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Siblings' experiences of sleep disruption in families with a child with Down syndrome

Emma Cooke1, Caitlin Smith2, Maria Carmen Miguel3

  • 1Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland, South Brisbane, Australia; Queensland Brain Institute, The University of Queensland, Saint Lucia, Australia.

Sleep Health
|November 16, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Siblings of children with Down syndrome (DS) experience sleep disruption, which can negatively impact their well-being. Parents may underestimate the extent of this sleep disruption and its effects on their children.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Health
  • Family Studies
  • Sleep Science

Background:

  • Sleep disruption is a known issue for parents of children with Down syndrome (DS).
  • The experiences of siblings of children with DS regarding sleep disruption remain under-researched.
  • This study aims to fill this knowledge gap by exploring siblings' perspectives.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To understand the lived experiences of siblings of children with DS who have sleep difficulties.
  • To explore how sleep disruption affects siblings' daily lives and family dynamics.
  • To gather insights from both siblings and parents on this topic.

Main Methods:

  • A qualitative research design was employed.
  • Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 siblings (aged 5-15) and 11 parents from 8 Australian families.
  • Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Main Results:

  • Both siblings and parents acknowledge sleep disruption among siblings of children with DS.
  • Siblings report adverse effects from sleep disruption, viewing sleep in a relational context and developing coping mechanisms.
  • Parents may underestimate the severity of siblings' sleep issues and are uncertain about the causes of their symptoms.

Conclusions:

  • Siblings of children with DS frequently experience sleep disruption.
  • These siblings may be at risk for long-term health problems if not provided with targeted support.
  • Further research and support systems are needed to address the sleep challenges faced by siblings of children with DS.
Abstract

Keywords:
Child voiceDown syndromeFamiliesQualitative researchSleep disruption

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