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Sleep correlates of pervasive developmental disorders: a review of the literature

Jill A Hollway1, Michael G Aman

  • 1The Nisonger Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States. hollway.3@osu.edu

Research in Developmental Disabilities
|May 17, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Sleep problems are common in children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs). Autism symptom severity, internalizing, and externalizing behaviors are key factors contributing to insomnia in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Child Psychology

Background:

  • Sleep disturbance is prevalent in the general pediatric population.
  • Children with pervasive developmental disorders (PDDs) experience sleep issues more frequently.
  • Unique characteristics of PDDs can exacerbate sleep problems.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review behavioral, cognitive, and emotional factors linked to sleep disturbance in children with PDDs.
  • To identify predisposing factors for insomnia in children with PDDs.
  • To propose a theoretical framework for understanding sleep disturbance in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of 38 sleep studies involving children with PDDs.
  • Inclusion criteria focused on studies using subjective or objective sleep measures.
  • Evaluated studies for sample matching and control of confounding variables.

Main Results:

  • Autism symptom severity, internalizing behaviors, and externalizing behaviors were primary predictors of insomnia.
  • Medical conditions, epilepsy, and medication use also correlated with sleep disturbance.
  • These factors likely interact, increasing the risk of sleep loss in children with PDDs.

Conclusions:

  • A combination of autism symptom severity and behavioral issues significantly contributes to insomnia in children with PDDs.
  • Medical comorbidities and medication use are associated factors.
  • A bidirectional model is proposed to guide future research on pediatric PDD sleep disturbance.

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