Night Time Use of Tech Devices May Cause Sleep Disturbances

Many individuals with autism enjoy using tech devices such as tablets and the iPhone, but a new study shows that their use at night can cause sleep disturbances due to reduced levels of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that typically increases in the evening and helps induce sleepiness.

“During a two-week inpatient experiment involving a dozen adults, some participants were asked to read on an iPad for four hours each night before bedtime, for five consecutive nights. Others read printed books in dim light. After a week, the groups switched.” The results – participants using iPads had reduced levels of melatonin, took longer to fall asleep, and spent less time in restorative rapid-eye movement sleep.

As electronic devices become more prevalent, we could see a rise in long-term health issues due to a significant loss of sleep. For example, a persistent lack of sleep has been associated with obesity and diabetes.

While this study did not involve people with ASD, it is a cautionary tale as this population often experiences sleep difficulties. It is important to have a regular routine around bedtime that involves bathing at least one hour before bed, low arousal activities, a dark room to sleep in, and limiting the use of tech devices before bed.

If your child is struggling with sleep issues, have a look at Solving Sleep Problems in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Guide for Frazzled Families or Sleep Well on the Autism Spectrum. The National Autistic Society also has a helpful article on what causes sleep disturbances and how you can help your child with ASD sleep better.