Children With Autism Struggle With Sleep Essay

According to the Division of Sleep Medicine at Harvard Medical School (2007), if one does not receive an adequate amount of sleep one may become sleep deprived, one’s health may decline, the immune system may be compromised, and the ability to learn or complete tasks may become impaired. The question evoked from this necessity is, why do we sleep? Psychologists typically take two stances concerning this controversy: an adaptive stance or a restorative stance. While psychologists are still not certain on the answer, both the restorative and adaptive approaches have strong evidence of truth and actuality. Supporters of the adaptive theory of sleep believe that sleep is a result of evolution (Ciccarelli, 2015, p. 141).

Years ago, it was presumed that a sleeping person had little or no measurable brain activity. This dated theory has since been dismissed. With the emergence of technology to monitor the stages of sleep, we now know better. It has now been shown that our brain is anything but idle during sleep - albeit performing different functions than when we are

Lack of sleep will affect a child’s development. A child needs sufficient sleep to be able to concentrate and be able to learn. Lack of sleep can also cause emotional, social and behavioural problems, this is because if a child is

It is no secret that, similar to other animals, sleep is one of the most important things for a human being’s overall health. According to Watson and Breedlove, there are four main biological/neurological functions of sleep: energy conservation—the body uses less energy when it is asleep through what is called slow-wave sleep (SWS) by doing things such as reducing body temperature and slowing respiration; niche adaptation—the environmental happenings to which organisms are adapted to; body restoration—it restores materials used during awake hours; and memory consolidation—SWS and REM sleep help the brain consolidate memories from the previous day (2012).

Sleep is commonly referred to as a global state, one which engages the entire nervous system. The states of sleep and wakefulness are highly interconnected and share common physiological mechanisms; however, there are distinct differences in the neurochemical pathways that underlie them. The notion that sleep is a global state is supported by evidence that the interrelated states of sleep and wakefulness engage a multitude of neuronal pathways and components. These networks of neuronal transmitters and receptors extend throughout the brain; from the brainstem to the basal forebrain, thalamus, hypothalamus, and cerebral cortex. The onset of sleep and wakefulness is known

affects not only the child but also the well-being of the entire family. Sleep is essential for

In the United States 1 in 68 births results in an Autism diagnosis (Autism Society). In this time period, at the moment, there are new medical discoveries every day. These breakthroughs range from new diseases prevention methods, to new cures for previously “terminal” illnesses. So, because our society is constantly changing, evolving, and improving, it is absolutely necessary to keep up with the awareness of these new discoveries. One disorder that has existed for years, but has recently gained a lot of awareness is Autism. Autism is defined as “a disorder in brain development that ultimately affects its victims’ everyday social interaction” (Autismspeaks.org) . Signs and symptoms of Autism are usually shown in early childhood, and are easily detected by parents, if they are aware. However, if a parent or guardian notices any signs, they should take action immediately. How fast they take action in this situation could make or break the future of their child.

Autism has been on the rise in the past 20 years, and is getting dangerously close to reaching epidemic proportions (Zelan, 1). Statistically, Autism rates have been rising in the United States with Autism now effecting 1 in every 150 children ages 10 and younger (Zelan, 1). Autism can occur in any race and does not gender discriminate, though boys are four times more likely to have Autism than girls (Castrogiovanni). The causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Autism are the main aspects that most interest researchers today. If studies continue to have good results, the quality of life for Autistics could improve exponentially. Autism is a developmental disorder that has baffled researchers for

Dysfunctional Beliefs About Child Sleep Scale, (DBACS). Parents dysfunctional beliefs about children's sleep were analyzed using a an instrument adapted from a DBAS scale for adults. The original had 28 items that were modified to tap into parents dysfunctional beliefs about their child's’ sleep. Two changes were made from the original version, items pertaining to growing older were excluded as they are not relevant to children; word substitutions, the second change, were made to the remaining 22 items. The Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire, (CSHQ), was used to measure the reports made by parents on children with SRP’s. Mothers and fathers were asked to observe their child's sleep behaviors for a week. The CSHQ consists of 45 items forming 8 subscales determine fundamental sleep domains: bedtime resistance, sleep-onset delay, sleep disordered breathing and daytime sleepiness. Parents were asked to rate items on a 3 point scale, and indicate whether they felt there was a problem for their child. Another way to measure an SRP is the Self Sleep Report (SSR), used to measure self reported SRP’s by the children. Sleep diaries and the use of Actigraphs, are used to measure sleep objectively, Actigraphs are motion loggers and it records when the wearer is active or inactive, the periods of inactivity are later logged as rest or sleep. Using Actiwatch-64 and Actiware-CT 5.2, this device and software have shown good concordance against polysomnography in children. The sleep variables measured were: Sleep Onset Latency, Total Sleep Time, and sleep efficiency percent. participants recorded the information a sleep diary; the time they went to bed, lights out, time spent asleep and the time they got out of bed.

Sleep is one of the unavoidable daily-living activities and it is one of the most important factors contributing to a person’s health. A quality sleep is essential for the physical, cognitive and psychological well-being of a person. Learning, memory processing and maintenance of the brain are among the most important functions of sleep. In addition to maintaining the brain, sleep has important roles in controlling the

Several studies have been conducted that take a look at treatments for children with autism suffering from sleep disorders. Sleep disorders may even be more common in children with autism spectrum disorders. There's been countless of different types of treatments, but one treatment in particular is Melatonin. Melatonin helps control your sleep and wake cycles. Studies have shown that melatonin is promised in treating sleep and insomnia in children with autism. This literature review will look at how melatonin has a major positive effect on kids suffering sleeping disorders, including suffering from autism.

Autism is at an all-time high for awareness and research. While parents are eager to learn more about conditions that affect their child they are rightfully hesitant to subject their child to sedation in order to contribute to data. One study used natural sleep cycles to their advantage and had a ninety-three percent success rate imaging children aging two to five years old with varying degrees of autism and development without using sedation. (Nordahl) This amazingly successful study applied several distraction techniques and informative tools in addition to performing the exams while the child was

Bedtime problems and night waking’s in infants and young children are established, persistent, and associated with a variety of impairments in youth and their families (Moore, M., 2010). Many parents have struggle with their children to develop appropriate sleep scheduling and bedtime routines. Learning how to sleep soundly is a normal part of development. It is typical for children to wake during the night. However, returning to sleep may be difficult at times for children. Children who get little sleep are more likely to have behavioral problems, be prone to general moodiness, and have difficulties living up to their potential. Having a child that is not getting restful sleep

Recent research has proven that children just are not getting the sleep they need these days. Kids today seem to be doing poorer in school and have less attention spans. Most parents are not aware of a common problem effecting thousands of children in this country: sleep disorders. Parents often fail to follow there children's sleeping patterns which can result in some serious side effects if that child has a sleep disorder. A study done at Tulane University in New Orleans studied about 300 first graders that preformed poorly in school. They found that 18 per cent showed signs of a sleeping problem. The percentage of children with bad grades found to have sleeping problems

Not only does insomnia affect the child that is suffering, it also has a lasting effect on those that are around them in daily activities and those who live with them. It is said that certain collected information, when answered truthfully, shows that between twenty-five and forty-five percent of children suffer from insomnia (Lehmkuhl, G., Wiater, A., Mitschke, A., & Fricke-Oerkermann, L. 2008 ). On many occasions, the parent worries about the child not sleeping. This can lead to the parent not sleeping as well. Once this turns into a cycle it can become very overwhelming for everyone in the house potentially making everyone miserable. When children become this tired, they become irritable and grumpy. This cycle will continue until they are able to eventually get a