The Relationship between Sensory Processing Patterns and Sleep Quality in Healthy Adults

Sensory processing in typically developing toddlers with and without sleep problems

This study investigates the sensory processing of typically developing toddlers with and without sleep problems. The research group consisted of typically developing toddlers with sleep problems (n = 110, mean age=18.35 ± 3.4 months), while the control group included typically developing toddlers without sleep problems (n = 110, mean age=18.67 ± 3.5 months) and their mothers. Toddlers were assigned to the research and control groups based on their sleep problems, as determined by the Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire. The sensory processing of the toddlers was evaluated using the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile 2. Sensory patterns and sensory processing sub-parameters of the research and control groups were compared. The sensory processing of the research group showed atypical behavioral responses in low registration (low awareness or indifferent attitude to sensory stimuli), sensory sensitivity (distracted or irritable attitude, intensely stimulated by sensory stimuli), and sensory avoiding (intentional avoidance of sensory stimuli or attitudes that produce out-of-norm responses) patterns compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Behavioral responses were similar in the sensory seeking (disturbing or dangerous attitude to the environment in search of sensory stimuli) pattern (p > 0.309). Statistically significant differences were observed in all sub-parameters of sensory processing compared to the control group. Our findings indicate that toddlers with sleep problems are at risk for sensory processing issues. Toddlers with sleep problems exhibit atypical sensory responses related to sensory sensitivity, low registration, and sensory avoiding. It should be considered that toddlers with sleep problems may show sensitivity to different sensory stimuli, avoidance or may not be able to recognize sensory stimuli. These findings suggest that the inclusion of sensory profile assessments in interdisciplinary care for toddlers with sleep problems may contribute to parent-infant well-being.

Predicting emotional consequences of disorganization among adults with neurodevelopmental disorders: a structural equation model

PURPOSE

Previous studies exhibited differences in sensory processing, motor coordination, metacognitive executive functions (EF-MI), and sleep quality among adults with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). This study aims to find relationships between those abilities and organization-in-time, focusing on emotional responses after decreased organization abilities.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a secondary data analysis of a larger sample from three previous studies conducted in one laboratory. Data were collected from 290 adults; 149 with NDD and 141 sex- and age- (20-50 years) matched controls completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, Adult Developmental Coordination Disorder, Adults Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Functions, Mini Sleep, and Time Organization and Participation questionnaires. Structural equation model (SEM) analysed relationships and variable prediction.

RESULTS

Significant between-group differences were found for all variables; SEM indicated similar paths in both groups. Sensory processing affected EF-MI and sleep quality and significantly correlated with motor coordination, affecting EF-MI; EF-MI affected organization-in-time. Sleep quality significantly affected organization-in-time, affecting emotional responses.

CONCLUSIONS

Sensory, motor, EF, and sleep differences were associated with decreased organization-in-time abilities of adults with NDD, adversely affecting their emotional well-being. Early detection of such differences and targeted interventions may improve daily functioning and life quality and prevent negative emotional implications.

The Impact of Weighted Blanket Use on Adults with Sensory Sensitivity and Insomnia

Purpose

This study's purpose was to determine the impact of weighted blanket use on moderate to severe insomnia in adults with sensory sensitivity greater than the average population.

Methods

For this study, a four-week, single-case, multiple-participant ABA study design was used. Through convenience sampling, four participants scoring 15 or greater on the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), which categorizes them as having moderate to severe insomnia, and much more than most people in sensory sensitivity on the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile were recruited. First, seven-day baseline sleep data was gathered, followed by two weeks of weighted blanket use, concluding with a seven-day withdrawal phase. Additional outcome measures included: Tuck and Snooze Survey, Consensus Sleep Diary Morning, and Additional Sleep Diary Questions. Data analysis included visual analysis, mean comparisons, Tau-U calculations, and pre- to post-ISI category comparisons.

