Sleep disturbances and physical health problems in caregivers of children with ASD

Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder self-report more physical health problems than controls. Sleep disturbances are also prevalent in caregivers, and positively associated problems. The negative impact caring for a child ASD on therefore, might occur indirectly via poorer sleep. Participants, which n = 43 were caregivers 17 controls, completed measures and, to capture objective sleep, wore an actigraphy device. Physical greater as subjective reports disturbed Objectively, waking after sleep onset (WASO) average number awakenings higher, was latency, efficiency poorer, caregivers. Total time however, bed. problems, while unrelated measures, self-reported disturbances. Caregivers’ increased risk occurred self-reports Interventions that help alleviate caregivers’ be effective, by reducing improving quality provided care, this explored future research.