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Simard V, Aubry-Guzzi MA, Chapleau I, Moënner M, François N, Champagne N. Changes in Sleep of Families After the Arrival of an Autism Service Dog. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06546-5. [PMID: 39249574 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06546-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the changes in sleep quality and quantity among families following the arrival of an autism service dog. We hypothesized that the sleep of the child or adolescent with autism spectrum disorder (assessed objectively with actigraphy and subjectively with a parent-reported sleep diary), and of both parents (assessed by self-reported diaries) would improve after the dog's arrival. The sleep of 18 youths (15 boys) aged from 5 to 16 years (M = 8.86), and of their parents (14 mothers, 11 fathers) was assessed for a 5- to 7-day period before (pretest) and eight to ten weeks after the dog's arrival (posttest). A designated parent (the same at the pretest and posttest) completed the sleep diary of the child, who wore an actiwatch in the meantime. Significant improvement in most sleep parameters was observed from pretest to posttest for the child and the mother, as reported in the sleep diaries. However, there was no improvement in the child's sleep when assessed objectively. Fathers' sleep duration increased after the dog's arrival, when adjusting for the child's age. All significant effects had medium to large sizes. This study provides the first quantitative evidence of the positive effect of autism service dogs on the sleep of families. These findings suggest that the dog's presence may increase the sense of safety for the child, who would resume sleeping faster or stay in the bedroom after nocturnal awakenings, leading to improved parents' sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Simard
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles-Le Moyne, Bureau 200, Longueuil, QC, J4K 0A8, Canada.
- Charles-Le Moyne Research Center, Longueuil, QC, Canada.
- Research Center of the Sainte-Justine University Hospital, Montreal, QC, Canada.
| | - Marie-Aude Aubry-Guzzi
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles-Le Moyne, Bureau 200, Longueuil, QC, J4K 0A8, Canada
| | - Isabelle Chapleau
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles-Le Moyne, Bureau 200, Longueuil, QC, J4K 0A8, Canada
| | - Marina Moënner
- Departement of Psychology, Université de Sherbrooke, 150 Place Charles-Le Moyne, Bureau 200, Longueuil, QC, J4K 0A8, Canada
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Martinez-Cayuelas E, Moreno-Vinués B, Pérez-Sebastián I, Gavela-Pérez T, Del Rio-Camacho G, Garcés C, Soriano-Guillén L. Sleep problems and circadian rhythm functioning in autistic children, autism with co-occurring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and typically developing children: A comparative study. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2024:13623613241254594. [PMID: 38813763 DOI: 10.1177/13623613241254594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Sleep problems are common in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and different factors can contribute to its occurrence in this population. Misalignment of the biological clock (our circadian system) has been described as one possible explanation. While there is a body of research on sleep problems, relatively less is known about circadian functioning and the specific population of autistic children with co-occurring attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Using an ambulatory circadian monitoring (ACM) system, which resembles a common watch, we gathered sleep parameters and the different rhythms obtained from measuring motor activity, light exposure and distal temperature in 87 autistic children and adolescents, 27 of whom were diagnosed with co-occurring ADHD, and 30 neurotypical children and adolescents as a comparison group. Autistic children and, especially, those with co-occurring ADHD showed greater motor activity during sleep which would be worth studying in future projects which could better define this restless sleep. Of note, we observed an atypical pattern of wrist temperature, with higher values in neurotypical children, followed by autistic children and, ultimately, those with co-occurring ADHD. Temperature is one of the most valuable factors evaluated here as it is closely connected to sleep-wakefulness and the hormone melatonin. Its special pattern during day and nighttime would support the hypothesis of an atypical secretion of melatonin in autistic individuals which would also link with the higher presence of sleep problems in this neurodevelopmental condition.
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Martinez-Cayuelas E, Gavela-Pérez T, Rodrigo-Moreno M, Losada-Del Pozo R, Moreno-Vinues B, Garces C, Soriano-Guillén L. Sleep Problems, Circadian Rhythms, and Their Relation to Behavioral Difficulties in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:1712-1726. [PMID: 36869970 PMCID: PMC9984759 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-05934-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
This was an exploratory cross-sectional study comparing 45 children with ASD to 24 typically developing drug-naïve controls, group-matched on age, sex, and body mass index. Objective data was obtained using the following: an ambulatory circadian monitoring device; saliva samples to determine dim light melatonin onset (DLMO): and three parent-completed measures: the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL); the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R); and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ28). The CBCL and RBS-R scales showed the highest scores amongst poor sleepers with ASD. Sleep fragmentation was associated with somatic complaints and self-injury, leading to a higher impact on family life. Sleep onset difficulties were associated with withdrawal, anxiety, and depression. Those with phase advanced DLMO had lower scores for "somatic complaints"; "anxious/depressed" state; and "social problems", suggesting that this phenomenon has a protective role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martinez-Cayuelas
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
- Hospital Universitario Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Avenida Reyes Católicos n2, 28040 Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Gavela-Pérez
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Rodrigo-Moreno
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Losada-Del Pozo
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Moreno-Vinues
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Garces
- Lipid Laboratory, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leandro Soriano-Guillén
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigaciones Sanitarias-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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4
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Berenguer C, Rosa E, De Stasio S, Choque Olsson N. Sleep quality relates to language impairment in children with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disability. Sleep Med 2024; 117:99-106. [PMID: 38522116 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2024.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aimed to identify sleep quality profiles of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), to compare these profiles with those of typically developing (TD) children, and to verify whether there are differences between them in terms of language skills. METHODS We evaluated the sleep quality and language skills of 47 children with ASD without intellectual disability (ID) and 32 children with TD. Using a hierarchical cluster analysis, we identified two sleep quality ASD profiles (poor and good). We then performed a series of MANCOVAs and ANOVAs to compare the sleep quality and language skills of the two ASD clusters and the TD group. RESULTS A main group effect (TD, "poor" cluster, and "good" cluster) was found in the total sleep quality and all its dimensions. Significant differences were revealed between the "good" and "poor" clusters in the total structural language score (F1,46 = 10.75, p < 0.001) and three of its subscales (speech: F1,46 = 9.19, p < 0.001; syntax, F1,46 = 8.61, p = 0.001; coherence: F1,46 = 11.36, p < 0.001); the total pragmatic language score (F1,46 = 7.00, p = 0.001) and three of its subscales (inappropriate initiation: F1,46 = 8.02, p = 0.001; use of context: F1,46 = 8.07, p = 0.001; nonverbal communication: F1,46 = 7.35, p = 0.001); and the social relations score (F1,46 = 9.97, p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS Sleep quality in children with ASD (especially a subgroup) is worse than in children with TD. There is an association between sleep quality and language skills, both at the pragmatic and structural levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Berenguer
- Department of Developmental and Educational Psychology, ERI-Lectura Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy University of Valencia, Blasco Ibanez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Eva Rosa
- Department of Basic Psychology, ERI-Lectura, Faculty of Psychology and Speech Therapy, University of Valencia, Blasco Ibanez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Simona De Stasio
- Department of Human Studies, LUMSA University, Piazza Delle Vaschette, 101, 00193, Rome, Italy.
