Abstract
Four autistic male subjects (mean age 13.3 years) and 5 normal age-matched control males were studied by night sleep polygraphy. Results showed significantly higher rapid eye movement (REM) density and R index (p = 0.032) and a less evident tendency of REMs to cluster in bursts in autistic subjects. These findings suggest the existence in autistic subjects of an increased redundancy of REMs probably depending on a deficit in inhibitory descending influences from the frontal areas or on a dysregulation of the complex neurochemical mechanism subserving REM sleep.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 348-354 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Brain Dysfunction |
Volume | 4 |
Issue number | 6 |
Publication status | Published - 1991 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- Neuroscience(all)