Examining the Behavioural Sleep-Wake Rhythm in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and No Comorbid Intellectual Disability.
This study aimed to examine the behavioural sleep-wake rhythm in 36 adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and to determine the prevalence of circadian sleep-wake rhythm disorders compared to age- and sex-matched controls. Participants completed an online questionnaire battery, a 14-day sleep-wake diary and 14-day actigraphy assessment. The results indicated that a higher proportion of adults with ASD met criteria for a circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorder compared to control adults. In particular, delayed sleep-wake phase disorder was particularly common in adults with ASD. Overall the findings suggest that individuals with ASD have sleep patterns that may be associated with circadian rhythm disturbance; however factors such as employment status and co-morbid anxiety and depression appear to influence their sleep patterns.
School of Psychology and Public Health, Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia. ek4baker@students.latrobe.edu.au.
Emma K
EK
Baker
School of Psychology and Public Health, Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre, La Trobe University, Kingsbury Drive, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia.
Amanda L
AL
Richdale
D056044:Actigraphy; D000328:Adult; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012307:Risk Factors; D020178:Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult
ASWPD; Adults; Autism; Circadian; DSWPD; Sleep-wake rhythm