| | - Nora Choque Olsson
- Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Bianca B, Silvia G, Elisa F, Deny M, Giovanni V, Lino N, Stefano V. Insomnia in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Study on Clinical Correlates and Parental Stress. J Autism Dev Disord 2024; 54:46-55. [PMID: 36310306 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-022-05793-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
Insomnia is one of the most common co-occurring disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this cross-sectional cohort study of 270 children with ASD was to assess the prevalence of insomnia using the Pediatric Sleep Clinical Global Impression Scale and to correlate sleep problems with cognitive level, adaptive behavior, parental stress, behavioral and emotional problems, and severity of core symptoms. Our findings revealed that one-third of children had insomnia and were related to reduced adaptive behaviors and higher levels of parental stress and behavioral and emotional problems. Insomnia must be evaluated in children with ASD to define an appropriate intervention to potentially alleviate the severity of clinical correlates and parental burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berloco Bianca
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience-Rehabilitation-Ophthalmology-Genetics-Child and Maternal Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Guerrera Silvia
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Fucà Elisa
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Menghini Deny
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valeri Giovanni
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
| | - Nobili Lino
- Department of Neuroscience-Rehabilitation-Ophthalmology-Genetics-Child and Maternal Health (DINOGMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Child Neuropsychiatry, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Vicari Stefano
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Unit, Department of Neuroscience, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza Sant'Onofrio 4, 00165, Rome, Italy
- Department of Life Sciences and Public Health, Catholic University, Rome, Italy
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Taylor BJ, Pedersen KA, Mazefsky CA, Lamy MA, Reynolds CF, Strathmann WR, Siegel M. From Alert Child to Sleepy Adolescent: Age Trends in Chronotype, Social Jetlag, and Sleep Problems in Youth with Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06187-0. [PMID: 38017309 PMCID: PMC11215932 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06187-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Developmental changes in sleep in youth with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are understudied. In non-ASD youth, adolescents exhibit a "night owl chronotype" (i.e., later sleep/wake timing) and social jetlag (i.e., shifts in sleep timing across school nights and weekends), with corresponding sleep problems. The purpose of this study is to evaluate age trends in chronotype, social jetlag, and sleep problems in high-risk youth with ASD. METHODS Youth with ASD (N = 171), ages 5-21 years old, were enrolled at the time of admission to specialized psychiatric units. Caregivers reported children's demographic information, habitual sleep timing, and sleep problems. Multivariate analyses evaluated the effect of age on chronotype, social jetlag, and sleep problems and the effects of chronotype and social jetlag on sleep problems. Covariates and moderators included sex, race, verbal ability, autism symptom severity, supplemental melatonin, and pubertal status. RESULTS Older age was associated with later chronotype, more social jetlag, fewer sleep anxiety/co-sleeping problems, fewer night waking and parasomnia problems, and more daytime alertness problems. The effect of age on chronotype was stronger for youth with greater social affective symptom severity. Mediation analyses showed that later chronotype statistically mediated the association between age and daytime alertness problems. CONCLUSIONS Youth with ASD may exhibit night owl chronotype behavior and social jetlag as they enter adolescence. Shifts toward a later chronotype may be exacerbated by autism severity and may contribute to alertness problems and sleepiness during the day. Chronotype is modifiable and may be leveraged to improve daytime functioning in youth with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana J Taylor
- Life Sciences and Medical Research, The Roux Institute at Northeastern University, 100 Fore Street, Portland, ME, 04101, USA.
- Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA.
- MaineHealth, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Portland, ME, USA.
| | - Kahsi A Pedersen
- MaineHealth, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Portland, ME, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carla A Mazefsky
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Martine A Lamy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Charles F Reynolds
- MaineHealth, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Portland, ME, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Matthew Siegel
- MaineHealth, Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Portland, ME, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Kuha T, Saarelainen T, Huhdanpää H, Maasalo K, Paavonen EJ, Aronen ET. Sleep and psychiatric symptoms in young child psychiatric outpatients - a Follow-up study. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1536-1549. [PMID: 36476058 PMCID: PMC10540491 DOI: 10.1177/13591045221143575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of the continuity of sleep problems and the associations between sleep and psychiatric symptoms in child psychiatric patients is scarce. OBJECTIVES To investigate the persistency of sleep problems and how sleep at preschool age predicts sleep problems and psychiatric symptoms at school age in child psychiatric patients. METHODS Participants (n = 68) were child psychiatry outpatients at Helsinki University Hospital in 2015-2017. Caregivers evaluated sleep with the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) and psychiatric symptoms with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) at baseline (age 4-7 years) and again at follow-up (age 8-13 years). Family background information was collected at both time points. RESULTS Sleep problems at preschool age predicted sleep problems at school age (R2Adjusted = .48, p < .001). Persistent sleep problems associated strongly with the intensity of psychiatric symptoms (p = .001). Internalizing symptoms were predicted by sleep problems (p = .038) even after controlling for age, sex, and psychiatric symptoms at preschool age. CONCLUSION Sleep problems are prevalent and persistent and relate to psychiatric symptoms in children treated at child psychiatry clinics. These results emphasize the need for identification and treatment of sleep problems in these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiia Kuha
- Child Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Pediatric Research Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Taru Saarelainen
- Child Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Pediatric Research Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Huhdanpää
- Child Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Pediatric Research Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katri Maasalo
- Child Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Pediatric Research Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - E Juulia Paavonen
- Child Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Pediatric Research Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Public Health, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Eeva T Aronen
- Child Psychiatry, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Pediatric Research Center, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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Shui AM, Lampinen LA, Richdale A, Katz T. Predicting future sleep problems in young autistic children. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2023; 27:2063-2085. [PMID: 36755236 DOI: 10.1177/13623613231152963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Sleep problems are common in autistic children and negatively impact daytime functioning. A method for predicting sleep problems could help with treatment and prevention of such problems. This study aimed to determine predictors of sleep problems among young autistic children. Study participants consisted of autistic children aged 2-5 years who did not have sleep problems at a first visit (Autism Treatment Network Registry) and had sleep data available at a subsequent visit (Registry Call-Back Assessment study). Sleep problems for five study cohorts of children were defined by different methods, including parent questionnaires and parent- or clinician-report of sleep problems. We found that self-injurious behavior, sensory issues, dental problems, and lower primary caregiver education level were significant risk factors of future sleep problems. These predictors may help clinicians provide prevention or earlier treatment for children who are at risk of developing sleep problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Shui
- Massachusetts General Hospital, USA
- University of California, San Francisco, USA
| | | | | | - Terry Katz
- University of Colorado School of Medicine, USA
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9
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O'Sullivan R, Bissell S, Hamilton A, Bagshaw A, Richards C. Concordance of objective and subjective measures of sleep in children with neurodevelopmental conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Sleep Med Rev 2023; 71:101814. [PMID: 37422998 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2023.101814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to delineate the concordance of objective and subjective measures of sleep in children with neurodevelopmental conditions (NDCs). A systematic literature search identified 31 studies that compare objective and subjective estimates of sleep parameters in autism, ADHD or rare genetic syndromes associated with intellectual disability. The meta-analyses revealed smaller mean differences and larger correlations indicative of greater concordance for parameters associated with sleep scheduling compared to parameters associated with sleep duration and night awakenings. Relative to objective measures, subjective measures produced: 1) greater estimates of total sleep time, sleep efficiency and time in bed; and 2) lower estimates of wake after sleep onset and number of night awakenings. Subgroup analyses also revealed differences in concordance between measurement comparison types (e.g., stronger correlations between actigraphy and sleep diaries, compared to actigraphy and questionnaires) and NDC diagnostic groups. The results predominantly replicate concordance trends observed in typically-developing samples, although some NDC-specific patterns of concordance were identified. This indicates that objective and subjective sleep measures retain broadly similar properties across populations, although researchers and clinicians should be cautious of the impact of NDC-related characteristics on sleep parameter estimates. These findings should inform sleep assessment design and the interpretation of sleep parameter estimates in NDCs, increasing the rigour of sleep parameter description across research and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory O'Sullivan
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK; Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Birmingham, UK.
