Sleep disorders are more common amongst autistic children-study

Monday 16th July 2012

A recent study in Mumbai has shown that children suffering from autism are also more likely to experience sleeping disorders. This has also been noticed by doctors who treat autistic children.

Autism is a developmental brain disorder that includes symptoms such as difficulty in social interaction, expressing emotion and obsessive behavioural traits. The severity of the disorder can differ from person to person, some are mildly impaired and other are severely disabled.

An ongoing study at Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai was started last year. Nine autistic children aged 3 to 8 years have shown there is a strong association between sleep disorders and autism. Seven out of the nine children suffered from sleep disturbances such as bed-wetting and insomnia. A detailed polysomnography - machine that records changes that occur in a persons sleep, was used when the children's sleep was being monitored all night. The polysomnography measures: rapid eye movement (REM), snoring episodes, leg movement and airflow.

The study conducted by Dr Preeti Devnani, who runs the sleep disorder clinic, last month presented the study at a conference at the American Academy of Sleep in Boston. He revealed that higher the spectrum of autism, the more sleep disturbances. These children also experienced less REM sleep or deep sleep. He also announced it was important to be aware of sleep disorders in autistic children and make sure they are treated.

Tags: sleep disorder autism study research

Category: Sleep Research

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