Exploring the Influences of Sleep Disturbances in Mothers of School-Aged Children With Developmental Disabilities

Although sleep is a modifiable health behavior linked to health and daytime functioning, studies have limited exploration of how mother and child-related factors interplay with mothers' sleep disturbance in mothers of children with developmental disabilities.

We aimed to explore the nature of sleep disturbances, their impact on health and daytime functioning, and strategies used to promote restful sleep in mothers of children with developmental disabilities.

Using a qualitative descriptive approach, 13 mothers of school-aged children (6-12 years) with developmental disabilities who reported poor sleep quality completed semi-structured interviews. Interviews were transcribed, followed by thematic analysis.

Four themes were revealed: (1) I haven't slept well in years; (2) My child doesn't sleep well; (3) Being a mother of a child with a special need; and (4) Different strategies used to sleep better. Mothers reported chronic sleep disturbances that often started with the birth of their children and the negative effect of sleep disturbance on their health and daytime functioning. Mothers attributed their children with developmental disabilities' sleep problems and chronic stress associated with daily caregiving as reasons for their sleep disturbances. Mothers tried various sleep-promoting activities to improve their sleep; they remained frustrated with not having consistent solutions and desired to learn specific strategies to manage sleep for themselves and their children.

Our findings highlight the need to develop sleep health interventions, including strategies to reduce mothers' stress and manage their children with developmental disabilities' sleep problems, which may improve sleep and prevent adverse health outcomes.