Results

All participants' ISI scores were categorized as one level less severe postintervention. All participants demonstrated increased sleep quality, and three participants showed an increase in sleep duration based on individual mean comparisons between baseline and intervention phases.

Conclusion

Weighted blankets appear beneficial in reducing insomnia severity in adults with much more than the average population sensory sensitivity. In addition, those with self-reported anxiety may have increased benefit from this intervention.

A gut-secreted peptide suppresses arousability from sleep

Suppressing sensory arousal is critical for sleep, with deeper sleep requiring stronger sensory suppression. The mechanisms that enable sleeping animals to largely ignore their surroundings are not well understood. We show that the responsiveness of sleeping flies and mice to mechanical vibrations is better suppressed when the diet is protein rich. In flies, we describe a signaling pathway through which information about ingested proteins is conveyed from the gut to the brain to help suppress arousability. Higher protein concentration in the gut leads to increased activity of enteroendocrine cells that release the peptide CCHa1. CCHa1 signals to a small group of dopamine neurons in the brain to modulate their activity; the dopaminergic activity regulates the behavioral responsiveness of animals to vibrations. The CCHa1 pathway and dietary proteins do not influence responsiveness to all sensory inputs, showing that during sleep, different information streams can be gated through independent mechanisms.

Work participation, sensory processing and sleep quality in adults with attention deficit hyperactive disorder

BACKGROUND: Although studies have indicated significant effects of attention-deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD) on work participation, the mechanism underlying work participation of adults with ADHD is still unclear. OBJECTIVE: Following the World Health Organization’s international classification of functioning, disability, and health concepts, this study compares sensory processing and sleep quality (body functions) with work participation among adults with and without ADHD and examines predictive relationships among adults with ADHD. METHODS: Sixty-nine adults with ADHD and 52 matched controls completed a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Adult/Adolescent Sensory Profile, the Mini Sleep Questionnaire, and the Occupational Questionnaire. RESULTS: The ADHD group had significantly poorer body functions, sensory processing (i.e., low-registration, sensory-sensitivity, and sensation-avoiding patterns), sleep quality, and work performance compared to the control group (p <  .001). For adults with ADHD, sensory sensitivity accounted for 10.9%, and sleep quality accounted for 22.0%, of the variance in their work performance. CONCLUSIONS: The deficient body functions of adults with ADHD may affect their work performance and therefore should be considered in further research, as well as in clinical applications.

Effects of mindfulness-based intervention programs on sleep among people with common mental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sleep problems are particularly prevalent in people with depression or anxiety disorder. Although mindfulness has been suggested as an important component in alleviating insomnia, no comprehensive review and meta-analysis has been conducted to evaluate the effects of different mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) programs on sleep among people with depression or anxiety disorder.

AIM

To compare the effects of different MBI programs on sleep among people with depression or anxiety disorder.

METHODS

Related publications in Embase, Medline, PubMed and PsycINFO databases were systematically searched from January 2010 to June 2020 for randomised controlled trials. Data were synthesized using a random-effects or a fixed-effects model to analyse the effects of various MBI programs on sleep problems among people with depression or anxiety disorder. The fixed-effects model was used when heterogeneity was negligible, and the random-effects model was used when heterogeneity was significant to calculate the standardised mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

We identified 397 articles, of which 10 randomised controlled trials, involving a total of 541 participants, were included in the meta-analysis. Studies of internet mindfulness meditation intervention (IMMI), mindfulness meditation (MM), mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and mindfulness-based touch therapy (MBTT) met the inclusion criteria. The greatest effect sizes are reported in favour of MBTT, with SMDs of -1.138 (95%CI: -1.937 to -0.340; P = 0.005), followed by -1.003 (95%CI: -1.645 to -0.360; P = 0.002) for MBCT. SMDs of -0.618 (95%CI: -0.980 to -0.257; P = 0.001) and -0.551 (95%CI: -0.842 to -0.260; P < 0.0001) were reported for IMMI and MBSR in the pooling trials, respectively. Significant effects on sleep problem improvement are shown in all reviewed MBI programs, except MM, for which the effect size was shown to be non-significant.

