Sleep Problems, Circadian Rhythms, and Their Relation to Behavioral Difficulties in Children and Adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

This was an exploratory cross-sectional study comparing 45 children with ASD to 24 typically developing drug-naïve controls, group-matched on age, sex, and body mass index. Objective data was obtained using the following: an ambulatory circadian monitoring device; saliva samples to determine dim light melatonin onset (DLMO): and three parent-completed measures: the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL); the Repetitive Behavior Scale-Revised (RBS-R); and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ28). The CBCL and RBS-R scales showed the highest scores amongst poor sleepers with ASD. Sleep fragmentation was associated with somatic complaints and self-injury, leading to a higher impact on family life. Sleep onset difficulties were associated with withdrawal, anxiety, and depression. Those with phase advanced DLMO had lower scores for “somatic complaints”; “anxious/depressed” state; and “social problems”, suggesting that this phenomenon has a protective role.

Impact of food additives on neurodevelopmental processes in zebrafish (Danio rerio): Exploring circadian clock genes and dopamine system

“…Disruptions in circadian rhythms have been linked to various neurodevelopmental disorders such as hyperactivity, anxiety, attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and autism (Ashton & Jagannath, 2020; Coogan et al., 2019; Martinez‐Cayuelas et al., 2023), all of which are associated with altered dopamine (DA) neurotransmission. The transcription factor Nurr1 (NR4A2/nuclear receptor related‐1) plays a critical role in the development and preservation of DAergic phenotype (García‐Yagüe & Cuadrado, 2023).…”