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Parasympathetic functioning and sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder

Hillary K Schiltz1,2,3, Rachel M Fenning2,4, Stephen A Erath5

  • 1Department of Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA.

Autism Research : Official Journal of the International Society for Autism Research
|September 17, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and higher respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) reactivity showed fewer sleep problems. This suggests targeting parasympathetic nervous system regulation may improve sleep in ASD.

Area of Science:

  • Psychophysiology
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders
  • Sleep Science

Background:

  • Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA), a marker of parasympathetic nervous system activity, is linked to sleep quality in typically developing children.
  • Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often experience significant sleep disturbances.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between RSA, sleep problems, and sleep duration in children with ASD.
  • To explore the predictive role of baseline RSA and RSA reactivity on sleep quality in children with ASD.

Main Methods:

  • Fifty-four children with ASD (aged 6-10 years) participated.
  • RSA was measured using a wired MindWare system during baseline and challenge tasks.
  • Parent-reported sleep problems and duration were assessed using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Abbreviated.

Main Results:

  • No direct correlations were found between RSA indices and parent-reported sleep problems or duration.
  • Baseline RSA and RSA reactivity interacted: higher baseline RSA predicted fewer sleep problems only in children with higher RSA reactivity.
  • Neither main effects nor interactions of RSA predicted sleep duration.

Conclusions:

  • Children with ASD exhibiting higher baseline RSA and RSA reactivity may possess resilience against sleep problems.
  • Targeting parasympathetic nervous system regulation through psychophysiological interventions could be a viable strategy to improve sleep in children with ASD.
  • Personalized interventions based on individual physiological markers of risk and resilience are warranted.

Keywords:
ASDRSAautism spectrum disorderparasympathetic nervous systemrespiratory sinus arrhythmiasleep

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