CONCLUSION

All MBI programs (MBTT, MBCT, IMMI and MBSR), except MM, are effective options to improve sleep problems among people with depression or anxiety disorder.

Sensory Processing, Perceived Stress and Burnout Symptoms in a Working Population during the COVID-19 Crisis

Although previous research suggests an association between sensory processing and perceived stress in a broad spectrum of mental health conditions, it remains unclear whether this phenomenon occurs independently from psychopathology. The present study investigated the association between sensory processing patterns, perceived stress and occupational burnout as a stress-related condition in a working population. We focused on different aspects of sensory processing and used the momentum of a particularly stressful period: during the first months of the global COVID-19 crisis. A total of 116 workers at a mental healthcare institution in The Netherlands completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT). Our results demonstrated that higher scores on sensory sensitivity and low registration were associated with higher scores on perceived stress and core burnout symptoms. Sensory hypersensitivity was also associated with more secondary burnout symptoms. Associations were not driven by underlying sensory-related disorders (e.g., ASD or ADHD). In conclusion, sensory processing difficulties are relevant predictors of stress and occupational burnout, also in healthy employees. This phenomenon warrants further attention, as relatively simple adjustments in working environment may possess important preventive effects.

Cross-cultural adaptation, reliability, and validity of the Turkish Adult Sensory Processing Scale

Introduction

Sensory processing is crucial to adaptive behavioural responses in occupational therapy. Nevertheless, information on sensory processing in adults is limited. The Adult Sensory Processing Scale (ASPS) measures behavioural responses indicative of sensory processing in different sensory systems. The study aimed to examine the cultural adaptation, reliability and validity of the ASPS-Turkish (ASPS-T).

Methods

The ASPS-T was administered to 405 individuals, who were aged 18 to 64 (38.5 ± 11.4) years. The cross-cultural adaptation and translation procedures were conducted following Beaton’s guidelines. Internal consistency was examined by Cronbach’s alpha. Criterion-related validity of the ASPS was determined by the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile using Construct validity and was examined by confirmatory factor analysis using AMOS.

Results

The study included 405 participants (271 female and 134 male). Exploratory factor analysis with varimax rotation determined 11 factors with 55.15% total variance. In confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), model fit indices showed an acceptable fit. The reliability of the scale was 0.834, and test–retest reliability changed from 0.94 to 0.99, illustrating high internal consistency and excellent reliability of the scale.

Conclusions

The ASPS-T is reliable and valid for analysing sensory processing patterns of adults in the Turkish population.

Association between sensory modulation and sleep difficulties in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

BACKGROUND

Sleep difficulties have been reported in up to 85% of children with Attention Deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children with ADHD exhibit commonly sensory modulation difficulties (SMD) and experience more significant functional difficulties. Sleep difficulties have also been associated with SMD. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether SMD are associated with sleep difficulties in children with ADHD.

METHODS

We assessed sleep difficulties using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire, and SMD using the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) questionnaire. A total of 25 children with ADHD and atypical sensory profiles, 13 children with ADHD and typical sensory profiles and 38 children used as controls (all children aged 8-11 years) were included.

RESULTS

Sleep difficulties were detected in 86.4% of children with ADHD and atypical SSPs, as compared to 30.8% of children with ADHD and typical SSPs, and 16.7% of controls. A multivariate logistic regression revealed that children with ADHD and atypical SSPs had significantly increased odds for sleep difficulties as compared to controls (OR = 32.4; 95% CI 4.0-260.1, p = 0.001), while children with ADHD and typical SSPs were indistinguishable from controls. Suspected confounders (gender, age, mother's education, and stimulant therapy) did not contribute to sleep difficulties.

