Research >
SLEEP RESEARCH AT VANDERBILT

The Vanderbilt Sleep Core, directed by Dr. Beth Malow, was developed to facilitate interdisciplinary research in sleep medicine. Investigators from a variety of disciplines are encouraged to add sleep studies into their research protocols. The Sleep Core offers consultation with Dr. Malow and Peter Howard, RPSGT, regarding protocol development and implementation. The Sleep Core has two hard-wired state-of-the-art digital video-EEG-polysomnography systems and a third wireless system for portable studies. Two sleep technologists with experience in both adults and children carry out overnight polysomnography as well as daytime multiple sleep latency tests. Actigraphy, which assesses the sleep-wake cycle through the use of activity meters, is also available. For more information about the Vanderbilt Sleep Core, please contact Dr. Malow at 615-322-0283 or beth.malow@vanderbilt.edu

Sleep and Autism Studies:

Sleep disturbances are common in children with autism spectrum disorders and can affect the child’s ability to function during the day. Several studies are currently examining sleep difficulties in children with autism:

Melatonin for Insomnia in Children with Autism: The goal of this study is to look at how a daily dose of melatonin affects sleep and daytime behavior in children with autism.

Parent Education Classes for Children with Autism: The goal of this study is to examine how parent education classes can improve sleep in children with autism.

For more information on these studies, please contact autismsleepresearch@vanderbilt.edu

Links to articles on sleep and autism that features Dr. Malow’s research are available at:

Sleeping soundly with autism

Lullaby and good night

A good night’s sleep