Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 19, 2026

Measuring Neural Mechanisms Underlying Sleep-Dependent Memory Consolidation During Naps in Early Childhood
Published on: October 2, 2019
Altered sleep spindle characteristics in children with autism spectrum Disorder: A potential neurophysiological
Hakan Erçelebi1, Pınar Özbudak2, Deniz Menderes2
1Division of Child Neurology, Baskent University Ankara Hospital, Ankara, Turkey.
Objective:
Neurophysiological biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remain limited, and sleep spindle alterations reflecting thalamocortical network function are not yet fully characterized; therefore, we aimed to compare sleep spindle features between children with ASD and typically developing peers.
Methods:
In this observational cross-sectional study, polysomnography-derived sleep spindle parameters including amplitude, frequency, duration, density, and activity, were analyzed during stage 2 non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep in children with ASD and compared with those of age-matched healthy controls.
Results:
The amplitude, number, density, and activity of sleep spindles were significantly reduced in children with ASD compared to the control group, while spindle duration was significantly longer. Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the spindle amplitude, number of spindles, spindle density, and spindle activity were significantly associated with ASD. In the multivariate analysis, a higher number of spindles (p = 0.033, OR = 0.776, 95 % CI: 0.615-0.979) and greater spindle activity (p = 0.015, OR = 0.954, 95 % CI: 0.919-0.991) were significantly associated with a reduced likelihood of ASD.
Conclusions:
Sleep spindle abnormalities in ASD may reflect alterations in thalamocortical dynamics and could represent an objective marker of neurodevelopmental dysfunction.
Significance:
Quantitative sleep spindle analysis may represent a scalable, non-invasive neurophysiological biomarker with potential applications in early identification, mechanistic research, and outcome monitoring in ASD.
Related Concept Videos
Autism Spectrum Disorder
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.
Sleep-Wake Cycles
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
REM Sleep Behavior Disorder
RBD is significantly associated with...