| | - Stacey Bissell
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK; Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Anna Hamilton
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK; Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Andrew Bagshaw
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK; Centre for Human Brain Health, University of Birmingham, UK
| | - Caroline Richards
- School of Psychology, University of Birmingham, UK; Cerebra Network for Neurodevelopmental Disorders, University of Birmingham, UK
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10
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Martinez-Cayuelas E, Merino-Andreu M, Losada-Del Pozo R, Gavela-Pérez T, Garcés C, Soriano-Guillén L. Response to Melatonin Treatment in Children With Autism spectrum Disorder and Relationship to Sleep Parameters and Melatonin Levels. J Child Neurol 2023:8830738231173606. [PMID: 37192744 DOI: 10.1177/08830738231173606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Melatonin is one of the most used pharmacologic treatments for sleep problems in autism spectrum disorder, though its relationship with circadian and sleep parameters is still not well stablished. A naturalistic study was conducted in children with autism spectrum disorder, previously drug-naïve, before and after treatment with immediate-release melatonin. Circadian rhythms and sleep parameters were studied using an ambulatory circadian-monitoring device, and saliva samples were collected enabling determination of dim light melatonin onset. Twenty-six children with autism spectrum disorder (age 10.50 ± 2.91) were included. Immediate-release melatonin modified circadian rhythm as indicated by wrist skin temperature, showing an increase at night. A positive correlation was found between time of peak melatonin and sleep efficiency improvement values. Sleep-onset latency and efficiency improved with immediate-release melatonin. Immediate-release melatonin could be an effective treatment to improve sleep onset and restore a typical pattern of wrist temperature, which appears to be lost in autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martinez-Cayuelas
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria- Fundación Jiménez Díaz. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Milagros Merino-Andreu
- Neurophisiology, Sleep Unit, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Paseo de la Castellana, 261. 28046, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Losada-Del Pozo
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria- Fundación Jiménez Díaz. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Gavela-Pérez
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria- Fundación Jiménez Díaz. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Garcés
- Lipid Laboratory, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria-Fundación Jiménez Díaz. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Leandro Soriano-Guillén
- Department of Pediatrics, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria- Fundación Jiménez Díaz. Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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Maurer JJ, Choi A, An I, Sathi N, Chung S. Sleep disturbances in autism spectrum disorder: Animal models, neural mechanisms, and therapeutics. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2023; 14:100095. [PMID: 37188242 PMCID: PMC10176270 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2023.100095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Sleep is crucial for brain development. Sleep disturbances are prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Strikingly, these sleep problems are positively correlated with the severity of ASD core symptoms such as deficits in social skills and stereotypic behavior, indicating that sleep problems and the behavioral characteristics of ASD may be related. In this review, we will discuss sleep disturbances in children with ASD and highlight mouse models to study sleep disturbances and behavioral phenotypes in ASD. In addition, we will review neuromodulators controlling sleep and wakefulness and how these neuromodulatory systems are disrupted in animal models and patients with ASD. Lastly, we will address how the therapeutic interventions for patients with ASD improve various aspects of sleep. Together, gaining mechanistic insights into the neural mechanisms underlying sleep disturbances in children with ASD will help us to develop better therapeutic interventions.
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Henderson LM, St Clair M, Knowland V, van Rijn E, Walker S, Gaskell MG. Stronger Associations Between Sleep and Mental Health in Adults with Autism: A UK Biobank Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2023; 53:1543-1559. [PMID: 34860312 PMCID: PMC10066094 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05382-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
This study examined sleep and its cognitive and affective correlates in adults with and without autism spectrum disorder (ASD), utilizing UK Biobank data. There were no group differences in subjective sleep duration [n = 220 ASD; n = 2200 general population (GP)]. Accelerometer measures of sleep duration or nighttime activity did not differ by group, but sleep efficiency was marginally lower in ASD (n = 83 ASD; n = 824 GP). Sleep efficiency was associated with wellbeing and mental health, and pathways between accelerometer sleep measures and wellbeing and mental health were significantly stronger for adults with ASD (who also reported substantially poorer wellbeing and > 5 × likelihood of experiencing mental distress). These findings highlight the need to monitor sleep to maintain good mental health in adult ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M Henderson
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK.
| | - M St Clair
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - V Knowland
- Department of Speech and Language Sciences, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, Australia
| | - E van Rijn
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - S Walker
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
| | - M G Gaskell
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, YO10 5DD, UK
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Tesfaye R, Huguet G, Schmilovich Z, Renne T, Loum MA, Douard E, Saci Z, Jean-Louis M, Martineau JL, Whelan R, Desrivieres S, Heinz A, Schumann G, Hayward C, Elsabbagh M, Jacquemont S. Investigating the contributions of circadian pathway and insomnia risk genes to autism and sleep disturbances. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:424. [PMID: 36192372 PMCID: PMC9529939 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02188-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep disturbance is prevalent in youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Researchers have posited that circadian dysfunction may contribute to sleep problems or exacerbate ASD symptomatology. However, there is limited genetic evidence of this. It is also unclear how insomnia risk genes identified through GWAS in general populations are related to ASD and common sleep problems like insomnia traits in ASD. We investigated the contribution of copy number variants (CNVs) encompassing circadian pathway genes and insomnia risk genes to ASD risk as well as sleep disturbances in children with ASD. We studied 5860 ASD probands and 2092 unaffected siblings from the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC) and MSSNG database, as well as 7509 individuals from two unselected populations (IMAGEN and Generation Scotland). Sleep duration and insomnia symptoms were parent reported for SSC probands. We identified 335 and 616 rare CNVs encompassing circadian and insomnia risk genes respectively. Deletions and duplications with circadian genes were overrepresented in ASD probands compared to siblings and unselected controls. For insomnia-risk genes, deletions (not duplications) were associated with ASD in both cohorts. Results remained significant after adjusting for cognitive ability. CNVs containing circadian pathway and insomnia risk genes showed a stronger association with ASD, compared to CNVs containing other genes. Circadian genes did not influence sleep duration or insomnia traits in ASD. Insomnia risk genes intolerant to haploinsufficiency increased risk for insomnia when duplicated. CNVs encompassing circadian and insomnia risk genes increase ASD liability with little to no observable impacts on sleep disturbances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rackeb Tesfaye
- McGill University, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, Azrieli Centre for Autism Research, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Guillaume Huguet
- UHC Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Thomas Renne
- UHC Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mor Absa Loum
- UHC Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Elise Douard
- UHC Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Zohra Saci
- UHC Sainte-Justine Research Center, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Jean Luc Martineau
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, INSERM U A10 "Trajectoires développementales en psychiatrie", Université Paris-Saclay, Paris-Saclay, CNRS, Centre Borelli, Gif-sur-Yvette, France
| | - Rob Whelan
- Global Brain Health Institute and School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sylvane Desrivieres
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Precision Medicine (PONS), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, SGDP Centre, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andreas Heinz
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy CCM, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gunter Schumann
- Centre for Population Neuroscience and Precision Medicine (PONS), Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, SGDP Centre, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- PONS Research Group, Dept of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charite Mitte, Humboldt University, Berlin and Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany, and Institute for Science and Technology of Brain-inspired Intelligence (ISTBI), Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Caroline Hayward
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
- Generation Scotland, Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, Institute of Genetics and Cancer, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, United Kingdom
| | - Mayada Elsabbagh
- McGill University, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, Azrieli Centre for Autism Research, Montreal, Canada
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14
