Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 6, 2025

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
09:13

Testing Sensory and Multisensory Function in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Published on: April 22, 2015

16.6K

Sleep Disturbance in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross Sectional Study

G K Kundu1, C R Tabassum, E R Nandi

  • 1Dr Gopen Kumar Kundu, Associate Professor, Paediatric Neurology. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU), Dhaka, Bangladesh;

Mymensingh Medical Journal : MMJ
|July 3, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Sleep disturbances are common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This study found significant associations between sleep patterns, like awakening and starting times, and ASD severity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep problems are prevalent in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
  • Sensory issues and anxiety are potential contributing factors to sleep disturbances in ASD.
  • Understanding sleep patterns is crucial for managing ASD symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the patterns and severity of sleep disturbances in children diagnosed with ASD.
  • To identify specific sleep characteristics associated with ASD.

Main Methods:

  • A descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted with 59 children (aged 3-15) diagnosed with ASD.
  • Sleep disturbances were assessed using a standard questionnaire.
  • Data collected from October 2017 to September 2018 at IPNA and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka.

Main Results:

  • The mean age of participants was 49.78±20.69 months, with a male to female ratio of approximately 4:1.
  • Over two-thirds (69.2%) of patients experienced sleep awakenings, with higher prevalence in mild ASD.
  • More than half (56.4%) had delayed sleep onset (12 am-2 am), more common in mild ASD.
  • Both sleep awakening and sleep starting times showed a statistically significant association with ASD severity (p<0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Sleep awakening and sleep starting times are significantly linked to the severity of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  • These findings highlight the importance of addressing sleep disturbances in the management of ASD.
  • Further research into the underlying mechanisms of sleep problems in ASD is warranted.

More Related Videos

A Familiarization Protocol Facilitates the Participation of Children with ASD in Electrophysiological Research08:42

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

Published on: July 31, 2017

8.3K
Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism09:03

Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism

Published on: March 27, 2012

45.8K

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.
206
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...
156
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...
369
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...
141
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:
1.5K
Oppositional Defiant Disorder01:30

Oppositional Defiant Disorder

A persistent pattern of angry or irritable mood, defiant behavior, or vindictiveness characterizes Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD). Symptoms must occur over at least six months, involve interactions with individuals beyond siblings, and meet specific diagnostic criteria to be clinically significant. The disorder affects emotional regulation, social interactions, and behavior, often manifesting early in life and influencing long-term development and functioning.
Diagnostic Criteria and...
130