Association Between Sleep Pattern and Screen Time in Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

Background: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition often accompanied by sleep disturbances and elevated screen exposure, both of which can negatively impact behavioral and emotional health. Objective: To determine the association between screen time and sleep patterns in children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the PSRD Occupational Therapy Department. A total of 280 children aged 3–15 years with confirmed ASD diagnoses were included through non-probability sampling. Children with comorbidities or additional physical conditions were excluded. The Children Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), along with structured questions on screen use, was administered to parents after obtaining informed consent. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Statistics including chi- square tests were used to examine associations, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Among 280 participants, 54.3% were male and 45.7% female. Most children used smartphones (58.2%), and screen use was highest in the evening (41.9%). A significant association was found between total screen time and sleep disturbances (χ2=96.055, p<0.001). Significant relationships were also observed for screen use duration on holidays (p<0.001) and weekdays (p=0.052), and time of day of screen use (p<0.001). Conclusion: Increased screen time was significantly associated with disturbed sleep patterns in children with ASD. Parental regulation of digital media use may mitigate sleep-related difficulties in this population.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Children Sleep Habits Questionnaire, Exposure to Media, Sleep, Sleep Disorders, Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders, Sleep Wake Disorders, Video Display Terminals.