Sleep Quality and Disability for Custodial Grandparents Caregivers in the Southern United States

Abstract

Sleep quality amongst caregivers with disability may have been compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic. We evaluated differences in sleep quality amongst custodial grandparents from a southern state that were identified through state-based Kinship Care support groups coordinators and online. Participants ( N = 102) completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and self-reported disability statuses. Gamma tests showed a strong negative relationship between disability and sleep duration indicating fewer hours of sleep, higher use of sleep medication and greater sleep disturbances. Disability is not significantly related to sleep latency, sleep efficiency, and daytime dysfunction. T-tests showed no strength of relationship between disability and overall sleep quality. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, custodial grandparents with disability had greater issues with their sleep quality than those without disability. Sleep, as it pertains to its overall preponderant role in maintaining good health, should be examined amongst custodial grandparent caregivers and those with disability.