Beyond challenging behaviors, sleep maintenance problems in autistic youth at the time of hospitalization are associated with increased caregiver strain
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
View abstract on PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.Sleep maintenance problems in autistic children significantly increase caregiver stress and impact self-efficacy, independent of challenging behaviors. Early sleep interventions are crucial for vulnerable families.
Area Of Science
- Child Psychiatry
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Sleep Medicine
Background
- Autistic children face higher psychiatric hospitalization risks due to challenging behaviors.
- Sleep disturbances exacerbate caregiver burden and compromise home safety.
- Understanding sleep's impact on caregiver well-being is critical for intervention.
Purpose Of The Study
- To determine if caregiver-reported sleep problems in autistic children predict caregiver stress and self-efficacy.
- To assess this prediction independently of the severity of the child's challenging behaviors.
Main Methods
- 598 autistic children (4-20 years) and their caregivers admitted to psychiatric units.
- Caregiver reports on child sleep initiation/maintenance problems.
- Hierarchical linear regression analyses controlling for child irritability and other characteristics.
Main Results
- 59% of children had reported sleep problems.
- Sleep maintenance issues correlated with increased parental distress and perceived child difficulty, beyond behavior severity.
- Sleep initiation problems did not predict caregiver outcomes.
- Lower income and single caregivers experienced greater negative impacts on self-efficacy.
Conclusions
- Sleep maintenance problems independently elevate caregiver strain.
- Social and financial resources may mitigate the adverse effects of sleep problems.
- Targeted sleep interventions can support autistic children and their families.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
These videos have been matched automatically. Contact us if they are not relevant.
Related Concept Videos
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.
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...
Insomnia is a prevalent sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, frequent awakenings during the night, and waking up too early without being able to return to sleep. People with insomnia often experience these disruptions at least three nights a week for at least one month. Chronic insomnia, which lasts for at least three months, can lead to increased anxiety, which in turn can worsen sleep difficulties, creating a cycle of sleeplessness and stress.
Multiple factors contribute...
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Substance use disorders involve a pattern of using drugs more extensively than intended and continuing use despite harmful consequences. This includes legal substances like alcohol and nicotine, as well as illegal drugs. These disorders often involve both physical and psychological dependence, reflecting compulsive use of substances that significantly alter thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, contributing to a major public health issue.
Understanding the concepts of physical dependence,...
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...