Linear vestibular input is a type of movement that involves moving the head in one plane, such as side to side, up and down, or back and forth. It's a calming and organizing input for the nervous system. 

The vestibular system is located in the inner ear and is responsible for detecting: Gravity, Movement of the head, Where the head is in space, and Which way up the head is. 

The vestibular system is important for: Maintaining balance, Postural control, and Keeping an upright posture against gravity. 

Some examples of activities that can provide vestibular input include:

• Swinging on a playground swing 

• Swinging or see-sawing with music 

• Rolling a ball to a child while they're swinging and having them kick it back 

• Hanging upside down from the couch to pick up objects off the floor 

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• Sensory seeking behaviors

  Children with sensory processing difficulties may seek out sensory input around bedtime, which can lead to over-arousal. 

• Overstimulation

  A day that is too overstimulating can make it difficult to fall asleep, or can cause a child to fall asleep early and disrupt nighttime sleep. 

• Understimulation

  A day that is too understimulating can cause the body to be in sleep mode all day. 

• Neurochemicals

  Sleep is a neurochemical process that restores the body and brain. Children with SPD may have high levels of cortisol and low levels of melatonin, which can impact sleep cycles. 

  
  

Here are some tips that may help with sleep and sensory processing:

• Active play: At least 30–45 minutes of active play before bedtime can help regulate a child. 

• Avoid bright screens: Avoid screens for at least two hours before bed. 

• Relaxing activities: Choose a relaxing activity like reading, coloring, or listening to quiet music. 

• Weighted blanket: Wrap your child in a favorite blanket or sit under a weighted blanket. 

• Pajamas: Some children may benefit from compression clothing or tight-fitting pajamas. 

• Mattress: The firmness or softness of a mattress may impact sleep. 

• Night-light: If your child is afraid of the dark, leave a night-light on. 

• Discuss nightmares: Discuss nightmares with your child and try to explain that they are not real.