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Taylor MJ, Larsson H, Lundström S, Lichtenstein P, Butwicka A. Etiological links between autism and difficulties in initiating and maintaining sleep: a familial co-aggregation and twin study. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2022; 63:315-323. [PMID: 34213012 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Difficulties initiating and maintaining sleep (DIMS) are frequent features of autism, yet little is known about why these conditions co-occur. One possibility is that they share etiological factors, yet this hypothesis remains to be tested using quantitative genetic designs. We thus investigated etiological links between autism and DIMS using familial co-aggregation and twin methods. METHODS Twins, siblings, half-siblings, and cousins of 50,097 individuals with autism were identified from Swedish population registries. Their risk of DIMS, defined through diagnoses of insomnia and/or melatonin prescriptions, was then estimated. Twin analyses conducted on 15,279 child and adolescent twin pairs investigated etiological links between DIMS and ASD. RESULTS 22.8% of autistic individuals had DIMS. Monozygotic co-twins of individuals with autism were most at risk of DIMS compared to the reference group (OR = 6.6 [2.5-17.4]), followed by dizygotic co-twins (OR = 2.6 [1.5-4.5]) and full siblings (OR = 2.5 [2.4-2.6]). Half-siblings and cousins of individuals with autism were least likely to have DIMS relative to the reference group (OR range = 1.3-1.5). Twin analyses estimated a correlation of 0.57 (0.53-0.61) between autism and DIMS, with a genetic correlation of 0.62 (0.60-0.68). These overlapping genetic factors explained 94% of the covariance between these conditions. Autistic traits also showed genetic overlap with DIMS. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that shared genetic mechanisms underlie autism and DIMS, which may lead them to co-occur. Untangling the etiological overlap between these conditions has potential to assist in understanding the etiology of each condition, as well as their associated outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark J Taylor
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Henrik Larsson
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Lundström
- Gillberg Neuropsychiatry Centre, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Sweden Centre for Ethics, Law and Mental Health, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Paul Lichtenstein
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agnieszka Butwicka
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Child Psychiatry, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Stockholm Health Care Services, Stockholm County Council, Stockholm, Sweden
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15
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Smidt SDE, Gooneratne N, Brodkin ES, Bucan M, Mitchell JA. Sufficient sleep duration in autistic children and the role of physical activity. AUTISM : THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND PRACTICE 2022; 26:814-826. [PMID: 34991371 PMCID: PMC9010343 DOI: 10.1177/13623613211053671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
LAY ABSTRACT Higher levels of physical activity may be associated with improved sleep in children, but this relationship is still being determined, especially in autistic children. In this study, we used existing data from the 2018 National Survey of Children's Health. Caregivers of children 6-17 years old, including caregivers of autistic children, completed a questionnaire that included questions about physical activity (days active in the past week) and sleep duration. We then determined if children were obtaining the recommended hours of sleep for their age (i.e. sufficient sleep). We found that higher physical activity levels were associated with sufficient sleep duration, but this finding was weaker in autistic children. In particular, this association was not observed in autistic children with more severe autism spectrum disorder, female autistic children, and autistic children 6-12 years old. In conclusion, physical activity is a promising approach to help children obtain sufficient sleep duration. However, more personalized approaches to improving sleep may be needed for certain groups of autistic children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacey D Elkhatib Smidt
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, USA.,JFK University Medical Center, USA.,University of Pennsylvania, USA
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16
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Whelan S, Mannion A, Madden A, Berger F, Costello R, Ghadiri S, Leader G. Examining the Relationship Between Sleep Quality, Social Functioning, and Behavior Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Nat Sci Sleep 2022; 14:675-695. [PMID: 35444482 PMCID: PMC9015051 DOI: 10.2147/nss.s239622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Over forty percent of autistic children experience poor sleep quality, and social interaction difficulties are a core characteristic of autism. However, the relationship between sleep quality and social functioning and behavior remains poorly understood. This systematic review examined the evidence concerning the impact of sleep quality on the social functioning and behavior problems in autistic children and adolescents. It also identified key related factors and evaluated how this issue has been researched to date. Seven key journals were hand-searched and five databases were systematically searched, using keywords. Titles and abstracts of 4123 items were screened against eligibility criteria by two researchers. Relevant studies were retained if they were peer-reviewed empirical papers, published in English between 2000 and 2021. Then, the full text of 97 papers was screened and if they met the eligibility criteria, their reference lists were hand-searched. Forty-six studies were included in the final review. Data were systematically extracted and two authors critically appraised the strengths and weaknesses of studies using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tools. Key themes were identified, because a meta-analysis was not possible due to the studies' heterogeneity. The review identified that sleep quality and social functioning are associated with one another and there is a small amount of evidence that a bi-directional causal relationship may exist. Evidence suggests that several nights of suboptimal sleep duration and a lack of deep continuous sleep negatively impact externalizing and internalizing behavior. Sleep quality is also reduced by anxiety and sensory sensitivity. However, longitudinal studies with larger samples are needed to establish causality. Future research needs to examine confounding factors and to develop consensus regarding best-practice processes for the objective measurement of sleep with autistic children. Additional research also needs to further examine the consequences of poor sleep quality on internalizing behavior, and the impact of socio-cultural practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally Whelan
- Irish Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Arlene Mannion
- Irish Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Azeem Madden
- Irish Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Fine Berger
- Irish Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Rachel Costello
- Irish Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Saeid Ghadiri
- Irish Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Geraldine Leader
- Irish Center for Autism and Neurodevelopmental Research (ICAN), School of Psychology, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
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17
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Martínez-Cayuelas E, Rodríguez-Morilla B, Soriano-Guillén L, Merino-Andreu M, Moreno-Vinués B, Gavela-Pérez T. Sleep Problems and Circadian Functioning in Children and Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Pediatr Neurol 2022; 126:57-64. [PMID: 34740134 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep problems are a prevalent comorbidity in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with a multifactorial basis in which circadian misalignment has been described. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted including 52 children and adolescents with ASD (9.85 ± 3.07) and 27 children and adolescent controls with normal intellectual functioning (8.81 ± 2.14). They were matched for age, sex, and body mass index, and all were drug-naïve. An ambulatory circadian monitoring device was used to record temperature and motor, body position, sleep, and light intensity. RESULTS Individuals with ASD presented longer sleep-onset latency, lower sleep efficiency, and decreased total sleep time and tended to be more sedentary and have less exposure to light. They also showed lower amplitude, low interdaily stability, and a different pattern of wrist temperature across the day, with a midpoint of sleep that did not concur with sleep midpoint indicated by the rest of circadian parameters. CONCLUSIONS The sleep problems observed in this sample resemble those reported previously, with the exception of nocturnal awakenings which did not show differences. The ambulatory circadian monitoring device enabled measurement of circadian parameters such as temperature which, until now, were scarcely described in children with ASD and could be used to better understand sleep and circadian system in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martínez-Cayuelas
- Department of Pediatrics, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Leandro Soriano-Guillén
- Department of Pediatrics, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Beatriz Moreno-Vinués
- Department of Pediatrics, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Teresa Gavela-Pérez
- Department of Pediatrics, IIS-Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
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18
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Lamônica DAC, Giacheti CM, Dias Hayssi Haduo M, Dias Dos Santos MJ, da Silva NC, Pinato L. Sleep quality, functional skills, and communication in preschool-aged children with autism spectrum disorder. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 116:104024. [PMID: 34245976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.104024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to correlate sleep quality, the performance of functional skills (mobility, self-care, and social function), communication, independence, and severity of ASD in children with ASD. METHOD 58 children between 3 and 5 years and 11 months old were investigated. The Childhood Autism Rating Scale was applied to determine the severity of autism; the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children was used to investigate sleep quality, and the Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory to investigate functional abilities and independence of the children. RESULTS 68.9 % of the children showed indicative of sleep disorders. There was no correlation between the different sleep disorders and communication. Sleep disorders showed a negative correlation with functional performance and a positive correlation with ASD severity. INTERPRETATION The current study offers an exploration between sleep and functional skills in children with ASD. These findings provide important clinical implications in the diagnosis and intervention process of children with ASD and also stimulate reflections on the importance in minimize the impact of sleep disorders and functional abilities on the quality of life of these individuals and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Celia Maria Giacheti
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Marilia, SP, Brazil
| | - Michele Dias Hayssi Haduo
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, University of São Paulo, (USP), Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Nathani Cristina da Silva
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Marilia, SP, Brazil
| | - Luciana Pinato
- Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Marilia, SP, Brazil.
