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[Insomnia in children with autism spectrum disorder]

Melva Gissele Flores1,2, María Eugenia Russi2, Xenia Alonso2

  • 1Servicio de Neuropediatría, Hospital Sant Joan De Déu, Barcelona, España.

Medicina
|February 16, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) worsen core symptoms and behavioral issues. Addressing sleep early can improve overall health and functioning in children with ASD.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Pediatric sleep medicine
  • Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research

Background:

  • Sleep disturbances are common in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • These sleep problems are linked to cognitive deficits and emotional dysregulation, worsening ASD symptoms.
  • The association between sleep issues and core ASD manifestations highlights the need for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between sleep problems, cognitive function, and affective dysregulation in pediatric ASD.
  • To underscore the importance of addressing sleep issues in children with ASD for improved health outcomes.
  • To propose a stepped medical treatment algorithm for sleep problems in ASD.

Main Methods:

  • Observational analysis of the association between sleep problems and core ASD symptoms.
  • Review of existing literature on sleep disturbances in pediatric ASD.
  • Development of a stepped treatment algorithm based on clinical response.

Main Results:

  • Sleep problems in ASD exacerbate core symptoms and increase risks for behavioral issues like irritability and hyperactivity.
  • Intervention for sleep problems in childhood ASD is associated with improvements in physical, mental, cognitive, and adaptive functioning.
  • A stepped treatment approach is recommended, starting with pediatric long-release melatonin (PRLM).

Conclusions:

  • Addressing sleep problems in children and adolescents with ASD is crucial for mitigating core symptoms and associated health issues.
  • Early intervention for sleep disturbances can significantly enhance cognitive and adaptive functioning in individuals with ASD.
  • A stepwise pharmacological approach, beginning with PRLM, is suggested for managing sleep problems in pediatric ASD.

Keywords:
autistic spectrum disorderinsomniainsomnia treatment in ASDsleep problems in ASD

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