Pain as a predictor of sleep problems in youth with autism spectrum disorders

Evidence suggests that pain interferes with sleep in youth with developmental disabilities. This study examined the relationship between pain and sleep problems in a sample of youth with parent-reported autism spectrum disorder (N = 62). Mothers reported on standardized measures of pain and sleep problems. Youth demonstrated atypically high levels of both observed pain and sleep problems. Pain predicted overall sleep disturbance and three specific sleep problems: sleep duration, parasomnias, and sleep-disordered breathing. These specific sleep problems were predicted by specific modalities of nonverbal pain communication (e.g. sleep duration problems were predicted by social communication of pain). Effects were consistent across probing of relevant moderators. These findings suggest that comprehensive assessment of both pain and sleep problems may provide important information for medical and behavioral treatment planning for youth with autism spectrum disorder.