Characterizing rest-activity rhythms and sleep for children with and without tactile sensitivities: An observational study

Study objectives: This cross-sectional, observational study aimed to characterize and compare movement-based rest-activity rhythms (RARs) and sleep period variables of children with tactile hypersensitivities (SS) and non-sensitive peers (NSS) to expand the understanding of experienced differences in sleep. Methods: Children (ages 6-10) wore Actigraph GT9X watches for 2 weeks and caregivers completed daily sleep diaries. RARs and sleep period variables (e.g., sleep efficiency, duration, wake after sleep onset) were analyzed and localized means were plotted to visualize average rhythms for each group. Groups were compared using Student's t tests, or non-parametric alternatives, and Hedge's g effect sizes. Results: Fifty-three children and their families participated in this study (nSS = 21 nNSS = 32). The groups had similar RARs and sleep period variables. In both groups, sleep efficiency was low (SESS = 78%, SENSS = 77%) and total sleep time was short (TSTSS = 7 hrs 26 mins, TSTNSS- 7 h, 33 min) compared to national recommendations. Despite these similarities, children with SS took noticeably longer to settle down and fall asleep (53 min) than children with NSS (26 min, p = .075, g = 0.95). Conclusion: This study provides preliminary data describing RAR and sleep period variables in children with and without tactile hypersensitivities. While overall RAR and sleep variables were similar between groups, there is evidence that children with SS spend a longer time transitioning to sleep. Evidence is provided that wrist-worn actigraphy is tolerable and acceptable for children with tactile sensitivities. Actigraphy provides important, movement-based data that should be used in tandem with other measures of sleep health for future studies.

Automated summary

This study aimed to compare movement-based rest-activity rhythms (RARs) and sleep period variables of children with tactile hypersensitivities and non-sensitive peers. The results showed similar RARs and sleep variables between the two groups, but children with hypersensitivities took longer to fall asleep. The study provides preliminary data on sleep characteristics of children with tactile hypersensitivities and supports the use of wrist-worn actigraphy in future sleep studies.