Purpose of Review Sleep problems are a common comorbidity for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and research in this area has a relatively long history. Within this review, we first outline historic patterns in the field of sleep and ASD. Second, we conducted a systematic update and coded these studies based on their alignment with historic patterns. Research on ASD and sleep over the past two decades has primarily focused on four principal areas: (1) documenting the prevalence and types of sleep problems; (2) sleep problem treatment options and efficacy; (3) how sleep problems are associated with other behavioral, contextual, or biological elements; and (4) the impact of child sleep problems on families and care providers. The systematic update in this paper includes empirical studies published between 2018 and 2021 with terms for sleep and ASD within the title, keywords, or abstract. Recent Findings In sum, 60 studies fit the inclusion/exclusion criteria and most fit within the historic patterns noted above. Notable differences included more global representation in study samples, studies on the impacts of COVID-19, and a growing body of work on sleep problems as an early marker of ASD. The majority of studies focus on correlates of sleep problems noting less optimal behavioral, contextual, and biological elements are associated with sleep problems across development for children with ASD. Summary Recommendations for future directions include continued expansion of global and age representation across samples, a shift toward more treatment and implementation science, and studies that inform our mechanistic understanding of how sleep and ASD are connected. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40675-022-00234-5.
Introduction Consistent bedtime routines are an important promoter of child sleep health. This is particularly true for children developing at elevated risk for sleep and developmental challenges. Consistent and calming bedtime routines are associated with fewer parent-reported night wakings, shorter sleep onset times, and (for some) longer nighttime sleep bouts. However, few studies systematically address bedtime consistency within the context of developmental risk. To inform future sleep promotion in children with developmental concerns, this study assessed bedtime routine consistency. Methods Across two video-recorded bedtimes, this study assessed the consistency of routines for children (n = 40) with social communication concerns from ages 8-61 months, M(SD)= 28.14(11.76). Each child was enrolled in an eight-session Family Routines Intervention (FRI). The goals of this intervention were to improve family social communication scaffolding within family routines. Bedtime routines were coded for caregiver involvement, sleep onset location, and dyad actions. Results Mothers were the most common bedtime caregiver (93-95%) and her involvement was consistent for most children (96%). Father involvement was less common (present for 25-38% of recordings) and was less consistent at 56%. Other caregivers were present for roughly 18% of dyads, but their involvement was not as consistent (13%). Sleep onset location varied widely with only 33-38% sleeping in a crib, yet crib placement was moderately consistent (64%). Roughly 20% of children slept in an adult bed, with similar consistency (63%). Book reading was the most common (40-43%) and consistent (73%) bedtime action. Bedtime media use was uncommon (8-15%) but surprisingly consistent (44%). Conclusion For children at elevated risk for sleep and developmental concerns, bedtime routines were notably diverse and inconsistent. Although bedtime routines were not the focus of the FRI study, it afforded a unique opportunity to objectively assess how families prepare their child for bed on distinct nights across a relatively short time (8-12 weeks). Not surprisingly, mothers were the primary caregiver, highlighting her potential role in future interventions. The variability in sleep onset location and bedtime actions were notable. These areas reflect clear targets for future interventions designed to promote relatively short, calming, and consistent bedtime routines. Support (if any) Purdue Research Foundation and the Gadomski Foundation
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