Abstract
Background
Children with cerebral palsy (CP) are more likely to experience sleep problems. Their sleep difficulties have been shown to be related to poorer sleep quality for their parents and caregivers. While poor sleep has been linked with poorer psychological health in other populations, few studies have focused on the potential effects of children’s and caregivers’ sleep disturbance on caregivers’ psychological health and wellbeing in families of children with CP. This study investigated the association between caregivers’ psychological health and wellbeing and their sleep quality and the sleep of their children with CP.
Method
94 caregivers (86% mothers; age range = 29-76 years) of children with CP aged 4 to 14 years of varying physical abilities (Gross Motor Function Classification Scale expanded and revised – level I (24), II (20), III (16), IV (10), V (24)) were recruited from a state-wide rehabilitation service. Caregivers completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-21, Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale, Resilience Scale, Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and a demographic questionnaire.
Results
Sleep problems were reported for 55% of children. Poor sleep quality was reported by 71% of caregivers. While 25% of caregivers reported positive wellbeing and 86% reported high to very high levels of resilience, 44% reported poor psychological health. Child sleep problems were related to poorer caregiver sleep quality (r=0.47, p<0.001). Poorer caregiver sleep quality was related to poorer caregiver psychological health (r=0.43-0.51, all p<0.001) and wellbeing (r=-0.48, p<0.001), but not resilience (r=0.18, p=0.11).
Conclusions
High numbers of children with CP and their caregivers experience poor sleep that extends far past infancy. Poor sleep quality is associated with poorer psychological health and wellbeing for caregivers. Further development of responsive support services that address caregivers’ sleep is essential.