If bedtime feels like a never-ending battle, and your child struggles with sensory sensitivities, ADHD, autism, or just can’t seem to settle down, you are not alone. Sleep challenges are super common—especially for neurodivergent kids—but the good news is, there are ways to help.
In this episode of Creating Well-Rested Families, I’m chatting with Jess Toews, Co-founder and CEO of Brainvive, about the deep connection between brain health, sensory processing, and sleep. Jess has spent over a decade helping families navigate everything from learning disabilities to autism, ADHD, and PANDAS/PANS, and she gets firsthand how exhausting it can be when your child just won’t sleep.
We’re diving into:
✨ Why brain development and sensory processing play such a big role in sleep (for both neurodivergent and neurotypical kids!)
✨ Common sensory-related sleep struggles—like sensitivities to noise, light, and textures—and what to do about them
✨ How early signs of neurodivergence (autism, ADHD, PANDAS, etc.) can show up in sleep patterns
✨ Simple, real-life bedtime routines to help your child wind down without a meltdown
✨ How to create a sensory-friendly sleep space (because bright lights and scratchy sheets are not helping)
✨ When to get extra support—and how Brainvive’s approach helps kids and parents finally get the rest they need
If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain exhausted trying to help your little one sleep, this episode is for you. Whether you’re navigating sensory struggles, early signs of neurodivergence, or just looking for sleep tips that actually work, you’ll walk away with real, practical ways to make bedtime smoother for your whole family.
🔗 Learn more about Brainvive and their incredible work with families: www.brainvive.com
🎧 Grab a cup of coffee (or let’s be real, reheat the one from this morning), and let’s chat about how to help your kiddo—and you—get better sleep!
This episode is sponsored by Hungryroot. Leave the meal planning, grocery shopping, and even some prep work to Hungryroot while you enjoy making memories with your family.
Use code RESTED40 for 40% off. CLICK HERE to get started today.
Want a free sample baby sleep schedule?
👉TAKE THIS QUIZ
Do you know your sleep training personality?
👉TAKE THIS QUIZ TO FIND OUT
More free baby sleep resources: One for every stage of parenthood
Join Our Free Well-Rested Families Facebook Group to answer all your sleep questions: CLICK HERE
Connect with Unnati:
- Instagram: @nestedtorestedsleep
- Facebook: @nestedtorestedsleep
- Website: https://www.nestedtorestedsleep.com
- Podcast Wedsite: ...
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
The Joe Rogan Experience
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.