Sleep diary
A diary in which, in case of sleep problems, bedtime, time to fall asleep, night-time waking phases and wake-up time are recorded over at least 14 days. The 2021 S3 guideline recommended it as an early step.
For sleep problems, the 2021 S3 guideline recommended keeping a sleep diary for at least 14 days. Bedtime, time to fall asleep, number and duration of night-time waking phases and the wake-up time in the morning were to be recorded. [1, Rec. 94, 95] In the recommended order, first came clarification of possible physical causes, then psychoeducation on sleep hygiene and the sleep diary; medication only came into question if that was not sufficient. [1, Rec. 94, 95]
The diary does not replace medical clarification. The guideline expired on 23.03.2026. [2] A template to print is in the “Checklists & Templates” area (“Template: sleep diary for 14 days”, German only); more in the article Sleep problems in autism.
Sources and literature
- DGKJP/DGPPN et al.: Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter, Teil 2: Therapie. Interdisziplinäre S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-047, Langversion, Stand Text 02.05.2021. https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/028-047l_S3_Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerungen-Kindes-Jugend-Erwachsenenalter-Therapie_2021-04_1.pdf
- DGKJP: Aktuelle Leitlinien (Übersicht mit AWMF-Registernummer und Gültigkeitsdatum). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/
In detail: Sleep problems in autism
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Knowledge articleShaping everyday life
Sleep problems in autism
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