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The Relationship between Sleep Problems, Neurobiological Alterations, Core Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder, and

Luigi Mazzone1, Valentina Postorino2, Martina Siracusano3,4

  • 1Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, System Medicine Department, Tor Vergata University Hospital of Rome, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy. gigimazzone@yahoo.it.

Journal of Clinical Medicine
|May 13, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) frequently experience sleep problems, impacting families and potentially worsening behavioral issues. This overview explores neurobiological, genetic, and architectural factors contributing to sleep disturbances in ASD.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics
  • Genetics

Background:

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is associated with a high prevalence of sleep disturbances, affecting 50-80% of affected children.
  • Sleep problems in children with ASD exacerbate parental stress, reduce family quality of life, and may worsen behavioral challenges.
  • The exact causal relationship between ASD and sleep disorders is complex and not fully understood, necessitating further investigation into potential etiological factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the multifactorial etiology of sleep problems in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  • To examine neurobiological alterations, genetic mutations, and disrupted sleep architecture as potential causes of sleep disturbances in ASD.
  • To explore the relationship between sleep problems and core ASD symptoms, as well as associated clinical and psychiatric comorbidities.

Main Methods:

  • This study is an overview and synthesis of existing research on sleep disturbances in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  • It examines proposed etiological explanations, including neurobiological, genetic, and sleep architecture disruptions.
  • The review also considers the impact of core ASD symptoms and comorbidities on sleep patterns.

Main Results:

  • Sleep problems in ASD are likely multifactorial, stemming from a combination of neurobiological, genetic, and architectural factors.
  • Disrupted sleep architecture and neurobiological alterations are significant contributors to sleep disturbances in this population.
  • Core symptoms of ASD and associated comorbidities may directly influence or be influenced by sleep problems.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the complex etiology of sleep problems in ASD is crucial for developing targeted interventions.
  • Addressing sleep disturbances can potentially alleviate associated behavioral issues and improve the quality of life for children with ASD and their families.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise causal pathways and inform clinical management strategies for sleep disorders in ASD.

Keywords:
Autism Spectrum Disorderbehavioral problemscomorbiditiesetiologysleep problems

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