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19
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Kurz EM, Conzelmann A, Barth GM, Renner TJ, Zinke K, Born J. How do children with autism spectrum disorder form gist memory during sleep? A study of slow oscillation-spindle coupling. Sleep 2021; 44:zsaa290. [PMID: 33367905 PMCID: PMC8193554 DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsaa290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep is assumed to support memory through an active systems consolidation process that does not only strengthen newly encoded representations but also facilitates the formation of more abstract gist memories. Studies in humans and rodents indicate a key role of the precise temporal coupling of sleep slow oscillations (SO) and spindles in this process. The present study aimed at bolstering these findings in typically developing (TD) children, and at dissecting particularities in SO-spindle coupling underlying signs of enhanced gist memory formation during sleep found in a foregoing study in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) without intellectual impairment. Sleep data from 19 boys with ASD and 20 TD boys (9-12 years) were analyzed. Children performed a picture-recognition task and the Deese-Roediger-McDermott (DRM) task before nocturnal sleep (encoding) and in the next morning (retrieval). Sleep-dependent benefits for visual-recognition memory were comparable between groups but were greater for gist abstraction (recall of DRM critical lure words) in ASD than TD children. Both groups showed a closely comparable SO-spindle coupling, with fast spindle activity nesting in SO-upstates, suggesting that a key mechanism of memory processing during sleep is fully functioning already at childhood. Picture-recognition at retrieval after sleep was positively correlated to frontocortical SO-fast-spindle coupling in TD children, and less in ASD children. Critical lure recall did not correlate with SO-spindle coupling in TD children but showed a negative correlation (r = -.64, p = .003) with parietal SO-fast-spindle coupling in ASD children, suggesting other mechanisms specifically conveying gist abstraction, that may even compete with SO-spindle coupling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Maria Kurz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen, Germany
- Graduate Training Centre of Neuroscience, International Max Planck Research School, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Annette Conzelmann
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen, Germany
- PFH – Private University of Applied Sciences, Department of Psychology (Clinical Psychology II), Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gottfried Maria Barth
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias J Renner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katharina Zinke
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jan Born
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Neurobiology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Werner Reichardt Centre for Integrative Neuroscience, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Institute for Diabetes Research & Metabolic Diseases of the Helmholtz Center Munich at the University Tübingen (IDM), Tübingen, Germany
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20
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Luongo A, Lukowski A, Protho T, Van Vorce H, Pisani L, Edgin J. Sleep's role in memory consolidation: What can we learn from atypical development? ADVANCES IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND BEHAVIOR 2021; 60:229-260. [PMID: 33641795 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acdb.2020.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Research conducted over the last century has suggested a role for sleep in the processes guiding healthy cognition and development, including memory consolidation. Children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) tend to have higher rates of sleep disturbances, which could relate to behavior issues, developmental delays, and learning difficulties. While several studies examine whether sleep exacerbates daytime difficulties and attention deficits in children with IDDs, this chapter focuses on the current state of knowledge regarding sleep and memory consolidation in typically developing (TD) groups and those at risk for learning difficulties. In particular, this chapter summarizes the current literature on sleep-dependent learning across developmental disabilities, including Down syndrome, Williams syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Learning Disabilities (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Dyslexia). We also highlight the gaps in the current literature and identify challenges in studying sleep-dependent memory in children with different IDDs. This burgeoning new field highlights the importance of considering the role of sleep in memory retention across long delays when evaluating children's memory processes. Further, an understanding of typical and atypical development can mutually inform recent theories of sleep's role in memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Luongo
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, Unites States
| | - A Lukowski
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - T Protho
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, Unites States
| | - H Van Vorce
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, Unites States
| | - L Pisani
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, Unites States
| | - J Edgin
- Department of Psychology, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, Unites States; University of Arizona Sonoran UCEDD, Tucson, AZ, United States.
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21
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Van Meter AR, Anderson EA. Evidence Base Update on Assessing Sleep in Youth. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 49:701-736. [PMID: 33147074 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2020.1802735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep is vital to youth well-being and when it becomes disturbed - whether due to environmental or individual factors - mental and physical health suffer. Sleep problems can also be a symptom of underlying mental health disorders. Assessing different components of sleep, including quality and hygiene, can be useful both for identifying mental health problems and for measuring changes in well-being over time. However, there are dozens of sleep-related measures for youth and it can be difficult to determine which to select for a specific research or clinical purpose. The goal of this review was to identify sleep-related measures for clinical and/or research use in youth mental health settings, and to update the evidence base on this topic. METHOD We generated a list of candidate measures based on other reviews and searched in PubMed and PsycINFO using the terms "sleep" AND (measure OR assessment OR questionnaire) AND (psychometric OR reliability OR validity). Search results were limited to studies about children and adolescents (aged 2-17) published in English. Additional criteria for inclusion were that there had to be at least three publications reporting on the measure psychometrics in community or mental health populations. Sleep measures meeting these criteria were evaluated using the criteria set by De Los Reyes and Langer (2018). RESULTS Twenty-six measures, across four domains of sleep - insomnia, sleep hygiene, sleepiness, sleep quality - met inclusion criteria. Each measure had at least adequate clinical utility. No measure(s) emerged as superior across psychometric domains. CONCLUSION Clinicians and researchers must evaluate sleep measures for each use case, as the intended purpose will dictate which measure is best. Future research is necessary to evaluate measure performance in transdiagnostic mental health populations, including youth with serious mental illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna R Van Meter
- Department of Psychiatry, Zucker Hillside Hospital.,Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Institute for Behavioral Science.,Department of Psychiatry, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
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22
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Vasa RA, Keefer A, McDonald RG, Hunsche MC, Kerns CM. A Scoping Review of Anxiety in Young Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:2038-2057. [PMID: 32978905 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Research on anxiety in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has burgeoned in the past 15 years. Most of the research has focused on school-age children, ages 6 to 18 years. Yet, recent studies suggest that anxiety can emerge in young children, under 6 years, with ASD. This scoping review synthesized the literature on anxiety in young children with ASD. Three domains of anxiety research were reviewed: (a) prevalence/severity, phenomenology, and course; (b) correlates; and (c) treatment. Four online databases were searched from the start of the database until March 2020. Keywords pertaining to anxiety, autism, and young children were entered. The search identified 44 articles for inclusion. These studies varied with respect to sample source, informants, and measures to assess anxiety. The overall prevalence of anxiety ranged from 1.6 to 62%. Sixteen of 17 studies found that young children with ASD had higher levels of anxiety compared to various control groups. A variety of DSM anxiety symptoms and disorders were present in young children with the most common symptoms being specific, social, and generalized fears. Correlates of anxiety included sensory over-responsivity, sleep disturbance, aggression/defiance, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Three cognitive behavioral treatment studies for anxiety and one developmental intervention targeting ASD symptoms showed promise in reducing anxiety. Findings indicate an early emergence of anxiety in some children with ASD. Further research on the measurement, pathophysiology, and treatment of anxiety in early childhood is critical to improving outcomes in children with ASD. LAY SUMMARY: This scoping review synthesizes the literature on anxiety in young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Results indicate that children with ASD have higher levels of anxiety than children without ASD. Potential factors that could be contributing to anxiety include sensory, sleep, and behavioral problems. Preliminary studies show that anxiety can improve with cognitive behavioral treatment. These findings suggest that research on anxiety in young children with ASD should be prioritized to improve mental health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roma A Vasa
