Investigating the role of sleep in autism spectrum disorder

Center for Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10916247

This study is looking at how sleep problems might affect kids with autism, ages 4 to 17, to see if better sleep can help improve their behavior and thinking skills.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10916247 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how sleep dysregulation affects individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). By examining sleep patterns and their relationship to core behavioral and cognitive symptoms, the study aims to identify whether sleep disturbances contribute to the development and worsening of ASD symptoms. The research involves both human participants aged 4 to 17 and animal models, utilizing various methods such as EEG and actigraphy to gather comprehensive data on sleep physiology. The goal is to determine if improving sleep can lead to better outcomes for individuals with ASD.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and adolescents aged 4 to 17 diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have autism spectrum disorder or are outside the age range of 4 to 17 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved sleep interventions that enhance the quality of life and symptom management for individuals with autism.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that addressing sleep issues can significantly improve behavioral and cognitive outcomes in children with autism, indicating a promising avenue for this study.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Autistic Disorder
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.