Autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and sleep disorders

Xue Ming1, Arthur S Walters

  • 1Department of Neurosciences and Neurology, and The Autism Center, UMDNJ, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA. mingxu@umdnj.edu

Insights

Sleep disorders are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Addressing these sleep issues can improve daily functioning and well-being for individuals and families.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep disorders are increasingly recognized as significant issues in developmental disorders.
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) frequently co-occur with sleep disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the latest research on sleep disorders in individuals with ASD and ADHD.
  • To highlight common sleep disruptions and their characteristics in these populations.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent research reports.
  • Analysis of findings related to sleep patterns, architecture, and associated conditions.

Main Results:

  • Sleep disruptions like prolonged sleep onset, fragmentation, and daytime sleepiness are prevalent in both ASD and ADHD.
  • Parasomnias are common in ASD; sleep disordered breathing and restless legs syndrome are linked to ADHD.
  • Abnormal sleep architecture, including REM sleep abnormalities, is reported in both conditions.
  • The influence of psychiatric comorbidities on sleep disorders has been examined.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disorders are a significant concern for individuals with ASD and ADHD.
  • Effective diagnosis and treatment of sleep disorders can enhance daytime behavior and overall well-being.
  • Further research with well-defined populations is needed to understand sleep characteristics and improve interventions.
Abstract

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