Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 7, 2026

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

Brief report: sleep in parents of children with autism spectrum disorders

Lisa J Meltzer1

  • 1The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3535 Market Street, 14th Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. meltzerl@email.chop.edu

Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|February 6, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) experience poorer sleep quality and shorter sleep duration compared to parents of typically developing children. This sleep deficit was confirmed through objective measures, highlighting a significant challenge for ASD families.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) present unique challenges for families.
  • Parental well-being, particularly sleep, is crucial for managing caregiving demands.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare sleep quality and sleep-wake patterns between parents of children with ASDs and parents of typically developing (TD) children.
  • To investigate objective sleep measures in these parent groups.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index for subjective sleep assessment.
  • Employed a 7-day sleep diary and actigraphy for objective sleep monitoring.
  • Included 35 mothers and 22 fathers across both ASD and TD groups.

Main Results:

  • Parents of children with ASDs reported significantly poorer sleep quality.
  • Objective data revealed earlier wake times and shorter total sleep time in parents of children with ASDs.
  • Fathers, irrespective of the child's neurodevelopmental status, experienced shorter sleep duration than mothers.

Conclusions:

  • This study provides empirical evidence of diminished sleep quality and quantity in parents raising children with ASDs.
  • Findings underscore the need for interventions addressing chronic sleep loss in this population.
  • Further research is recommended to explore the link between sleep deprivation and stress in parents of children with ASDs.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism09:03

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism

Published on: March 27, 2012

Multi-Modal Home Sleep Monitoring in Older Adults07:40

Multi-Modal Home Sleep Monitoring in Older Adults

Published on: January 26, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Autism Spectrum Disorder01:19

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder01:15

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder

REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD) is a sleep disorder characterized by the absence of muscle paralysis that normally occurs during the REM phase of sleep. This absence allows individuals to physically act out their dreams, which are often vivid and disturbing. Common behaviors exhibited during episodes include kicking, punching, and yelling. These actions can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries for the person with RBD or their bed partner.
RBD is significantly associated with...
Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep01:24

Substance Use Disorders Affecting Sleep

Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
Nightmares and Night Terrors01:18

Nightmares and Night Terrors

Nightmares and night terrors represent two distinct types of sleep disturbances that differ in timing, characteristics, and the sleeper's recall of the event. Nightmares are vivid, disturbing dreams that usually awaken the sleeper from REM sleep, a stage of sleep where brain activity is high, and dreams are most frequent. Upon awakening, individuals often have detailed recollections of their nightmares, which can include themes of threats to survival, security, or self-esteem.
Nightmares often...