Research shows that sleep disruption can increase the risk of autism in children

A study from the University of North Carolina reveals a possible link between sleep disruptions in early life and the risk of autism. The research shows that when young children miss sleep, it can affect their brain development, which can increase the risk of neurodevelopmental problems. For babies and young children, sleep is crucial. During sleep, the brain forms important connections called synapses that aid in memory, attention and learning. Severing these connections at such a formative stage can lead to lasting consequences for cognitive functions.

In studies with young mice, researchers found that early sleep loss led to lasting behavioral changes, pointing to the crucial role of sleep in brain development. Sleep deprivation and autism Many people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) report sleep problems, with more than 80% regularly experiencing disruptions. Sean Gay, a graduate researcher at UNC, led the new study led by Dr. Graham Diering, focusing on whether sleep deprivation could increase the risk of ASD. Their findings say young mice with a genetic risk for autism showed social deficits when deprived of sleep, underscoring the importance of sleep in early development.

Differences in sleep recovery in adults versus young people

Another important discovery was how young and adult mice respond to sleep loss. While adult mice often sleep more to make up for missed sleep, younger mice showed no such recovery. Researchers believe this makes younger brains more sensitive to sleep disruptions. Molecular analysis also showed that sleep deprivation in young mice affected the formation of synapses, essential for memory and learning.

Future paths: sleep-based autism treatments

Based on these findings, the UNC team is investigating sleep-based treatments for children with autism. Instead of traditional tranquilizers, they are developing drugs that aim to improve natural sleep patterns by targeting synapses. This approach could lead to new ways to support early brain development and manage autism symptoms through healthy sleep habits.