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Sleep Difficulties and Medications in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Registry Study

Beth A Malow1, Terry Katz2, Ann M Reynolds2

  • 1Sleep Disorders Division, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee; beth.malow@vanderbilt.edu.

Pediatrics
|February 25, 2016
PubMed

Insights

Sleep difficulties affect 71% of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), impacting behavior. Medications are common but linked to poorer outcomes, highlighting the need for better interventions.

Area of Science:

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

Background:

  • Sleep difficulties are prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • These sleep issues significantly impact children's daytime behavior and quality of life.
  • Understanding sleep patterns and medication use in ASD is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of sleep difficulties in children with ASD.
  • To analyze patterns of sleep medication use in this population.
  • To investigate the relationship between sleep problems, medication, and daytime behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of data from 1518 children aged 4-10 years in the Autism Speaks Autism Treatment Network Registry.
  • Utilized parent-completed questionnaires (Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire) and clinician-completed forms.
  • Examined sleep diagnoses and prescribed sleep medications.

Main Results:

  • 71% of children with ASD reported clinically significant sleep problems.
  • Sleep diagnoses were less frequent (30%) than reported sleep difficulties.
  • Medications were used by 46% of children with a sleep diagnosis, with melatonin being most common. Children on sleep medication showed worse daytime behavior and quality of life.

Conclusions:

  • Parental concerns about sleep in ASD may be underreported in clinical settings, necessitating improved screening.
  • Current sleep medications in children with ASD are associated with adverse effects and poorer outcomes.
  • There is a critical need for evidence-based sleep interventions for children with autism spectrum disorder.
Abstract

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