I often reflect on what has made the greatest impact on our journey raising Brantley. Until recently, I believed it was sending him to an Autism Specific School. However, as I tucked my lively son into bed recently, it hit me that my perspective has shifted. The most significant change in our lives has been getting him a safety bed.
For over 6 years, Brantley struggled to sleep. Some nights, he wouldn't sleep at all, while others he managed only 2 hours. The longer he stayed awake, the more restless and wild he became.
We tried to create a safe haven in his room, but even with minimal furnishings, it wasn't enough to keep him from harm. He engaged in risky behaviors, self-injuring himself by pounding his head against the window. He consumed the drywall on a nightly basis, broke electrical outlets to expose live wires, attempted acrobatic flips off his bed and dismantled his closet locks allowing him to swing from the racks. Two things were consistent, Brantley’s lack of sleep and his wild and dangerous behavior.
With his newfound ability to open doors, the risk of elopement became a pressing concern. It wasn’t just about keeping him safe in his room anymore; it was about preventing him from wandering off at night.
While I knew a safety bed was the solution due to its obvious safety benefits, I never anticipated the profound impact it would have on Brantley's life. For the first time in years, Brantley sleeps peacefully.
And sleep is essential for everyones overall well-being.
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