Differences in sleep patterns, sleepiness, and physical activity levels between young adults with autism spectrum disorder and typically developing controls.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the differences in sleep, sleepiness, and physical activity (PA) between young adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and typically developing controls (TDC).

METHOD: Actigraphic data and questionnaires on sleep, sleepiness, and PA were compared between fifteen adults with ASD (ADOS range 7-19; ages 22.8 ± 4.5 years) and TDC.

RESULTS: In comparison to the TDC group, the ASD group slept longer on average per night but took longer to fall asleep. In relationship to PA levels, the objective PA levels were lower in the ASD group than the TDC group. Fewer wake minutes during the sleep period in the ASD sample were associated with more PA the following day.

CONCLUSION: The findings support previous research that demonstrates differences in sleep parameters and PA between ASD and TDC. Interventions aimed at increasing PA in an ASD population may be beneficial for improved sleep.