CONCLUSION

In this pilot study, SMD were associated with sleep difficulties in children with ADHD.

The Effect of a Psychotherapy Protocol on Dream Awareness in Adults With Generalized Anxiety Disorder

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to examine the effect of an Affective and Sensory Psychotherapy Protocol (ASPP) on dream awareness in adults with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). For this purpose, 60 self-referred male and female adults were studied within a randomized clinical trial. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale and the Mannheim Dream Questionnaire were used at baseline, posttreatment, and 3-month follow-up. No significant difference was observed between patients in the experimental and control groups at baseline. Findings showed that patients in the experimental group had a significant increase in dream recall, attitude toward dreams, and the total dream score than individuals in the control group. However, no sex difference was observed in the results for within-subject and between-group effects in the current study. The present research supported the influence of an ASPP on dream awareness in adults with GAD.

The efficacy of affective and sensory psychotherapy module for sleep disturbances in generalized anxiety disorder

OBJECTIVE

This study was aimed to examine the effectiveness of a newly developed therapeutic method focusing on affective and sensory processes in the treatment of sleep problems in outpatients with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), called the 'Affective and Sensory Psychotherapy Module' (ASPM).

METHOD

A randomised controlled trial was conducted, there were 60 outpatient participants. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale (GAD-7) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used at baseline, post-treatment, and 3 month follow-up.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the therapeutic and control groups at baseline. The therapeutic group showed a significant improvement in sleep quality and anxiety decrease compared to the control group. Sex differences did not occur in the results for within-subjects and between-group effects in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study supported the efficacy of ASPM in the treatment of sleep problems in adult outpatients with GAD.

Sleep and Sensory Processing in Infants and Toddlers: A Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Study

IMPORTANCE

Typically developing children who are sensitive to sensory stimulation appear to have more sleep difficulties than children with average sensory sensitivities; however, at what age sleep difficulties emerge and whether they extend to children outside of sleep clinics are unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships between sleep and sensory processing in typically developing infants and toddlers.

DESIGN

Observational; cross-sectional and longitudinal.

SETTING

Community.

PARTICIPANTS

Children (N = 160) enrolled in a larger four-armed randomized controlled trial of overweight prevention in infancy (40 randomly selected from each arm).

OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Parent-reported sleep patterns at ages 6 mo, 1 yr, 2 yr, and 2.5 yr. Sensory Processing Measure-Preschool questionnaire covering five sensory systems and higher level functions: praxis and social participation at age 2.5 yr. Relationships between sleep and sensory variables were analyzed using multiple linear regression models.

RESULTS

More problematic sleep at age 2.5 yr was associated with more difficulties in social-relational skills (p < .001), a finding supported by the longitudinal data. Longer settling times were associated with higher vision (p = .036) and touch (p = .028) sensitivities at age 2.5 yr; in the longitudinal data (ages 6 mo-2.5 yr), longer settling times were associated with more sensitive hearing (p = .042).

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Results support a link between sleep patterns and sensory processing difficulties in toddlers that, in some, can emerge in infancy. Practitioners should be alert to this association in young children presenting with sensory sensitivity or sleep challenges.

WHAT THIS ARTICLE ADDS

Study findings illustrate that bedtime challenges in typically developing toddlers could be related to sensory processing. A possible way to assist more sensitive children in settling to sleep is to pay attention to visual, tactile, and auditory stimuli that potentially interfere with sleep onset.

