The Bulletin of Chiba Prefectural University of Health Sciences
Online ISSN : 2433-5533
Print ISSN : 1884-9326
Non-pharmacological interventions for sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder: A literature review
Shizuka Nakayama
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2025 Volume 16 Issue 1 Pages 1_139-1_146

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Abstract

 The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions for sleep disorders in children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

 For domestic literature, the Web version of the Japan Medical Abstracts Society (JAMAS) database was searched using the keywords “autism spectrum disorder” and “sleep”. For overseas literature, the PubMed and CINAHL databases were searched using the keywords “autism spectrum disorder” and “sleep”.

 The six selected target documents were classified into “behavioral intervention by caregivers”, ‘physical intervention’ and ‘sensory-based intervention’.

 In the category of ‘behavioural interventions by caregivers’, the effects of bedtime fading and positive routines were reported. In the category of ‘physical interventions’, the effects of music and vibration stimulation on reducing nighttime awakenings and increasing sleep duration were reported. There were no clear effects shown for ‘sensory-based interventions’ using weighted blankets. The methods of intervention for sleep disorders in children with ASD have not been fully investigated. It is necessary to consider providing assistance through a combination of intervention methods that are tailored to the individuality of the child with ASD and the sleep environment at home.

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© 2025 Chiba Prefectural University of Health Sciences
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