Screen use linked to sleep problems in youth with ASD

A study by researchers in Egypt and Saudi Arabia suggests a correlation between screen use and sleep problems in young people with autism spectrum disorders (ASD).

In the study involving 83 children and young adults with ASD, Mohamed Abouzed and colleagues focused on the association between sleep quality and the use of technology, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The researchers asked participants or their caregivers to assess sleep quality using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and to provide information about the timing and duration of screen use during the day, the amount of use before bedtime, and the types of content consumed (for instance, gaming, social media, or educational material). They also conducted semi-structured interviews with a subset of 20 participants.

The researchers report, “Significant positive correlations were found between poorer sleep quality scores and total screen time, pre-bedtime technology use, gaming, and social media use. Pre-bedtime technology use was a significant predictor of poorer sleep quality even after controlling for age, gender, and ASD severity.”

They note, “For individuals with ASD, the impact of smart technology on sleep quality may be particularly significant. Many individuals with ASD experience challenges in sensory processing, which could make them more sensitive to the stimulating effects of blue light [emitted by smart devices] and electronic content. Additionally, the core symptoms of ASD, such as difficulties with transitions and insistence on routines, may be exacerbated when technology disrupts bedtime routines.”

They conclude, “These results underscore the importance of developing evidence-based interventions and guidelines to promote healthy sleep habits and mitigate the negative effects of technology exposure in this population.” For instance, they say, it may be beneficial for individuals with ASD or their caregivers to set technology “curfews,” or to use blue light filters or night mode settings on devices.

Citations

“Impact of smart technology use on sleep quality in individuals with autism spectrum disorder: a mixed-methods investigation,” Mohamed Abouzed, Basem Salama, Amgad Gabr, Khaled A Elag, Mahmoud Soliman, Nisrin Elsaadouni, and Nasr Abou Elzahab, Frontiers in Psychiatry, May 24, 2024 (free online). Address: Mohamed Abouzed, [email protected].