Brief Report: Influence of Physical Activity on Sleep Quality in Children with Autism

J Autism Dev Disord. 2015 Aug;45(8):2641-6. doi: 10.1007/s10803-015-2424-7.

Abstract

Sleep-related problems are often documented in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). This study examined physical activity as a variable that might influence sleep quality in children with ASD. Ten children, ages 9-16 years, were asked to wear accelerometer devices for 7 days in order to track objective measures of activity and sleep quality. Parents of the children also completed the Child's Sleep Habits Questionnaire and maintained a daily sleep log while their child wore the device. This study demonstrated that though over half of the children were identified as having at least one sleep-related problem, their activity levels were significantly related to their sleep patterns. Specifically, the more physically active children had overall higher sleep quality.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Accelerometry
  • Adolescent
  • Autistic Disorder / complications*
  • Autistic Disorder / physiopathology
  • Child
  • Exercise / physiology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Motor Activity / physiology*
  • Parents
  • Sleep / physiology*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / complications*
  • Sleep Wake Disorders / physiopathology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires