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Sleep disturbances are associated with greater healthcare utilization in children with autism spectrum disorder

Shirley Solomon1, Leena Elbedour1,2, Gal Meiri1,3

  • 1Azrieli National Centre for Autism and Neurodevelopment Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel.

Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
|June 7, 2024
PubMed

Insights

Sleep disturbances are common in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and significantly increase their healthcare utilization. These children are more likely to experience co-occurring conditions and require emergency room visits and hospitalizations.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Sleep Medicine

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances are prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • These sleep issues correlate with the severity of co-occurring symptoms in ASD.
  • Understanding healthcare utilization related to sleep disturbances in ASD is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the extent of healthcare utilization in children with ASD experiencing sleep disturbances.
  • To examine clinical outcomes associated with sleep disturbances in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective, cross-sectional study involving 541 children with ASD.
  • The Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ) identified sleep disturbances (total score ≥ 48).
  • Sociodemographic data, co-occurring conditions, medication use, and healthcare visits (hospitalizations, ER) were compared between groups.

Main Results:

  • Nearly half (47.5%) of children with ASD had sleep disturbances.
  • Children with sleep disturbances showed higher rates of multiple co-occurring conditions (19.1%) and medication use (45.5%).
  • ASD children with sleep disturbances were 1.72 times more likely to visit the ER and 2.71 times more likely to be hospitalized.

Conclusions:

  • Sleep disturbances are linked to increased healthcare utilization in children with ASD.
  • Further research should explore if treating sleep disturbances improves overall clinical outcomes.
  • Targeting sleep issues may reduce healthcare burdens in ASD.
Abstract

Keywords:
AutismAutism spectrum disorder (ASD)Co-occurring conditionsHealthcare utilizationMedication useMelatoninSleepSleep disturbances

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