Infants at higher autism likelihood show shallower deep sleep, even in quiet rooms
Medical Xpress
February 20, 2026
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Babies with an increased likelihood of autism may face challenges in achieving deep, restorative sleep, even in quiet environments. A new study from the University of East Anglia highlights a potential link between sensory sensitivity—commonly observed in neurodivergent infants—and sleep quality. The research suggests that these babies often experience shallower sleep states, which are less conducive to rest and recovery. This could have significant implications for their development, as deep sleep is crucial for brain growth and learning.
The study, published in the journal SLEEPJ, monitored the sleep patterns of infants with heightened autism risk. It found that these children spent less time in slow-wave sleep (SWS), a stage of deep sleep essential for cognitive restoration and physical renewal. Even in安静的 rooms designed to promote restful sleep, their sensory sensitivities appeared to disrupt their ability to fully settle into this vital sleep state.
The researchers speculate that sensory processing differences may play a role in these findings. For neurodivergent infants, even subtle environmental stimuli—such as sounds or textures—can interfere with their ability to transition into deep sleep. This could contribute to ongoing sleep challenges and impact their overall development, as sleep is closely tied to growth, learning, and emotional regulation.
Understanding the relationship between sensory sensitivity and sleep in high-risk infants is critical for developing supportive interventions. Poor sleep quality early in life can have long-term consequences, affecting not only neurodevelopment but also mental and physical health. This research underscores the importance of addressing sleep issues in children with autism risk to promote their overall well-being.
For parents and healthcare providers, these findings emphasize the need to monitor
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Originally published on Medical Xpress on 2/20/2026