RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06386029

The Power Down Pilot Study: A Novel Bedtime Manipulation Protocol

Powering Down: A Pilot Study of a Bedtime Manipulation to Support Sleep for Autistic Children

Sponsor

University of Pittsburgh

Enrollment

10 participants

Start Date

Jul 5, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Sleep Disturbance Autism

Summary

The goal of this pilot intervention study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a novel bedtime manipulation protocol called "The Power Down" for autistic youth, ages 6-10. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Is the Power Down feasible for caregivers to do each night? 2. Do the families find the Power Down an acceptable intervention to address their child's difficulties settling down to fall asleep?

Eligibility

Min Age: 6 YearsMax Age: 10 Years

Inclusion Criteria6

Child between the ages of 6 and 10 years old (at least 40%, no more than 60% female)
Parent-reported autism diagnosis for child
Parent-reported extended and problematic settling down delay
Parent-reported sensory over-responsivity (a "yes" to at least 8 items in the sensory screening section of the checklist)
Parent willing to participate in nightly routine during the 2 week study
Located within the Pittsburgh area

Exclusion Criteria3

Participants will be excluded if they do not understand English or are unable to travel to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Western Psychiatric Hospital.
Children who have trauma or other histories for whom physical touch is triggering (per caregiver report) will be excluded.
If a child spends bedtime at a different caregiver's home for >50% of the nights and that caregiver is not willing to participate in this study, the child will be excluded from this study.

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALPower Down bedtime manipulation

The Power Down is a bedtime manipulation protocol targeting elevated arousal level at bedtime due to a hypothesized effect of sensory over-responsivity (a common experience for autistic children). The Power Down incorporates sensory-based tools (gentle tactile pressure and auditory cues) to support nervous system regulation prior to attempting sleep onset. Participants (caregivers and their child) will be educated in the Power Down protocol and data collection methods for the 2 week intervention trial. Caregivers will lead a nightly gentle massage with guided relaxation script just prior to the child trying to fall asleep. The child will also wear a watch-like activity monitor (ActiGraph GT9x) for the 2 week period throughout the day and night to measure changes in sleep and activity patterns. Caregivers will complete daily diary questions in the morning and evening reporting their child's emotions and sleep timing.