In this Ask Dr. Tony episode, Dr. Tony Ebel addresses one of the biggest challenges for families with autistic children: sleep difficulties. Rather than offering typical sleep tips, he explores the neurological root causes of sleep disturbances. Dr. Tony explains that children stuck in fight-or-flight mode cannot physically relax enough to fall asleep or achieve restorative sleep. He emphasizes a two-step approach: first, release physical tension from the neurosensory motor system through adjustments and bodywork; second, address gut health through diet and supplements. Clinical data shows 85-90% of patients experience sleep improvements within the first two months of neurologically focused care. The key message: fix the body first, then the gut, and sleep will naturally improve—leading to healing and development.
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Links & Resources:
Free article on Food Intolerance
Register for the FREE 'Calming The Sensory Storm' Webinar HERE
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Key Topics & Timestamps
- ([00:03:00]) - Beyond Sleep Hacks: The Neurological Lens - Why traditional sleep tips aren't enough and understanding nervous system dysfunction as the root cause.
- ([00:08:00]) - The Body Cannot Relax - How physical tension and subluxation keep children stuck in fight-or-flight mode, preventing sleep.
- ([00:13:00]) - The 85-90% Success Rate - Clinical evidence showing sleep improves first with neurologically focused care.
- ([00:18:00]) - How the Gut Disrupts Sleep - Understanding the gut-brain connection and how digestive issues keep children awake at night.
- ([00:23:00]) - The Right Order: Body First, Then Gut - Why addressing physical tension must come before expensive testing and supplement protocols.
- ([00:27:00]) - Real Parenting: Protecting Bedtime - Dr. Tony's personal approach to prioritizing early, consistent sleep schedules over social events.
- ([00:31:00]) - The Melatonin Warning - Why melatonin should be a last resort and the risks of dependency.
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