Increased Dendritic Orientation Dispersion in the Left Occipital Gyrus is Associated with Atypical Visual Processing in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder

In autism spectrum disorder (ASD), the complexity-specific hypothesis explains that atypical visual processing is attributable to selective functional changes in visual pathways. We investigated dendritic microstructures and their associations with functional connectivity (FC). Participants included 28 individuals with ASD and 29 typically developed persons. We explored changes in neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging (NODDI) and brain areas whose FC was significantly correlated with NODDI parameters in the explored regions of interests. Individuals with ASD showed significantly higher orientation dispersion index (ODI) values in the left occipital gyrus (OG) corresponding to the secondary visual cortex (V2). FC values between the left OG and the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) were significantly negatively correlated with mean ODI values. The mean ODI values in the left OG were significantly positively associated with low registration of the visual quadrants of the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP), resulting in a significant positive correlation with passive behavioral responses of the AASP visual quadrants; additionally, the FC values between the left OG and the left MTG were significantly negatively associated with reciprocal social interaction. Our results suggest that abnormal V2 dendritic arborization is associated with atypical visual processing by altered intermediation in the ventral visual pathway.

Relationship between sensory processing patterns, trait anxiety, and health-related quality of life in multiple sclerosis

Sensory processing patterns may predict health-related quality of life. This study examined this relationship in persons with multiple sclerosis considering trait anxiety as a potential mediator. Participants (n = 94) completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile and other self-report measures at one time point. Sensory processing patterns were significantly associated with trait anxiety and health-related quality of life. Direct and indirect effects of sensory processing patterns were identified on physical health-related quality of life, and indirect effects were identified on mental health-related quality of life. Facilitating adaptive behavioral responses to sensory information may promote health-related quality of life in this population.

Relationship between Mastery Motivation and Sensory Processing Difficulties in South Korean Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder

The aim of this study was to identify the correlation between mastery motivation and sensory processing difficulties among South Korean children with developmental coordination disorder (DCD). Ninety-nine children aged 4–7 years with DCD participated. The Dimensions of Mastery Questionnaire was used to assess the mastery motivation of the children, and the Short Sensory Profile was used to assess the children's sensory processing difficulties. All subjects showed lower mastery motivation and definite differences in sensory processing. Mastery motivation was significantly correlated with sensory processing (r = −0.34, p = 0.01). Mastery motivation predicted 41.1% of the sensory processing. In particular, a negative reaction to failure in mastery situations scale (p < 0.01) and general competence compared to peers scale (p < 0.05) in mastery motivation were significant predictors. This study indicated that sensory processing difficulties and lack of mastery motivation were identified among children with DCD in South Korea. And the children with high mastery motivation show less difficulty in sensory processing. It is suggested to develop possible solution for higher mastery motivation to improve sensory processing of the children with DCD in South Korea.

An exploration of sensory processing patterns and their association with demographic factors in healthy adults

Purpose

Previous research has provided limited evidence on whether and how demographic factors associate with sensory processing patterns (SPP) in adults. This paper aims to examine relationships between SPPs and sociodemographic factors of age, sex, education and ethnicity in healthy adults.

Design/methodology/approach

A cross-sectional study design was used. A total of 71 adult participants was recruited from the community, using convenience sampling. Each participant completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales – short version (DASS-21). Demographic information on age, sex, education and ethnicity was collected. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses of covariance (MANCOVA).

Findings

SPPs, as measured by the AASP, were significantly correlated to demographic factors of age and education after controlling for emotional distress using the DASS-21. A statistically significant multivariate effect was found across the four dependent variables (low registration, seeking, sensitivity and avoiding) for the age category, F = 6.922, p = 0.009, ηp2 = 0.145, in the presence of a covariate DASS. The education category showed significance only in the seeking domain (p = 0.008, ηp2 = 0.10) after controlling for DASS. There was no significant correlation between SPPs and gender or ethnicity. Results also indicated that mean scores of participants in this study were “similar to most people” as standardised in the AASP.

Research limitations/implications

This was a cross-sectional study with limitations including that the study used a relatively small sample and was based on self-reported healthy participants.

Practical implications

SPPs may correlate with healthy adults’ age and to a lesser extent education. This suggests that it might be helpful to consider such demographic factors when interpreting SPPs in clinical populations, although further research in larger samples is needed to reach firmer conclusions about possible implications of demographic variables.

