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Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sleep

Kyle P Johnson1, Paria Zarrinnegar1

  • 1Division of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Mailcode: DC-7P, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, USA.

The Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|February 1, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often face sleep disturbances like insomnia. Effective treatments include behavioral interventions, parental education, and melatonin, which can improve daytime behavior and reduce parental stress.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances, especially insomnia, are highly prevalent in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • Sleep deprivation in this population is linked to increased daytime behavioral issues and parental stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the epidemiology of sleep disturbances in children and adolescents with ASD.
  • To discuss the latest evidence-based treatment options for sleep problems in this demographic.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of epidemiological data on sleep disturbances in ASD.
  • Synthesis of current research on treatment efficacy for sleep issues in youth with ASD.

Main Results:

  • Youth with ASD exhibit significantly higher rates of sleep disturbances compared to the general population.
  • Behavioral interventions, parental education, and melatonin have demonstrated effectiveness in managing these sleep issues.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disturbances are a critical concern for children and adolescents with ASD, impacting behavior and family well-being.
  • A multi-faceted approach combining behavioral strategies, education, and pharmacological options like melatonin is recommended for treatment.

Keywords:
AutismBehavioralChildrenInsomniaMelatoninPediatricSleep

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