The effect of a selected exercise program on improving the sleep quality of children with autism

Sleep problems occur very severely in children with autism and more often than in other disabled children. On the other hand, the negative side effects of the pills can be mentioned. Physical activity is a possible solution to reduce sleep problems in children with autism, a popular and inexpensive way that has no side effects and increases the quality of life. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a selected exercise program on improving the sleep quality of children with autism.The subjects of this study included ۸ children with Asperger s autism. Subjects were divided into experimental group (n = ۴) and control group (n = ۴). The experimental group participated in the Spark training program for ۴ weeks and ۳ sessions per week, and the control group continued their normal activities. At the beginning and end of the course, children s sleep was measured by the CSHQ questionnaire. Data were analyzed by independent and dependent t-test at a significance level of α = ۰.۰۵.The results showed that there were not any significant differences in the subscales of Bedtime Resistance, Parasomnias, Sleep onset Delay, Sleep Disordered Breathing, Sleep Duration, Daytime Sleepiness, Sleep Anxiety and Night Wakings p > ۰.۰۵. but there was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test in total sleep disturbance score (p < ۰.۰۵).The results of the research show that the selected exercise program has improved the quality of children s sleep. According to the American Sleep Disorders Association, exercise is a non-pharmacological method used to improve sleep quality. According to previous research, the level of physical activity of children with autism is low, and this lack of physical activity is likely to increase the symptoms of insomnia and poor quality sleep. As a result, the most effective treatment for children with autism is to participate in an exercise program. Participating in an exercise program reduces maladaptive behaviors.

کلیدواژه ها:

Autism ، sleep problem ، exercise program