Originality/value

The findings in this paper add to the growing evidence that suggest that SPPs vary with sociodemographic factors.

Sensory characteristics of youth at clinical high risk for psychosis

AIM

To identify and compare the sensory characteristics of young people at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis to those of peers at clinical low risk (CLR), and to national normative data. CHR and CLR participants were recruited from 6 US regions.

METHOD

A descriptive cohort design was used to analyse baseline data collected as part of the Early Detection and Intervention for the Prevention of Psychosis Program (EDIPPP). Raw scores on the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile (AASP) were analysed for 205 young people with CHR and 87 with CLR in 2 age groups: 12 to 17 years (N = 203) and 18 to 25 years (N = 89). ANOVA procedures were used to determine whether differences in AASP scores existed across CLR, CHR, and normative groups by age group.

RESULTS

CHR participants differed significantly from the normative group for all 4 AASP quadrant scores (Low Registration, Sensory Seeking, Sensory Sensitivity and Sensory Avoiding) in both age groups. CLR participants were similar to norms, except for Sensory Seeking scores that were significantly lower than norms in both age ranges.

CONCLUSION

Young people with CHR demonstrate active avoidance, heightened sensitivity, reduced seeking, and reduced registration of sensations in everyday life compared to typical peers. This pattern of differences may be a valuable marker for identifying individuals who are at high risk for developing a psychotic illness, and may also inform interventions designed to prevent or minimize the illness process and accompanying dysfunction.

Sleep disturbances are associated with specific sensory sensitivities in children with autism

Background

Sensory abnormalities and sleep disturbances are highly prevalent in children with autism, but the potential relationship between these two domains has rarely been explored. Understanding such relationships is important for identifying children with autism who exhibit more homogeneous symptoms.

Methods

Here, we examined this relationship using the Caregiver Sensory Profile and the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire, which were completed by parents of 69 children with autism and 62 age-matched controls.

Results

In line with previous studies, children with autism exhibited more severe sensory abnormalities and sleep disturbances than age-matched controls. The sleep disturbance scores were moderately associated with touch and oral sensitivities in the autism group and with touch and vestibular sensitivities in the control group. Hypersensitivity towards touch, in particular, exhibited the strongest relationship with sleep disturbances in the autism group and single-handedly explained 24% of the variance in total sleep disturbance scores. In contrast, sensitivity in other sensory domains such as vision and audition was not associated with sleep quality in either group.

Conclusions

While it is often assumed that sensitivities in all sensory domains are similarly associated with sleep problems, our results suggest that hypersensitivity towards touch exhibits the strongest relationship with sleep disturbances when examining children autism. We speculate that hypersensitivity towards touch interferes with sleep onset and maintenance in a considerable number of children with autism who exhibit severe sleep disturbances. This may indicate the existence of a specific sleep disturbance mechanism that is associated with sensitivity to touch, which may be important to consider in future scientific and clinical studies.

Relationship Between Sensory Processing and Sleep in Typically Developing Children

OBJECTIVE. The relationship between sensory processing factors and the sleep habits and patterns of typically developing children ages 8–12 yr was investigated.

METHOD. Forty-five typically developing children and their parents or caregivers took part. Parents completed the Sensory Processing Measure–Home Form, Children’s Sleep Hygiene Scale, and Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire, and the children completed the Children’s Report of Sleep Patterns. Spearman ρ correlation and linear regression analyses were completed with the children’s sleep habits and patterns as the dependent variables and the sensory processing factors as the independent variables.

RESULTS. Sensory processing factors were significantly associated with the children’s sleep habits and patterns, as reported by parents and children. Predictive relationships were established between the children’s sensory processing factors and sleep habits and patterns.

CONCLUSION. Occupational therapy practitioners should consider sensory processing factors when working with children who present with suspected sleep problems.

