Sleep disturbances in children with cerebral palsy, their siblings, and parents: A qualitative descriptive study

To explore the impact of sleep disturbances on children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families.

Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with families of children with CP using a qualitative descriptive design. Children with CP aged 3 to 18 years, who experienced clinical sleep disturbance, their siblings, and parents were recruited. Interviews were video-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using inductive, semantic thematic analysis. Rigour was established using member checking, analytical discussion, and rich, thick description.

Thirty participants from 10 families were interviewed. Six themes were identified: (1) It's hard to know; the challenges recognizing when sleep disturbances require clinical attention; (2) So many things; health, caregiving, and the family environment influence sleep disturbances; (3) I'm tired and grumpy with friends; sleep disturbances affect mood and relationships; (4) Stuff is harder to do; sleep disturbances affect daily life; (5) Tiredness just makes anything that was already physically hard much worse; sleep disturbances affect physical health; (6) We don't know what is out there; parents seek support to manage sleep disturbances.

Tailored, multidisciplinary, and holistic sleep assessment and interventions are warranted; these should include mental health and social care support for the family.