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7 Sensory Strategies for Improving Sleep

Many children have trouble falling or staying asleep, especially children who have sensory processing difficulties.

If you are looking for ways to help improve your child’s sleep, try the following strategies:

1. Shut off screens 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Research suggests that shutting off phone, tablets, and the TV at least 30 minutes before bed helps improve sleep.

2. Try a white noise machine. Some research suggests that white noise machines help people fall asleep faster and can help them stay asleep. Depending on the machine, soothing noises like static, ocean waves, crickets, and rain can help drown out background noises that may be bothersome when trying to sleep.

3. Try a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets help provide proprioceptive input to the body and can be calming and relaxing. It is suggested to start out using 5% of a child’s body weight and going up to approximately 10%. You can buy weighted blankets through various stores or websites. You can also look up DIY techniques to save some money!

4. Try a compression sheet for the bed. Fun & Function offers a “Snuggle Sheet”, which is a soft sheet that provides light compression. Children who like hugs or deep squeezes may respond well to a compression sheet as this also provides proprioceptive input and can be calming. You can research and find a compression sheet that suits your child’s needs, or also explore DIY techniques to save money!

5. Try a deep compression massage before bedtime. Sensory Seekers, or children who are constantly “on the go” tend to crave proprioceptive input. Take a few minutes to give deep pressure to the arms, legs, and back. This may help calm and relax the body before bedtime.

6. Try diffusing essential oils. Though research is limited, diffusing 100% pure therapeutic grade essential oils have shown to help improve mild sleep issues. Lavender is the most popular oil known to be calming, but you can also try cedarwood, vanilla, chamomile, and bergamot.

7. Try a bed tent. Bed tents are made to fit over your child’s mattress, and provide an enclosed but well ventilated space for sleeping. Some children may feel more comfortable in a smaller, enclosed space. It may also help block out any natural lighting in the room.

-Marla Griswold, Occupational Therapist

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Patient Reviews

LLA Therapy

Patient Reviews

Crystal Scheibe

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Great place, glad we found them. Been going to Medina over 2 months now and he loves Lauryn and Kyler. Wish they had more ABA therapy places available... live in Wooster and long drive everyday.

Karrie Swan LaRock

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My 11 year old son has dyslexia and has made noticeable gains in working At LLA THERAPY. Katie is strong in her approach toward him and also keeps him comfortable enough to perform well. We will continue visiting both the Fairlawn and Hudson offices and recommend them highly.

Ron Monroe

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My 9 year old just completed about 9 months of weekly speech sessions (due to his stuttering) with Matt Hagge at LLA and we are thrilled with the experience and results. What I thought might be a negative (what kid really wants to go to speech class?) was made very positive by Matt, and my son never hesitated or complained when we talked about class. He really enjoyed it and really took what Matt taught him to heart. His speech has been greatly improved and we definitely recommend LLA. Thank you so much!

Heather Dougherty-Pantoja

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My son’s Occupational Therapist, Jess, is an amazing OT! She gives practical tips on working with my son at home and school!

Terri Apgar

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I cannot say enough good things about LLA Therapy. My daughter was a client of Teal Simmons’ for approximately 2 years and was just released from speech therapy! She was diagnosed with Apraxia in 2015 and worked with Teal twice a week. Through Teal’s application of PROMPT therapy, my daughter had age-appropriate speech after one year. All of the staff we interacted with at LLA were absolutely wonderful. They really care about what they do and making sure your child achieves their goals.

Kelli Geisler Davisson

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for my son as well as my family! My son always asks, "When can I go see Ms. Jeannine again, is it Monday??" He has also made huge gains in only 5 months! I would highly recommend LLA and have already shared my experience with friends looking for services!

Victoria Hansford-Price

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We are so grateful for our Speech Therapist Ms.Teal. We have seen a great improvement with our sons confidence and communication abilities since we have started "Prompt" therapy. What we love the most about LLA and Ms. Teal is that Kohl feels comfortable and relaxed which has played a critical role in his progress. Thank you Ms. Teal for all you have done.

Laura Lee Hogsett

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They have helped in numerous ways. Speech, OT and behavioral. I've had numerous compliments on my son's progress thanks in very large part to LLA. I would recommend LLA before I recommend our local children's hospitals, though they are good, they don't have the staff that LLA does.

Amy Furukawa

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We had a great experience with Matt Hagge at LLA! Our Middle School age son was becoming very conscious of his voice, which is nasal due to a cleft palate. Matt helped him to better form his sounds and project his voice in a way that makes the unavoidable nasality less noticeable.Our son is more confident and outgoing & even took on a speaking role in the church play. Matt has the perfect personality to relate with our son, and we would recommend him to anyone needing speech therapy services!

Jessica Havalotti

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LLA Therapy has been an excellent experience for our daughter. I would highly recommend LLA. Miss Grace was so amazing and I can't believe how quickly our daughter showed improvement. Thank you!
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