2/3 Neurodiversity & Sleep Day 1

In this two part series we will be having two representatives from Duke's sleep clinic to talk to us.

Join the Duke Neurodiversity Advocates (DNA) for an open conversation about one of the most universal yet misunderstood struggles among neurodivergent people — sleep.

If you’ve ever stayed up scrolling, overthinking, or simply unable to “shut off” even when exhausted, this meeting is for you. We’ll unpack why neurodivergent sleep works differently and share real strategies to make rest more possible — even if your brain doesn’t do “routine.”

What we’ll cover:

• Why sleep issues are common in neurodivergence: differences in melatonin cycles, dopamine regulation, and sensory processing make traditional sleep schedules harder to follow.

• ADHD & sleep: late circadian rhythms, hyperfocus, and bedtime procrastination.

• Autism & sleep: melatonin timing, sensory sensitivities, and overactive rumination loops.

• Anxiety, dysautonomia, and chronic illness: when your body is “wired but tired” and won’t power down.

• Sleep patterns that don’t fit the norm: fragmented sleep, vivid dreams, reversed energy cycles, and morning inertia.

• How fatigue fuels executive dysfunction — and vice versa.

We’ll also explore:

• Techniques to quiet the active mind — grounding, body-based relaxation, guided sensory resets, and realistic nighttime routines.

• Tools for low-stimulation wind-downs: soft light, sound, touch, and pacing that actually calm neurodivergent brains.

• How to use your energy rhythms instead of fighting them (studying or working with your night-owl wiring).

• Managing “sleep guilt” and reframing productivity through a neurodiversity-affirming lens.

Suggested readings (optional)

• Luu, B., & Fabiano, N. (2025). ADHD as a circadian rhythm disorder: Evidence and implications for chronotherapy. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16, 1697900. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2025.1697900 

• Buckley, A. W., et al. (2020). Practice guideline: Treatment for insomnia and disrupted sleep behavior in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: Report of the Guideline Development, Dissemination, and Implementation Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000009033 

• Edinger, J. D., Arnedt, J. T., Bertisch, S. M., et al. (2021). Behavioral and psychological treatments for chronic insomnia disorder in adults: An American Academy of Sleep Medicine clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 17(2), 255-262. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.8986 

• Miglis, M. G., & Barwick, F. (2018). Sleep disorders in patients with postural tachycardia syndrome: A review of the literature and guide for clinicians. Autonomic Neuroscience, 215, 62-69. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autneu.2018.05.002 

• Kroese, F. M., De Ridder, D. T. D., Evers, C., & Adriaanse, M. A. (2014). Bedtime procrastination: Introducing a new area of procrastination. Frontiers in Psychology, 5, 611. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2014.00611