My Favorite Products and Books for Tic Management: Sleep, Sensory Tools, Gut Health & More
If you’re supporting a child (or yourself) through a tic disorder or Tourette syndrome, you’ve probably discovered that there isn’t one magic solution. Effective tic management often involves looking at the whole person—sleep, stress, body awareness, sensory needs, gut health, education, and confidence.
As an occupational therapist specializing in tic disorders, these are some of my favorite products and books that I regularly recommend to families. While none of these tools “cure” tics, they can support the factors that often influence tic severity and help individuals feel more in control of their bodies.
Prioritize Sleep: Lumebox Red Light Therapy
Sleep is one of the biggest factors that can impact tic severity. When children or adults are tired, tics often become more frequent or intense.
One of my favorite sleep-support tools is the Lumebox Red Light Therapy device. Many families use red light therapy as part of their evening routine to promote relaxation and signal to the body that it’s time to wind down. (You can also find discount codes for Lumebox online).
Creating a consistent bedtime routine can help regulate the nervous system, which may indirectly support tic management.
Build a Consistent Wake Routine: Dream Egg Sunrise Alarm Clock
Another sleep tool I recommend is the Dream Egg Sunrise Alarm Clock. I use this for myself and find that I’m waking up so much more calm, regulated, and usually before the alarm sounds!
One of the biggest benefits? It helps get phones out of the bedroom.
The gradual sunrise feature creates a gentler wake-up experience and encourages a consistent morning routine. Maintaining regular sleep and wake times can be incredibly important for individuals with tic disorders, as disruptions in sleep schedules can contribute to increased tic activity.
Fidgets That Don’t Look Like Fidgets: Gear Ties
When families ask me for a discreet fidget option, I often recommend Gear Ties.
They’re portable, inexpensive, and don’t draw attention in school, work, or social settings.
What I especially like is that they provide proprioceptive input—the sensory feedback our muscles and joints receive when we push, pull, squeeze, or manipulate objects. Proprioceptive input is often calming to the nervous system and can help some individuals better regulate their bodies during periods of increased stress or tic activity.
Improve Body Awareness: Super Duper Body Awareness Deck
Many children with tics benefit from improving their body awareness and learning how to recognize what’s happening in their bodies.
The Super Duper Body Awareness Deck is one of my favorite tools because it’s flexible and fun.
You can:
- Pull five cards and create a movement challenge.
- Turn it into a memory game.
- Build a daily movement routine.
- Practice yoga-inspired poses together as a family.
The more children understand their bodies, the easier it becomes to notice patterns, recognize triggers, and develop self-regulation skills that support tic management. It’s also going to help with overall brain and body regulation while giving kids an opportunity to be creative by making it a game!
Explore Potential Gut Health Connections: Tiny Health
Research continues to explore the relationship between the gut and the brain, and many families are interested in understanding whether gut health could be contributing to their child’s symptoms.
If you want a deeper look into gut health, I often recommend Tiny Health. I’ve use this with my own son and was beyond impressed with the in-depth reports, action plan, and functional health coaching session.
What sets them apart is the detailed analysis and consultation process. They provide extensive information about gut health markers and create an individualized action plan based on the results.
While gut health isn’t the cause of all tics, identifying potential imbalances may help some families uncover factors that could be influencing overall nervous system regulation.
My Favorite Books for Tic Management
This is one of my favorite resources for parents who want to learn more about nutrition, gut health, and how lifestyle factors can influence a child’s overall well-being!
Anxiety and tics often overlap. This book provides practical strategies for helping children manage anxiety while also helping parents avoid unintentionally reinforcing anxious behaviors. I did my anxiety training through Lynn Lyons – she’s all about actionable steps to manage anxiety!
Adults with tic disorders are often underrepresented in resources. Britney Wolf’s book offers a relatable and honest perspective on navigating life with tics while building confidence and resilience. She’s a strong advocate for the Tourette Association and is a great follow on Instagram!
One of the best ways to reduce fear and embarrassment is through education. This book helps children understand tics in an age-appropriate way while promoting self-acceptance and understanding.
My Go-To Resource: The Empower Brain and Body Workbook
Of all the resources on this list, the one I’m most passionate about is The Empower Brain and Body Workbook—a workbook I created specifically for individuals and families navigating life with tics.
When I began working with children, teens, and adults with tic disorders, I saw a common need: families wanted practical, easy-to-understand information and strategies they could use right away. I created this workbook to be the resource I wished every person had from the very beginning of their tic journey.
The Empower Brain and Body Workbook helps adults, parents, and children better understand tics, identify personal triggers, build body awareness, and develop practical strategies for managing challenges at home, school, work, and in the community.
Whether you’re newly navigating a tic diagnosis or have been managing tics for years, this workbook is designed to help you feel more confident, informed, and empowered. My goal was to create an all-in-one guide that combines education, self-reflection, and actionable tools to support long-term success.
If you’re interested in purchasing The Empower Brain and Body Workbook, you can learn more and order your digital download here
Final Thoughts
Managing tics isn’t about eliminating every movement or sound. It’s about helping individuals understand their bodies, develop effective coping strategies, and feel confident navigating everyday life.
Whether you’re focusing on sleep, sensory regulation, body awareness, gut health, or education, each of these tools can play a role in supporting a healthier, more regulated nervous system.
And sometimes, the smallest changes can make the biggest difference.
