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Factors associated with sleep quality and duration in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder: a cross-sectional study

Patrícia Souza de Almeida, C. E. L. E. Silva, Alisson Henrique de Almeida, Flavia Eloize de Souza Silva, R. Ritti-Dias, O. Lins-Filho, B. Q. Farah

Einstein, 2026

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the factors associated with sleep quality and duration in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 595 mothers (37±7yrs) of children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (8.1±3.1yrs). The assessed sleep parameters included sleep quality and duration. Mothers reporting poor sleep quality and those who did not sleep between seven and nine hours per night were considered at risk. Demographic data (age, education, income, marital status, and number of children), child-related data, comorbidities (overweight, diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, heart disease, depression symptoms, and anxiety), and lifestyle factors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, and smoking) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Forty-four percent of mothers reported poor sleep quality, and 70.4% did not achieve the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep per night. Factors associated with poor sleep quality included being unmarried [Odds-ratio(OR): 2.152; 95% confidence interval (95%CI)= 1.332-3.478], heart diseases (OR=4.859; 95%CI=1.153-20.471), depression symptoms (OR=3.833; 95%CI=(2.273-6.464), sedentary behavior on weekdays (OR=2.293; 95%CI=1.335-3.938), dissatisfaction with their child's therapy (OR=1.990; 95%CI=1.214-3.262), and inadequate sleep duration (OR=9.025; 95%CI=4.661-17.473). Inadequate sleep duration was associated with depression symptoms (OR=1.965; 95%CI=1.290-2.993), age (OR=1.051; 95%CI=1.152-2.517),…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a cross-sectional, done in people. Its evidence level is 4 of 5 (Low · observational). Observational designs can show an association but not prove cause.

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