Increased Sensory Processing Atypicalities in Parents of Multiplex ASD Families Versus Typically Developing and Simplex ASD Families

Recent studies have suggested that sensory processing atypicalities may share genetic influences with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). To further investigate this, the adolescent/adult sensory profile (AASP) questionnaire was distributed to 85 parents of typically developing children (P-TD), 121 parents from simplex ASD families (SPX), and 54 parents from multiplex ASD families (MPX). After controlling for gender and presence of mental disorders, results showed that MPX parents significantly differed from P-TD parents in all four subscales of the AASP. Differences between SPX and MPX parents reached significance in the Sensory Sensitivity subscale and also in subsequent modality-specific analyses in the auditory and visual domains. Our finding that parents with high genetic liability for ASD (i.e., MPX) had more sensory processing atypicalities than parents with low (i.e., SPX) or no (i.e., P-TD) ASD genetic liability suggests that sensory processing atypicalities may contribute to the genetic susceptibility for ASD.

Sensory Hypersensitivity Predicts Reduced Sleeping Quality in Patients With Major Affective Disorders

The goal of this study was to examine the sensory profile (expressed as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity) of patients with major affective disorders and its relative contribution to the prediction of sleep quality while considering affective temperaments and depression, which may impact sleep quality. We recruited 176 participants (mean age, 47.3 y), of whom 56.8% had a diagnosis of unipolar major depressive disorder and 43.2% a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Reduced sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Affective temperaments were assessed using the Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris and San Diego. Sensory hypersensitivity, assessed using the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, significantly distinguished between poor and good sleepers. Sleep quality was mainly predicted by the Beck Depression Inventory-II total score and anxious temperament. Sensory hypersensitivity contributed to this prediction mainly with regard to sleep efficiency and related daytime dysfunction.

I Keep a Close Watch on This Heart of Mine: Increased Interoception in Insomnia

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Whereas both insomnia and altered interoception are core symptoms in affective disorders, their neural mechanisms remain insufficiently understood and have not previously been linked. Insomnia Disorder (ID) is characterized by sensory hypersensitivity during wakefulness and sleep. Previous studies on sensory processing in ID addressed external stimuli only, but not interoception. Interoceptive sensitivity can be studied quantitatively by measuring the cerebral cortical response to one's heartbeat (heartbeat-evoked potential, HEP). We here investigated whether insomnia is associated with increased interoceptive sensitivity as indexed by the HEP amplitude.

METHODS

Sixty-four participants aged 21-70 years were recruited through www.sleepregistry.nl including 32 people suffering from ID and 32 age- and sex-matched controls without sleep complaints. HEPs were obtained from resting-state high-density electroencephalography (HD-EEG) recorded during evening wakeful rest in eyes-open (EO) and eyes-closed (EC) conditions of 5-minute duration each. Significance of group differences in HEP amplitude and their topographical distribution over the scalp were assessed by means of cluster-based permutation tests.

RESULTS

In particular during EC, and to a lesser extent during EO, people with ID had a larger amplitude late HEP component than controls at frontal electrodes 376-500 ms after the R-wave peak. Source localization suggested increased neural activity time-locked to heartbeats in people with ID mainly in anterior cingulate/medial frontal cortices.

CONCLUSIONS

People with insomnia show insufficient adaptation of their brain responses to the ever-present heartbeats. Abnormalities in the neural circuits involved in interoceptive awareness including the salience network may be of key importance to the pathophysiology of insomnia.

Preventive behaviour at work - A concept analysis

BACKGROUND

Preventive behaviour is a significant intervention target in order to promote health at work, but has never been discussed in an occupational perspective.

AIM

To clarify the concept of preventive behaviour at work.

METHODS

The Walker and Avant (2011) method was used to conduct the study.

RESULTS

The attributes of the concept are: (1) compliance with safety rules and procedures, (2) proactivity, participation, engagement and initiatives related to prevention, (3) maintenance of physical environment, (4) concern for social environment and (5) reflexivity and analytical skills of work situations. The analysis also identified the antecedents and the consequences of the concept that are all related to either the person, the environment or the occupation.

