Many kids need a bit of extra support when it comes to bedtime routines and sleep schedules. They might need help getting ready for bed, remembering to go pee before bed, brushing their teeth, and so on.
Using a bedtime routine chart is a great starting point to helping your child get a good sleep.
But, another great tool is to use a social story that explains why it's important to get a good night's sleep and outline bedtime routines. Don't worry, I've got you covered with these free bedtime social stories below.
Ideally, you want to write your own social story since everyone's bedtime routine looks a bit different. However, you can use the stories below as inspiration so you know what things you might want to include. So let's dig in!
This collection of social stories about bedtime and sleep was last updated on April 20, 2024. A new video social story was added.
Free Bedtime Social Stories
Have you been looking for a social story about bedtime routines or sleep? Then look no further than these free printable social stories. Some require you to have a Teachers Pay Teachers account (which is free!) before you can download them.
I've rounded up some options for you to explore. That way you find the best sleep related social story for yourself or your child. Or you can simply use ideas from different stories below to write your own custom story (free social story templates here to help).
Please note that just because a social story is listed here does not mean I endorse its content. After all, many social stories tend to be poorly written and/or teach autistic masking. Besides, I haven't read all of these stories word for word myself. So please read through the stories carefully before using them.
1. Sleep & Bedtime Social Stories from Happy Learners - Here you will find four text only social stories. No pictures are included. The topics covered here are I can go to sleep, my bedtime routine, sleep, and sleep routine.
2. Social Story About Getting Undressed & Bedtime Routine from Kat D on TPT - This story uses clipart and simple text. I do see a typo in the preview (of vs. off) and some terminology that you may or may not use (e.g., "take our tubbie!" for having a bath) so you might have to adapt the story. It does also reference diapers in the text.
3. Social Story: I Love to Sleep from Lindsey Hyland on TPT - This story might uses a clipart and it appears to be fairly detailed. It does come in PowerPoint format, which means you might be able to edit it. If you have a hyperlexic child who loves logos (it's a common interest!), there is a great page that features a Dreamworks logo which might appeal to them.
4. Sleep Social Story for Teens from Learning Opportunities on TPT - The format of this one is cool. It looks like a graphic novel! The story itself focuses on why it's important to go to bed and is geared towards older kids and teens.
5. Sleeping Editable Social Narrative from The Gift of Gab on TPT - This story is completely editable and does not come with images by the looks of things. But if you're looking for something you can customize, this might be the route to go.
6. I Can Fall Back Asleep: A Social Story from Coach Franny on TPT - Here's a social story that focuses on what kids can do when they wake up in the middle of the night. It uses colorful clipart.
7. Sleeping in My Bed Social Story from The Watson Institute - Scroll down the list to find the sleep related story. This particular story references Christopher Robin and Winnie the Pooh and is text only.
Video Social Stories About Bedtime Routines & Sleep
Here are some video social stories that talk about sleep and bedtime routines. You can use these in teletherapy sessions and/or at home. Videos are always a great alternative to printing off a story.
Like the stories above, some of the wording in these videos aren't always great. But I wanted to make sure you had lots of different options for helping your child with bedtime and sleep routines.
Need More Resources to Help with Bedtime Routines?
Using a visual schedule or routine chart alongside the above social stories is a great way to help with bedtime routines and sleep.
While I do have a free printable bedtime visual routine chart available, you might be looking for something more detailed. Something with real pictures. That's where these visual supports come in handy!
You can use these bedtime visual supports to build a better sleep routine and customize it to your child's needs.
Click here to get a copy of the Bedtime Routine Visual Supports
Hopefully these bedtime social stories and visual supports are helpful to you. You can use them to maintain your current bedtime routine or to assist with starting a new bedtime routine. Either way, good luck!
