Association of sleep disturbance with clock genes and neurotransmitters in preschoolers with autism spectrum disorder

Abstract

Abstract Sleep disturbance is often reported in children with autism spectrum disorder, but the mechanisms involved remain unclear. In the current study 44 children with autism spectrum disorder and 44 with typical development were assessed via a sleep questionnaire and the Apple Watch. Neurotransmitter levels and clock gene mRNA levels were determined in all children. Children with autism spectrum disorder had a higher prevalence of sleep disturbance (p < 0.001) and had more sleep problems than children with typical development, including shorter total sleep time, lower sleep efficiency, and longer awake time (all p < 0.001). Orexin levels (p < 0.001) and clock gene mRNA levels were lower in children with autism spectrum disorder (both p < 0.05), and leptin levels were higher (p = 0.034). These results demonstrate the importance of clock genes and neurotransmitters in the pathogenesis of sleep disturbance in children with autism spectrum disorder. Trail registration number: ChiCTR2100046234, 2012/5/12.