Psychophysiological study of sleep onset insomnia and intervention study for life rhythm improvement in autism spectrum disorders

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K02918
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 09060:Special needs education-related
• Research Institution: Fukuyama City University
• Principal Investigator: HIRANO Shingo 福山市立大学, 教育学部, 准教授 (90571654)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 自閉スペクトラム症 / 睡眠 / 生活リズム / 入眠困難 / アセスメント

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This research aimed to identify the sleep difficulties experienced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and explore assessment methods that could assist in individualized education program to establish and improve their daily routines. In our foundational research, we found that individuals with ASD often falling asleep quickly and struggle with maintaining sleep, especially in environments that require adaptation. Additionally, case studies of individuals with ASD revealed common patterns such as disruptions in sleep timing and rhythm, as well as frequent awakenings during the night, alongside difficulties falling asleep. Furthermore, it was suggested that the quality of daytime activities may be related to both subjective and objective sleep difficulties. These findings underscore the importance of using comprehensive assessment methods to understand the relationship between developmental assessments, daily activity records, and sleep difficulties.

Free Research Field

特別支援教育，生理心理学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究においては，ASD児者の入眠困難を含む睡眠や生活リズムの非特異的な発達は，その特性と生活・睡眠環境との長期的な相互作用の中で起こっていることが示唆された。そして，空間や時間の構造化が常に支援の課題となる発達障害児の睡眠を改善するためには，より多角的・多専門的な連携体制の中で，一人ひとりを理解し支援するための自立活動的な視点を持つ支援方法の開発が求められていることを示した。本研究は，睡眠日誌などの主観的記録と客観的指標を組み合わせ，日中活動と睡眠の関係を読み解くためのアセスメント法開発に役立てることのできる知見を提供する。