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amy Keefer
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rachel G McDonald
- Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michelle C Hunsche
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Connor M Kerns
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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23
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Bangerter A, Chatterjee M, Manyakov NV, Ness S, Lewin D, Skalkin A, Boice M, Goodwin MS, Dawson G, Hendren R, Leventhal B, Shic F, Esbensen A, Pandina G. Relationship Between Sleep and Behavior in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Exploring the Impact of Sleep Variability. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:211. [PMID: 32265629 PMCID: PMC7105870 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective The relationship between sleep (caregiver-reported and actigraphy-measured) and other caregiver-reported behaviors in children and adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) was examined, including the use of machine learning to identify sleep variables important in predicting anxiety in ASD. Methods Caregivers of ASD (n = 144) and typically developing (TD) (n = 41) participants reported on sleep and other behaviors. ASD participants wore an actigraphy device at nighttime during an 8 or 10-week non-interventional study. Mean and variability of actigraphy measures for ASD participants in the week preceding midpoint and endpoint were calculated and compared with caregiver-reported and clinician-reported symptoms using a mixed effects model. An elastic-net model was developed to examine which sleep measures may drive prediction of anxiety. Results Prevalence of caregiver-reported sleep difficulties in ASD was approximately 70% and correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with sleep efficiency measured by actigraphy. Mean and variability of actigraphy measures like sleep efficiency and number of awakenings were related significantly (p < 0.05) to ASD symptom severity, hyperactivity and anxiety. In the elastic net model, caregiver-reported sleep, and variability of sleep efficiency and awakenings were amongst the important predictors of anxiety. Conclusion Caregivers report problems with sleep in the majority of children and adults with ASD. Reported problems and actigraphy measures of sleep, particularly variability, are related to parent reported behaviors. Measuring variability in sleep may prove useful in understanding the relationship between sleep problems and behavior in individuals with ASD. These findings may have implications for both intervention and monitoring outcomes in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Bangerter
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, Janssen Research & Development, Titusville, NJ, United States
| | - Meenakshi Chatterjee
- Computational Biology, Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research & Development, Spring House, PA, United States
| | - Nikolay V Manyakov
- Computational Biology, Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research & Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Seth Ness
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, Janssen Research & Development, Titusville, NJ, United States
| | - David Lewin
- Statistically Speaking Consulting, LLC, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Andrew Skalkin
- Computational Biology, Discovery Sciences, Janssen Research & Development, Spring House, PA, United States
| | - Matthew Boice
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, Janssen Research & Development, Titusville, NJ, United States
| | - Matthew S Goodwin
- Department of Health Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Geraldine Dawson
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke Center for Autism and Brain Development, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Robert Hendren
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Bennett Leventhal
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Frederick Shic
- Center for Child Health, Behavior and Development, Seattle Children's Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Anna Esbensen
- Division of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Gahan Pandina
- Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, Janssen Research & Development, Titusville, NJ, United States
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24
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Arazi A, Meiri G, Danan D, Michaelovski A, Flusser H, Menashe I, Tarasiuk A, Dinstein I. Reduced sleep pressure in young children with autism. Sleep 2019; 43:5680167. [DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsz309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Study Objectives
Sleep disturbances and insomnia are highly prevalent in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Sleep homeostasis, a fundamental mechanism of sleep regulation that generates pressure to sleep as a function of wakefulness, has not been studied in children with ASD so far, and its potential contribution to their sleep disturbances remains unknown. Here, we examined whether slow-wave activity (SWA), a measure that is indicative of sleep pressure, differs in children with ASD.
Methods
In this case-control study, we compared overnight electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings that were performed during Polysomnography (PSG) evaluations of 29 children with ASD and 23 typically developing children.
Results
Children with ASD exhibited significantly weaker SWA power, shallower SWA slopes, and a decreased proportion of slow-wave sleep in comparison to controls. This difference was largest during the first 2 hours following sleep onset and decreased gradually thereafter. Furthermore, SWA power of children with ASD was significantly negatively correlated with the time of their sleep onset in the lab and at home, as reported by parents.
Conclusions
These results suggest that children with ASD may have a dysregulation of sleep homeostasis that is manifested in reduced sleep pressure. The extent of this dysregulation in individual children was apparent in the amplitude of their SWA power, which was indicative of the severity of their individual sleep disturbances. We, therefore, suggest that disrupted homeostatic sleep regulation may contribute to sleep disturbances in children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayelet Arazi
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Zlotowski Center for Neuroscience, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Gal Meiri
- Pre-School Psychiatry Unit, Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Dor Danan
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Mental Health Center, Anxiety and Stress Research Unit, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Analya Michaelovski
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Zusman Child Development Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Hagit Flusser
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Zusman Child Development Center, Soroka University Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Idan Menashe
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Public Health, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ariel Tarasiuk
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Sleep-Wake Disorders Unit, Soroka Medical Center, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Ilan Dinstein
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- National Autism Research Center of Israel, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
- Department of Psychology, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
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25
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Schreck KA, Richdale AL. Sleep problems, behavior, and psychopathology in autism: inter-relationships across the lifespan. Curr Opin Psychol 2019; 34:105-111. [PMID: 31918238 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2019.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Across the lifespan, autistic individuals experience symptomatology concomitant with their diagnosis including increased rates of daytime behavior (e.g. stereotypy, self-injurious behavior, and aggression) and psychopathology (e.g. attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, and depression). In addition to this inter-related behavior and psychopathology, autistic children, adolescents, and adults consistently exhibit a wide variety of sleep problems (e.g. insomnia, reduced total sleep time, increased sleep onset latency, night waking, etc.). Early research and current research continue to describe the inter-relatedness among these daytime behaviors, psychopathology, and sleep problems for autistic individuals. Although descriptions of these issues appear in research, only preliminary suggestions exist for the causes and contributors toward the sleep problems or the interactions of sleep problems with psychopathology, although current research suggests a possible biopsychosocial interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A Schreck
- Penn State Harrisburg, 777 W. Harrisburg Pike, W311 Olmsted Building, Middletown, PA 17057, United States.
