Evaluating the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation on sleep difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder: a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Study objectives

Evaluate the effect and safety of alpha rhythm-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (α-rTMS) on sleep difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Methods

Twenty children (6-12 years old; 16 males; 4 females) with ASD level 2 were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to a treatment group (TG) or a waitlist control group (WLCG) (T1). The TG received ten α-rTMS sessions over two weeks, while the WLCG acted as control for that period (T2). Next, the WLCG received α-rTMS for two weeks (T3). All study participants were followed up at one (T4) and four (T5) months. Sleep difficulties were measured using the Children's Sleep Habit Questionnaire (CSHQ), Actigraphy, and Polysomnography (PSG).

Results

Group-by-time interactions indicate

SUBMITTER: Ezedinma U 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12724088 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature