Exploring Sleep in Caregivers of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the Relationship to Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) and Family Quality of Life (FQoL)

Author:

Russell Maureen1,Baldwin Carol M.2,Quan Stuart F.34ORCID

Affiliation:

1. Institute for Human Development, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ 86011, USA

2. Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ 85287, USA

3. Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA

4. Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA

Abstract

Background and Objectives: To investigate (1) the prevalence of sleep disorder symptoms in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and (2) the relationships between caregiver sleep problems and their health-related quality of life and family quality of life. Materials and Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of caregivers (N = 62) of children aged 6 to 11 years old diagnosed with ASD and receiving care at a regional autism research and resource center. Results: Participants completed the Sleep Habits Questionnaire (SHQ), the Medical Outcomes Study (MOS) SF-12, and the Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale (FQoL). Caregivers with longer sleep duration reported better mental health and better family quality of life. Caregivers who reported insomnia symptoms, non-restorative sleep, and insufficient sleep were more likely to report poorer mental health than caregivers who did not report these sleep disorder symptoms. Caregivers with obstructive sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome experienced worse physical quality of life. Conclusions: The physical and mental health of the primary caregiver is essential to the support of the child with ASD and to the functioning of the family. The study findings point to the importance of future research and interventions to enhance sleep health in order to improve quality of life for caregivers of children with ASD.

Funder

NIH

Publisher

MDPI AG

Subject

General Medicine

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