University College London, UK.
Northumbria University, UK.
Autism. 2021 Nov;25(8):2412-2417. doi: 10.1177/13623613211007226. Epub 2021 May 9.
Sleep problems are one of the most common complaints by autistic adults. This study aimed to report the perspectives of autistic adults on treatment of their sleep problems; 288 autistic adults living in the United Kingdom completed an online survey which assessed their sleep quality. We also gathered data on experiences and preferences of sleep treatment with UK healthcare professionals and their experiences of self-management of their sleep; 58% of autistic adults never had a visit with a healthcare professional regarding their sleep problem, despite 90% meeting the criteria for poor sleep quality. Some of those who attended a consultation for their sleep were prescribed medication (72%), but 60% were not satisfied with the outcome. The participants also reported that sleep self-management was not effective (80%); 41% reported a preference for non-medication including education, advice and talking therapies for sleep treatment. This report highlights the need for a fundamental shift in treatment of sleep problems in autistic adults. The current treatments are not resolving sleep issues; hence, it is imperative to develop management strategies that considers autistic adults' preferences, reduces sleep problems and thus improves quality of life for autistic adults.
睡眠问题是自闭症成年人最常见的抱怨之一。本研究旨在报告自闭症成年人对其睡眠问题治疗的看法；288 名居住在英国的自闭症成年人完成了一项在线调查，评估了他们的睡眠质量。我们还收集了英国医疗保健专业人员在治疗睡眠方面的经验和偏好的数据，以及他们对自己睡眠管理的经验；尽管 90%的人睡眠质量差，但 58%的自闭症成年人从未因睡眠问题就诊过医疗保健专业人员。一些人因睡眠问题就诊时被开了药（72%），但 60%的人对结果不满意。参与者还报告说，睡眠自我管理没有效果（80%）；41%的人表示更倾向于非药物治疗，包括教育、建议和睡眠治疗的谈话疗法。本报告强调了自闭症成年人的睡眠问题治疗需要从根本上转变。目前的治疗方法并不能解决睡眠问题；因此，有必要制定管理策略，考虑到自闭症成年人的偏好，减少睡眠问题，从而提高自闭症成年人的生活质量。
