Sleep patterns and their links to eating behaviors and dietary quality in autistic children

İngilizce (OpenAlex)

Objectives This study aimed to investigate the associations between dietary quality, eating behaviors, and sleep patterns among autistic children.Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and May 2023. Anthropometric measurements were obtained, and age- and sex-specific z-scores for height-for-age and BMI-for-age were calculated. Feeding difficulties were assessed using the Brief Autism Mealtime Behavior Inventory (BAMBI), sleep-related problems were measured using the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ), and dietary quality was evaluated with the Healthy Eating Index–2020 (HEI-2020).Results Self-feeding ability was significantly lower in children with sleep-related difficulties than in those without (p = .02). BAMBI total scores (p = .01) and subscales – food refusal (p = .01), limited food variety (p = .04), and features of autism (p = .03) – were significantly higher among children with sleep-related difficulties. CSHQ scores were negatively associated with HEI-2020 total score in children with/without sleep-related problems, whereas in those with sleep problems, they were linked to higher added sugar intake. A significant regression was observed between BAMBI total scores and CSHQ scores (β = 0.27, t = 3.12, p = .01).Conclusions Autistic children with sleep-related difficulties exhibit poorer independent eating abilities and mealtime behaviors, as well as greater food refusal, limited food variety, and more pronounced autism-related features compared to those without such difficulties.