To investigate the association between sleep problems and suicidality (including both suicidal ideation and behavior) in Autistic youth using caregiver reports and daily sleep diaries.
Key Findings:
88% of caregivers reported sleep problems in their Autistic youth.
64.7% of caregivers endorsed at least some suicidal behavior.
Daytime sleepiness and sleep quality were significantly related to suicidal ideation.
Unexpectedly, total sleep problems were not associated with total suicidality scores.
Interpretation:
Specific sleep difficulties, particularly daytime sleepiness and sleep quality, may uniquely contribute to suicidality in Autistic youth, highlighting the need for targeted prevention strategies that address these specific issues.
Limitations:
The study's cross-sectional design limits causal inferences.
Reliance on caregiver reports may introduce bias.
The small sample size may affect the generalizability of the findings.
Conclusion:
Findings underscore the importance of addressing sleep issues in Autistic youth as a potential avenue for suicide prevention.
