Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 28, 2026

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research
08:42

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research

Published on: July 31, 2017

8.9K

Sleep problems are more frequent and associated with problematic behaviors in preschoolers with autism spectrum

Ikuko Hirata1, Ikuko Mohri2, Kumi Kato-Nishimura3

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-2 Yamadaoka, Suita, Osaka 5650871, Japan.

Research in Developmental Disabilities
|December 18, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience more sleep problems, including obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, which are linked to behavioral issues. Addressing sleep difficulties in ASD may improve behavior.

Area of Science:

  • Developmental Psychology
  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder Research

Background:

  • Sleep problems are prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often co-occurring with behavioral challenges.
  • Limited research exists on sleep disturbances among children with ASD in Japan.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare sleep problems in Japanese preschoolers with and without ASD.
  • To investigate the relationship between sleep problems and behavioral issues in preschoolers with ASD.

Main Methods:

  • Sleep problems were assessed using the Japanese Sleep Questionnaire for Preschoolers in 965 community and 193 ASD preschoolers.
  • Behavioral problems were evaluated in 107 ASD preschoolers using the Child Behavior Checklist.

Main Results:

  • ASD preschoolers exhibited significantly higher rates of sleep problems, including obstructive sleep apnea and parasomnias, compared to community controls.
  • ASD preschoolers with sleep problems demonstrated more behavioral problems.
  • The severity of sleep problems, particularly insomnia, strongly correlated with behavioral issues in ASD preschoolers.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep problems, notably obstructive sleep apnea, are more frequent in Japanese preschoolers with ASD.
  • Sleep disturbances, especially insomnia, are associated with problematic behaviors in this population, highlighting the need for targeted interventions.
Abstract

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)Behavioral problemJapanese Sleep Questionnaire for PreschoolersObstructive sleep apnea (OSA)Preschool childrenSleep problem

More Related Videos

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

17.3K
Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism09:03

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism

Published on: March 27, 2012

46.8K

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.
1.7K
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...
780
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...
2.4K
Modeling in Therapy01:26

Modeling in Therapy

Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in...
698
Sleep-Wake Cycles01:24

Sleep-Wake Cycles

Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and  rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
3.2K
Insomnia01:27

Insomnia

Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
576