Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sleep

Youth diagnosed with ASD experience more sleep problems than their peers whether or not the peers have intellectual developmental disabilities. Although the most common sleep problem experienced by patients with ASD is insomnia, other sleep disturbances can also occur. Given the high prevalence of sleep problems and disorders in this population, all youth with ASD should be screened for sleep problems. Polysomnography is not indicated to assess uncomplicated insomnia but may be indicated when assessing unusual behaviors while sleeping, excessive movements in sleep, symptoms and signs that suggest OSA, and persistent daytime sleepiness. Behavioral treatments including parent training are effective in ASD. There is growing evidence for the utility of melatonin when treating insomnia refractory to behavioral interventions. There are no FDA -approved medicines to treat pediatric insomnia.