Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Correspondence: vbricout chu-grenoble. Physical activity PA programs have been found to result in improved sleep in males with autism spectrum disorder ASD , but little is known about the female characteristics.
The aim of this work was to assess sex differences in sleep and PA indices using an accelerometer over 7 days and 7 nights. Sleep and PA variables were measured with questionnaires and with accelerometry in twenty-four children with ASD 16 boys, Some significant differences were reported between girls and boys.
The results obtained from the sleep questionnaire CSHQ show averages above the threshold of 41 in both groups the threshold indicates the presence of sleep disorders or low sleep quality. Our results show major alterations in girls, with a low level of PA and sleep alteration. PA is a relevant non-pharmacological approach to improve sleep quality and achieve sufficient sleep duration.
However, particularly for girls with ASD, more personalized approaches to improve sleep may be needed to manage specific associated disorders. Regular physical activity PA is recognized as a key factor in healthy development, allowing children who engage in regular physical activity to enjoy a positive health trajectory and a lifestyle that helps prevent or delay chronic diseases [ 1 ].
However, several studies have reported that most children do not reach the minimum recommendations for daily physical activity despite the benefits of regular PA in children [ 2 , 3 ]. A meta-analysis published in [ 4 ] reported a positive impact on total sleep time, sleep onset latency, and slow wave sleep following acute and regular physical exercise but a negative impact on rapid eye movement sleep. More recently, the meta-analysis published by Atoui et al. Other studies have also reported that Wake After Sleep Onset WASO and sleep quality were significantly positively and negatively associated with physical activity at the intra-individual level.
