Parental stress is associated with poor sleep quality in parents caring for children with developmental disabilities

Abstract

Objective This study examined the psychosocial predictors of poor sleep quality in parents caring for children with developmental disabilities. Methods Sixty-seven parents of children with developmental disabilities and 42 parents of typically developing children completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and measures of parental stress, child problem behaviors, and social support. Results Parents of children with developmental disabilities reported poorer sleep quality. Further, the majority of these parents met the established ‘poor sleepers’ criterion. The strongest predictor of poor sleep quality was parental stress. This finding withstood adjustment for a number of potential confounders. Conclusions Parental stress is associated with poor sleep quality in parents of children with developmental disabilities. The monitoring and management of sleep issues in these parental caregivers should be a priority for health professionals.