Is Insomnia Related to Late Diagnosed Autism?

PostedNovember 7, 2025

UpdatedNovember 7, 2025

ByMy Patient Advice

Author: Beatrice Holloway, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Insomnia and late autism diagnosis are closely linked, with many adults struggling with sleep issues due to undiagnosed autism. For those who receive an adult autism diagnosis later in life, the challenges can be even more pronounced, as they’ve often been navigating the symptoms without understanding the root cause for years. Issues with sleep in autism can arise from heightened sensitivity, anxiety, and behavioural patterns that interfere with a restful night’s sleep.

How Difficulty with Sleep Relate to Autism

The adult symptoms of autism often include sensory sensitivities, such as an aversion to light or sound, which can make it difficult for individuals to relax and fall asleep. In addition, anxiety and difficulty with routine is common in autism and often contribute to disrupted sleep. Those with late diagnosis may also experience frustration as they struggle to understand why their sleep patterns are affected, leading to further emotional strain.

Difficulty falling asleep:

This can be due to overstimulation, anxiety, or simply not being able to unwind at night, resulting in long periods of wakefulness.

Interrupted sleep:

Individuals may wake frequently throughout the night or find it challenging to get a full night’s rest due to ongoing behavioural issues that impact their sleep cycle.

Therapies like CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Insomnia) have been proven to help people manage difficulties with sleep related to adult autism. This approach focuses on improving behaviours and anxiety management, which can lead to better sleep hygiene and quality rest. Simple lifestyle changes like establishing a calming bedtime routine can also help mitigate the impact of these symptoms on sleep.

For personalised support, visit providers like Autism Detect for personal consultations tailored to your needs.

For a deeper dive into the science, diagnosis, and full treatment landscape, read our complete guide to late diagnosis in adults.

Beatrice Holloway, MSc

Author

Beatrice Holloway is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and a BS in Applied Psychology. She specialises in CBT, psychological testing, and applied behaviour therapy, working with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), developmental delays, and learning disabilities, as well as adults with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety, OCD, and substance use disorders. Holloway creates personalised treatment plans to support emotional regulation, social skills, and academic progress in children, and delivers evidence-based therapy to improve mental health and well-being across all ages.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy.

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, MBBS

Reviewer

Dr. Rebecca Fernandez is a UK-trained physician with an MBBS and experience in general surgery, cardiology, internal medicine, gynecology, intensive care, and emergency medicine. She has managed critically ill patients, stabilised acute trauma cases, and provided comprehensive inpatient and outpatient care. In psychiatry, Dr. Fernandez has worked with psychotic, mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders, applying evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based therapies. Her skills span patient assessment, treatment planning, and the integration of digital health solutions to support mental well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewer's privacy.