleep researcher and neurologist who has practiced sleep medicine and neurology since 2004. He is also the author of The Rested Child: Why Your Tired, Wired or Irritable Child May Have A Sleep Disorder–And How To Help, and hosts the podcast Sleep Unplugged with Dr. Chris Winter.

In this episode, we discuss:

  • Understanding the value of sleep and reframing the conversation about expectations and what your child needs to support overall health, development, and wellbeing.
  • What makes adopted, foster, or kinship children particularly vulnerable to sleep challenges?
  • How might a child’s early trauma and experiences of loss — such as separation from birth families or multiple moves — show up in their sleep patterns?
  •  What effects do frequent environmental changes have on a child’s sleep?
  • How might prenatal exposure to substances (e.g., opioids, alcohol, others) impact a child’s sleep?
  • What may be the challenges that children with neurodiversity (Down syndrome, ADHD, ASD etc) experience?
  • What are the practical strategies you have found successful in helping families with sleep disturbances?
  • Why is it important to teach our kids the value of rest—even without sleep?
  • What should we consider when setting up a consistent routine and sleep-friendly setting for our kids?
  • When is it time to seek professional evaluation—like a sleep study or specialist referral for our kids?
  • What guidance do you offer caregivers to help them stay consistent, avoid burnout, and model healthy sleep habits?


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Music Credit: Michael Ashworth: Podcast Producer: megownsoundworks.com; Photo by Ketut Subiyanto: https://www.pexels.com/photo/girl-lying-on-white-bed-4473787/