CONCLUSION

Preventive behaviour occurs when a worker shows an active involvement to comply with safety rules and procedures of his trade, takes initiatives to improve prevention, preserves his physical environment, communicates with his peers and analyses work situations before committing to it.

SIGNIFICANCE

Occupational therapists have a central role in primary prevention of work injuries and have the expertise to help develop each of the five attributes of the concept of preventive behaviour.

The association between sensory processing styles and mindfulness

Introduction

Mindfulness is associated with psychological wellbeing and quality of life. The focus on body awareness in definitions of mindfulness suggests that an individual’s sensory processing pattern may influence mindfulness abilities. Therefore, this study seeks to examine the relationship between sensory processing styles and multiple aspects of mindfulness including components of attention, awareness, and acceptance in healthy adults.

Method

151 participants, aged 18 to 60 (mean 25.24 ± 8.8), completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, mindful attention and awareness scale, and cognitive and affective mindfulness scale.

Findings

Aspects of mindfulness associated with attention and awareness were significantly negatively related to sensory processing patterns associated with passive behavioral strategies (low registration and sensory sensitivity).

Conclusion

Individuals whose sensory processing patterns are characterized by poor awareness experience more mind wandering and distraction in daily life. Occupational therapists should consider mindfulness techniques when treating individuals with sensory processing disorders. In addition, information about sensory processing styles should be incorporated into relaxation and mindfulness-based interventions.

Sensory Processing and Sleep in Typically Developing Infants and Toddlers

OBJECTIVE. To explore the relationship between sensory processing patterns and sleep problems in typically developing infants and toddlers.

METHOD. A retrospective chart review of 177 infants and toddlers from a community occupational therapy sleep clinic included descriptive and correlational analyses of data from the Infant/Toddler Sensory Profile and Brief Infant Sleep Questionnaire.

RESULTS. More than half of participants (55%) demonstrated a pattern of increased sensory processing in one or more quadrants, with sensitivity being most common (36%). We found small but significant correlations between increased seeking and shorter daytime sleep duration (r = −.24, p = .002) and between increased sensitivity and longer time to settle to sleep (r = .27, p &lt; .001).

CONCLUSION. This study adds to recent literature linking sensory processing patterns to sleep problems and is the first to demonstrate this relationship in young, typically developing children. Results support the role of occupational therapy in addressing sleep difficulties in children.

Sensory modulation and sleep quality among adults with learning disabilities: a quasi-experimental case-control design study

Purpose

Following the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) concepts, this study examines body functions such as sensory modulation and sleep quality among adults with learning disabilities (LD).

Methods

One hundred and ten participants, 55 adults with LD and 55 matched controls (mean age 30 years) filled in a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Adults/Adolescents Sensory Profile (AASP), and the Mini Sleep Questionnaire (MSQ). Chi-tests, Mann-Whitney tests, and Kolmogorov-Smirnov tests were conducted to examine group differences related to socio-demographic characteristics and body functions. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to examine relationships between body functions.

Results

Significant differences were found between the groups in: (a) unique socio-demographic variables: high-schools attended, family status and number of children; (b) body functions: low registration and sensory sensitivity (p < .001), sensory avoiding (p = .002), sensory seeking (p = .021) and sleep quality (p < .001). Significant correlations were found between AASP subscale scores and the MSQ final score in each group. Regression analysis revealed that for the entire sample (N = 108), low registration accounted for 10.2% of the variance of sleep quality above group membership (p < .001), while in a separate examination of adults with LD (n = 53), low registration accounted for 19.9% of the variance of sleep quality (p < .001).

Conclusions

Adults with LD need to be studied through a health-related perspective such as the ICF model to gain further understanding of their unique characteristics and daily needs. Sensory and sleep functions of adults with LD should be further studied in the context of health related quality of life.