| | - Amanda L Richdale
- Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria 3086, Australia
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26
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Deliens G, Peigneux P. Sleep-behaviour relationship in children with autism spectrum disorder: methodological pitfalls and insights from cognition and sensory processing. Dev Med Child Neurol 2019; 61:1368-1376. [PMID: 30968406 DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are frequent and varied in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Growing evidence suggests that sleep problems in children with ASD are driven by their clinical characteristics and psychiatric comorbidities. Therefore, the wide range of reported sleep disturbances reflects the marked heterogeneity of clinical pictures in ASD. Whether sleep disturbances and their various forms may, in turn, account for at least part of the phenotypical variability of ASD is a crucial question discussed in this review. We first outline studies both validating and challenging a bidirectional theoretical framework for sleep disorders in children with ASD. We then propose to extend this model by including cognition and sensory processing as key factors in the vicious circle linking sleep disorders and autistic symptoms. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: There is a bidirectional interplay between autism symptoms and sleep disturbances. Sleep influence on daytime cognitive and sensory skills should be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaétane Deliens
- Autism in Context: Theory and Experiment (ACTE), Center for Research in Linguistics (LaDisco), Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe Peigneux
- Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.,Neuropsychology and Functional Neuroimaging Research Group, Center for Research in Cognition and Neurosciences, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
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27
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Papadopoulos N, Sciberras E, Hiscock H, Williams K, McGillivray J, Mihalopoulos C, Engel L, Fuller-Tyszkiewicz M, Bellows ST, Marks D, Howlin P, Rinehart N. Sleeping sound with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): study protocol for an efficacy randomised controlled trial of a tailored brief behavioural sleep intervention for ASD. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e029767. [PMID: 31748288 PMCID: PMC6887021 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-029767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2019] [Revised: 07/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sleep problems are a characteristic feature of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with 40% to 80% of children experiencing sleep difficulties. Sleep problems have been found to have a pervasive impact on a child's socio-emotional functioning, as well as on parents' psychological functioning. The Sleeping Sound ASD project aims to evaluate the efficacy of a brief behavioural sleep intervention in reducing ASD children's sleep problems in a fully powered randomised controlled trial (RCT). Intervention impact on child and family functioning is also assessed. METHODS AND ANALYSIS The RCT aims to recruit 234 children with a diagnosis of ASD, aged 5-13 years, who experience moderate to severe sleep problems. Participants are recruited from paediatrician clinics in Victoria, Australia, and via social media. Families interested in the study are screened for eligibility via phone, and then asked to complete a baseline survey online, assessing child sleep problems, and child and family functioning. Participants are then randomised to the intervention group or treatment as usual comparator group. Families in the intervention group attend two face-to-face sessions and a follow-up phone call with a trained clinician, where families are provided with individually tailored behavioural sleep strategies to help manage the child's sleep problems. Teacher reports of sleep, behavioural and social functioning are collected, and cognitive ability assessed to provide measures blind to treatment group. The primary outcome is children's sleep problems as measured by the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire at 3 months post-randomisation. Secondary outcomes include parent and child quality of life; child social, emotional, behavioural and cognitive functioning; and parenting stress and parent mental health. Cost-effectiveness of the intervention is also evaluated. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION Findings from this study will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at national and international conferences, local networks and online. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ISRCTN14077107 (ISRCTN registry dated on 3 March 2017).
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Sciberras
- Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Harriet Hiscock
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Katrina Williams
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Lidia Engel
- Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | - Deborah Marks
- Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
- The Royal Children's Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patricia Howlin
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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28
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Fletcher FE, Knowland V, Walker S, Gaskell MG, Norbury C, Henderson LM. Atypicalities in sleep and semantic consolidation in autism. Dev Sci 2019; 23:e12906. [PMID: 31569286 PMCID: PMC7187235 DOI: 10.1111/desc.12906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Sleep is known to support the neocortical consolidation of declarative memory, including the acquisition of new language. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often characterized by both sleep and language learning difficulties, but few studies have explored a potential connection between the two. Here, 54 children with and without ASD (matched on age, nonverbal ability and vocabulary) were taught nine rare animal names (e.g., pipa). Memory was assessed via definitions, naming and speeded semantic decision tasks immediately after learning (pre‐sleep), the next day (post‐sleep, with a night of polysomnography between pre‐ and post‐sleep tests) and roughly 1 month later (follow‐up). Both groups showed comparable performance at pre‐test and similar levels of overnight change on all tasks; but at follow‐up children with ASD showed significantly greater forgetting of the unique features of the new animals (e.g., pipa is a flat frog). Children with ASD had significantly lower central non‐rapid eye movement (NREM) sigma power. Associations between spindle properties and overnight changes in speeded semantic decisions differed by group. For the TD group, spindle duration predicted overnight changes in responses to novel animals but not familiar animals, reinforcing a role for sleep in the stabilization of new semantic knowledge. For the ASD group, sigma power and spindle duration were associated with improvements in responses to novel and particularly familiar animals, perhaps reflecting more general sleep‐associated improvements in task performance. Plausibly, microstructural sleep atypicalities in children with ASD and differences in how information is prioritized for consolidation may lead to cumulative consolidation difficulties, compromising the quality of newly formed semantic representations in long‐term memory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sarah Walker
- Department of Psychology, University of York, York, UK
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29
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Course and Predictors of Sleep and Co-occurring Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2019; 49:2101-2115. [PMID: 30684086 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-03894-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
The chronicity of sleep disturbance and its relation to co-occurring symptoms in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are not well understood. The current study examined longitudinal relations among sleep and co-occurring symptoms in a large well-characterized sample of 437 children with ASD assessed at baseline and follow-up (M = 3.8 years later). Twenty-three percent experienced worsening sleep problems over time, while 31.5% showed improvement. Path analysis indicated that sleep problems at baseline predicted later development of ADHD symptoms in younger children and somatic complaints in older children. For younger children, sensory over-responsivity predicted future sleep problems. Findings suggest that sensory over-reactivity may contribute to sleep problems in some children with ASD, and that sleep problems may result in poor daytime functioning.
