How Craniosacral Therapy Can Help with Sleep in Neurodivergent Children
Sleep is essential—but for many neurodivergent children, it doesn’t come easy.
At Same Stars Wellness, we often hear from families whose children struggle with bedtime resistance, frequent wake-ups, night terrors, or trouble winding down. Sleep difficulties are incredibly common in children with autism, ADHD, sensory processing challenges, or anxiety—but that doesn’t mean families are out of options.
One gentle, effective therapy that can make a difference?
Craniosacral Therapy (CST).
💤 Why Neurodivergent Kids Often Struggle with Sleep
Neurodivergent children may have difficulty with:
Sensory overload, especially at the end of the day
Nervous system dysregulation or hyperarousal
Difficulty with transitions or bedtime routines
Physical tension in the head, jaw, or spine
GI discomfort (common in children with autism or anxiety)
Sleep is deeply tied to the autonomic nervous system—so when that system is in a constant state of alertness or stress, restorative sleep becomes harder to access.
🌙 What is Craniosacral Therapy?
CST is a gentle, hands-on therapy that supports the brain and spinal cord by releasing tension in the body’s connective tissues (fascia) and regulating cerebrospinal fluid flow.
At Same Stars, our trained CST practitioners use soft touch (often no more than the weight of a nickel) to help children’s bodies unwind. Many children find it soothing, even falling asleep during treatment.
CST works with the child’s nervous system—not against it—making it ideal for:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
ADHD
Sensory Processing Disorder
Anxiety or trauma histories
Medically complex kids with nervous system dysregulation
🌿 How Craniosacral Therapy Improves Sleep
CST can support better sleep by:
Helping the nervous system shift into a calmer state (parasympathetic mode)
Easing physical tension that can interrupt rest
Reducing hypervigilance or bedtime anxiety
Supporting sensory integration
Creating an overall sense of calm and safety
We often combine CST with parent coaching and gentle bedtime routine strategies to maximize outcomes.
🌟 Meet Our CST Practitioners
Carla Feher, RMT is one of our dedicated massage therapists and craniosacral therapy providers. With over 15 years of experience supporting children and adults through stress, burnout, and nervous system dysregulation, Carla is known for her calm presence and intuitive care. She specializes in working with neurodivergent children, helping them feel grounded, safe, and understood in every appointment.
Allyson Ranger, RMT blends craniosacral therapy with a trauma-informed lens, drawing on her additional training in yoga psychology and nervous system care. Allyson creates a deeply soothing environment for kids who may be anxious, overstimulated, or touch-averse—helping them reconnect with their bodies in a safe and empowering way.
Together, Carla and Allyson bring warmth, expertise, and a child-centered approach to every CST appointment. If you’re not sure who might be the best fit, we’re happy to help match your child with the right therapist.
🧠 What Parents Say
“My child has started falling asleep faster, and bedtime battles are less intense.”
“We were desperate after trying everything—this is the first thing that’s helped.”
“He actually looks forward to going. It’s a calm space where he feels understood.”
Every child is different, but we’ve seen amazing outcomes from pairing CST with a trauma-informed, sensory-aware approach.
✅ Is CST Right for Your Family?
If your child struggles with falling asleep, staying asleep, or getting restful sleep, CST may offer a gentle way forward.
You don’t need a diagnosis to benefit from care. Our team specializes in working with neurodivergent kids in a way that is safe, playful, and attuned to their needs.
👉 Book a craniosacral therapy appointment or reach out to see if CST could be a good fit for your family.
📚 Further Reading & Resources
💛 We’re always happy to chat and help you find the right care. Every child deserves rest—and every family deserves support.
