Sleep Disturbances and Autism

Disordered sleep affects daytime health and behavioral functioning in various neurologic conditions. Individuals who have autism may be at even higher risk for sleep disorders given the overlap of autism with sleep. In turn, behaviors inherent to autism may be exacerbated by sleepiness and interfere with the individual's ability to function optimally, thereby affecting quality of life. This article reviews our current understanding of the neurobiology of autism, emphasizing sleep-related aspects of this disorder. Sleep disorders in autism, including prevalence, etiology, evaluation, and treatment, are characterized. The impact of sleep disorders on daytime behavior and on quality of life in individuals affected with autism and their families also is discussed.