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30
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Johansson AEE, Dorman JS, Chasens ER, Feeley CA, Devlin B. Variations in Genes Related to Sleep Patterns in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biol Res Nurs 2019; 21:335-342. [DOI: 10.1177/1099800419843604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background: Sleep disturbance is a frequent comorbidity in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), affecting an estimated 40–80% of cases. Previous reports have shown relationships between several circadian rhythm–related genes and sleep problems in ASD. The purpose of the present study was to relate variation in and around melatonin synthesis and suprachiasmatic nucleus genes to sleep problems in a large sample of children with ASD. Method: This secondary analysis used existing genotypic and phenotypic data for 2,065 children, aged 4–18 years, from the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC). Sleep problems were measured with the SSC Sleep Interview. Expression quantitative trait loci and single nucleotide polymorphisms in 25 circadian genes were chosen primarily for their impact on expression levels of target genes in the brain. Associations between variants and composite sleep problems, nighttime problems, daytime problems, and sleep duration problems were calculated using logistic regression analysis. Age, sex, nonverbal IQ, ASD severity, gastrointestinal distress, seizures, and ancestry were included as covariates. Transmission disequilibrium tests were performed to test for overtransmission of alleles in the same variants. Results: No significant associations or transmission disequilibrium were found between gene variants and sleep problems in this sample of children with ASD. Conclusion: Variation in expression of investigated genes in the melatonin synthesis and suprachiasmatic nucleus pathways did not have notable impacts on sleep problems in this large sample of children with ASD. Future research could explore translational and posttranslational effects of these genes or the effects of genes in other sleep-homeostasis pathways on sleep patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Janice S. Dorman
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Bernie Devlin
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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31
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Carmassi C, Palagini L, Caruso D, Masci I, Nobili L, Vita A, Dell'Osso L. Systematic Review of Sleep Disturbances and Circadian Sleep Desynchronization in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Toward an Integrative Model of a Self-Reinforcing Loop. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:366. [PMID: 31244687 PMCID: PMC6581070 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: A compelling number of studies, conducted in both children and adults, have reported an association between sleep disturbances/circadian sleep alterations and autism spectrum disorder (ASD); however, the data are sparse and the nature of this link is still unclear. The present review aimed to systematically collect the literature data relevant on sleep disturbances and circadian sleep dysrhythmicity related to ASD across all ages and to provide an integrative theoretical framework of their association. Methods: A systematic review of the MEDLINE, PubMed, and Cochrane databases was conducted from November 2018 to February 2019. The search strategies used were MeSH headings and keywords for "sleep-wake circadian rhythms" OR "circadian sleep disorders" OR "sleep-wake pattern" OR "sleep disorders" OR "melatonin" AND "autism spectrum disorder" OR "autism". Results: One hundred and three studies were identified, 15 regarded circadian sleep dysrhythmicity, 74 regarded sleep disturbances, and 17 regarded melatonin alterations in children and adults with ASD. Our findings suggested that autistic subjects frequently present sleep disturbances in particular short sleep duration, low sleep quality/efficiency, and circadian sleep desynchronization such as delayed phases and/or eveningness. Sleep disturbances and circadian sleep alterations have been related to the severity of autistic symptoms. Genetic studies have shown polymorphisms in circadian CLOCK genes and in genes involved in melatonin pathways in subjects with ASD. Conclusions: Sleep disturbances and circadian sleep alterations are frequent in subjects with autistic symptoms. These subjects have shown polymorphisms in clock genes expression and in genes involved in melatonin production. The impairment of circadian sleep regulation may increase the individual's vulnerability to develop symptoms of ASD by altering the sleep regulation in toto, which plays a key role in normal brain development. Even though controversies and "research gaps" are present in literature at this point, we may hypothesize a bidirectional relation between circadian sleep dysfunction and ASD. In particular, circadian sleep dysrhythmicity may predispose to develop ASD symptoms and vice versa within a self-reinforcing feedback loop. By targeting sleep disturbances and circadian sleep dysrhythmicity, we may improve treatment strategies for both children and adults with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Carmassi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Division, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Palagini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Division, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Danila Caruso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Division, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Isabella Masci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Division, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Lino Nobili
- Child Neuropsychiatry Unit, IRCCS G. Gaslini Institute, Genova, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience-Rehabilitation-Ophthalmology-Genetics-Child and Maternal Health (DINOGMI), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Antonio Vita
- Psychiatry Division, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Liliana Dell'Osso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Psychiatry Division, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
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32
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Shui AM, Katz T, Malow BA, Mazurek MO. Predicting sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorders. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 83:270-279. [PMID: 30393065 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2018] [Revised: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/14/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been well-established. AIMS To develop a model to predict sleep problems in children with ASD. METHODS AND PROCEDURES A sample of children in the Autism Speaks-Autism Treatment Network (ATN) registry without parent-reported sleep problems at baseline and with sleep problem (yes/no) data at first annual followup was randomly split into training (n = 527) and test (n = 518) samples. Model predictors were selected using the training sample, and a threshold for classifying children at risk was determined. Comparison of the predicted and true sleep problem status of the test sample yielded model performance measures. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS In a multivariable model aggressive behavior among children with no sleep problems reported at baseline was associated with having more sleep problems at the first annual follow-up visit. This model performed in the test sample with high sensitivity and accurate prediction of low risk. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Among children with ASD aggressive behavior independently predicts sleep problems. The model's high sensitivity for identifying children at risk and its accurate prediction of low risk can help with treatment and prevention of sleep problems. Further data collection may provide better prediction through methods requiring larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy M Shui
- Biostatistics Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, 50 Staniford Street, Suite 560, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Terry Katz
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 13123 E 16th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
| | - Beth A Malow
- Sleep Disorders Division, Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
| | - Micah O Mazurek
- Department of Human Services, Curry School of Education, University of Virginia, 417 Emmet Street South, Charlottesville, VA 22903, USA.
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33
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Díaz-Román A, Zhang J, Delorme R, Beggiato A, Cortese S. Sleep in youth with autism spectrum disorders: systematic review and meta-analysis of subjective and objective studies. EVIDENCE-BASED MENTAL HEALTH 2018; 21:146-154. [PMID: 30361331 PMCID: PMC10270396 DOI: 10.1136/ebmental-2018-300037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sleep problems are common and impairing in individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Evidence synthesis including both subjective (ie, measured with questionnaires) and objective (ie, quantified with neurophysiological tools) sleep alterations in youth with ASD is currently lacking. OBJECTIVE We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of subjective and objective studies sleep studies in youth with ASD. METHODS We searched the following electronic databases with no language, date or type of document restriction up to 23 May 2018: PubMed, PsycInfo, Embase+Embase Classic, Ovid Medline and Web of Knowledge. Random-effects models were used. Heterogeneity was assessed with Cochran's Q and I2 statistics. Publication (small studies) bias was assessed with final plots and the Egger's test. Study quality was evaluated with the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Analyses were conducted using Review Manager and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis. FINDINGS: From a pool of 3359 non-duplicate potentially relevant references, 47 datasets were included in the meta-analyses. Subjective and objective sleep outcome measures were extracted from 37 and 15 studies, respectively. Only five studies were based on comorbidity free, medication-naïve participants. Compared with typically developing controls, youth with ASD significantly differed in 10/14 subjective parameters and in 7/14 objective sleep parameters. The average quality score in the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was 5.9/9. DISCUSSION AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS A number of subjective and, to a less extent, objective sleep alterations might characterise youth with ASD, but future studies should assess the impact of pharmacological treatment and psychiatric comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amparo Díaz-Román
- Mind, Brain and Behavior Research Center, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Junhua Zhang
- School of Education, Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Big Data of Psychology and Cognitive Science, Yancheng Teachers University, Yancheng, China
- Center for Innovation in Mental Health, Academic Unit of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Richard Delorme
- Unité de Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Département de Neuroscience, Institut Pasteur, Paris, Île-de-France, France
- Département de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Hôpital Robert Debré, L’Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Anita Beggiato
- Unité de Génétique Humaine et Fonctions Cognitives, Département de Neuroscience, Institut Pasteur, Paris, Île-de-France, France
- Département de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Hôpital Robert Debré, L’Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France
| | - Samuele Cortese
- Center for Innovation in Mental Health, Academic Unit of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences (CNS and Psychiatry), Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Solent NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
- New York University Child Study Center, New York City, New York, USA
- Division of Psychiatry and Applied Psychology, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
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34
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Sleep Disturbances in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Disorders: A Review of the Variability of Objective Sleep Markers. Med Sci (Basel) 2018; 6:medsci6020046. [PMID: 29867064 PMCID: PMC6024884 DOI: 10.3390/medsci6020046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are often observed in child and adolescent mental health disorders. Although previous research has identified consistent subjective reports of sleep disturbances, specific objective sleep markers have not yet been identified. We evaluated the current research on subjective and objective sleep markers in relation to attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, autism spectrum disorders, anxiety and depressive disorders. Subjective sleep markers are more consistent than objective markers of actigraphy, polysomnography, and circadian measures. We discuss the causes of variability in objective sleep findings and suggest future directions for research.
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