Sleep and Autism

There is very little research evidence on the use of interventions to help autistic people with sleep problems.
There is limited/inconclusive evidence on whether any interventions help autistic adults with sleep problems.
There is stronger research evidence to suggest that some behavioural approaches are beneficial in treating sleep problems in autistic children and young people.
There is stronger research evidence to suggest that melatonin may be effective in decreasing the time it takes some autistic children and young people to fall asleep especially when used in conjunction with behavioural approaches.
There is limited/inconclusive evidence on whether other drugs help autistic people with sleep problems.
There is limited/inconclusive evidence on whether other dietary supplements are beneficial in treating sleep problems in autistic children and young people.
There is limited/inconclusive evidence on whether any of the other interventions currently being used (such as aromatherapy, massage therapy) are effective in the treatment of sleep problems in autistic children and young people.
A single, high-quality trial (Gringras et al, 2012) has suggested that weighted blankets are not effective.
There is limited evidence that some interventions (such as aripiprazole, methylphenidate and omega-3 fatty acids) may actually increase sleep problems in some autistic people.

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