Journal Club Plan- Behavioral Sleep- 12/2- 12/23

Dec '25 (edited) • 👋 General

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Week 1 — Tuesday, December 2, 2025 @ 9 AM EST

Topic: Identifying Functional Drivers of Sleep Problems

Article: Jin, C. S., Hanley, G. P., & Beaulieu, L. (2013). An Individualized and Comprehensive Approach to Treating Sleep Problems in Young Children. Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis, 46(1), 161–180.* https://doi.org/10.1002/jaba.16

Summary: This study used detailed interviews, sleep diaries, and night-vision video to identify environmental and behavioral causes of pediatric sleep problems. Treatment packages adjusted bedtimes, removed problematic sleep dependencies, and disrupted contingencies supporting interfering behaviors. Individualized, function-based intervention produced strong improvements in sleep onset, duration, and caregiver satisfaction.

Week 2 — Tuesday, December 9, 2025 @ 9 AM EST

Topic: Using Technology to Expand Sleep Assessment and Intervention

Article: Koudys, J., McConnell, C., Savard, A., et al. (2025). The Use of Technology and Telehealth to Improve Behavioral Sleep Assessment and Intervention. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 18, 74–95.* https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00942-0

Summary: Digital tools and telehealth coaching supported caregivers in assessing and treating sleep problems remotely. Technologies such as apps, camera systems, and online parent training preserved data fidelity and expanded access. The model demonstrates how technology can scale expert sleep support beyond traditional in-person services.

Week 3 — Tuesday, December 16, 2025 @ 9 AM EST

Topic: Physical Activity as a Sleep Regulator

Article: Chin, Y. C., Luna, O., & Witts, B. N. (2025). A Preliminary Investigation of Long-Term Maintenance of a Parent-Implemented Physical Activity Intervention for Adolescents Diagnosed with ASD. Behavior Analysis in Practice, 18, 196–205.* https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00970-w

Summary: Parents used goal-setting and reinforcement to increase adolescents’ daily steps, and gains were maintained months after intervention. Increased activity contributed to improved routines and healthier overall behavior patterns. The results highlight physical activity as a practical, indirect pathway to better sleep outcomes.

Week 4 — Tuesday, December 23, 2025 @ 9 AM EST

Topic: Multi-Factor Influences on Sleep

Article: Bird, E., D’Agostino, L., & Kuhn, D. E. (2025). [Behavioral and Environmental Correlates of Sleep in Autism Spectrum Disorder.] Behavior Analysis in Practice, 18. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40617-024-00976-3

Summary: This paper outlines how diet, sensory environments, caregiver routines, and medication interact to shape sleep behavior. Sleep is presented as the end product of many overlapping contingencies rather than a single dominant cause. Comprehensive planning is recommended when multiple factors co-maintain sleep disruption.

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