Quality sleep is a cornerstone of good health and quality of life, but for many autistic people, sleep is not a given. Sleep difficulties are common among autistic people of all ages, but few studies have focused on this population in middle and older age. A new study published in Int J Geriatr Psychiatry, 2026 Oct, seeks to fill this knowledge gap, offering important insights into the relationship between sleep and mental health in older autistic adults.
The study was based on data collected from hundreds of participants - autistic adults and non-autistic adults, aged 40 to 93. Researchers used established measures to assess sleep quality and mental health symptoms to better understand their experiences.
Key Findings and Their Significance
The findings clearly indicate that the autistic group reported significantly more sleep difficulties compared to the non-autistic group. Sleep difficulties appeared in all areas of sleep examined, and were particularly prominent in the categories of sleep disturbances and impaired daily functioning. Researchers report that these difficulties remained significant even after accounting for other factors such as age, and the presence of anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
Another important point is the gender distinction: autistic women in the study group reported the greatest sleep-related difficulties. This finding emphasizes the importance of examining gender differences when addressing sleep difficulties among autistic adults.
The study also found that in both groups - autistic and non-autistic - sleep difficulties were associated with older age and higher levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms. However, among the autistic group, a stronger association was observed between sleep difficulties and anxiety symptoms in particular. This preliminary finding suggests that anxiety may play an even more significant role in the sleep quality of autistic adults.
What Does This Mean for Autistic Adults in Israel?
These findings reinforce the understanding that sleep difficulties are not just a nuisance, but may be closely linked to mental health. For autistic adults in Israel, who may face similar challenges, the study highlights the need to pay attention to sleep difficulties, especially when accompanied by anxiety symptoms.
The researchers note that since the study is cross-sectional (a snapshot in time), it cannot definitively establish cause and effect relationships. However, the findings emphasize the need to examine intervention strategies that can improve sleep quality in the aging autistic population. Targeted treatment for anxiety, and broader mental health difficulties, may certainly have a positive impact on sleep quality among autistic adults.