Parental stress and sleep disturbances appear to be closely linked, not only in parents themselves but also in their children, according to recent research. A study published in in the journal PLOS ONE found a significant correlation between sleep disorders in both parents and children and increased levels of parental stress.
The Interplay of Sleep and Stress
The relationship between sleep and stress is well-established. Experiencing excessive stress can negatively impact sleep health, and conversely, poor sleep health can diminish one’s ability to cope with stress. However, this new research delves into how these dynamics play out within families, specifically examining the impact of sleep disorders on parental stress levels.
Researchers examined data from over 14,000 employees insured by Deseret Mutual Benefit Administrator (DMBA) in . All participants had dependent children living in the household. The study focused on three common sleep disorders: insomnia (difficulty falling or staying asleep), hypersomnia (excessive sleepiness), and sleep apnea (pauses in breathing during sleep). Within the study period, slightly more than 2% of employees filed medical claims for stress, while 12% filed claims for a sleep disorder. Importantly, 2% of dependent children also had medical claims filed for a sleep disorder.
Increased Stress with Sleep Disorders
The study revealed that parental stress rates were significantly higher among employees with a sleep disorder. Specifically, rates of stress were found to be three times greater for those with insomnia. The researchers adjusted for factors such as age, biological sex, and marital status to isolate the impact of sleep disorders on stress levels.
The findings also highlighted the impact of a child’s sleep disorder on parental stress. According to the research, if a child has a sleep disorder, the rate of parental insomnia and sleep apnea are nearly doubled. This suggests that a child’s sleep difficulties can significantly contribute to a parent’s own sleep problems and overall stress.
A Two-Way Street
The study reinforces the understanding that sleep disorders and stress operate in a reciprocal relationship. Stress can disrupt sleep, leading to insomnia or other sleep disturbances. These sleep disturbances, in turn, can exacerbate stress, creating a vicious cycle. For parents, this cycle is further complicated by the added responsibility of caring for a child, and the potential for a child’s sleep problems to contribute to their own.
Implications and Potential Interventions
These findings underscore the importance of addressing sleep disorders in both parents and children. Recognizing the interconnectedness of family sleep health and parental stress can inform more comprehensive approaches to well-being.
A pilot study, detailed in a report from Frontiers, explored the use of an mHealth intervention called the ABCs of SLEEPING, designed for parents of school-aged children with insomnia symptoms. This suggests a growing interest in utilizing technology to support families struggling with sleep issues.
Maintaining a consistent bedtime and nighttime routine is often recommended for improving sleep quality. However, for individuals and families experiencing significant sleep disturbances, seeking professional help may be necessary. Addressing underlying stress factors and implementing strategies for better sleep hygiene can be crucial steps toward breaking the cycle of sleep loss and stress.
Looking Ahead
The research highlights a critical area for further investigation. Understanding the specific mechanisms by which parental and child sleep disorders interact to influence stress levels could lead to the development of more targeted interventions. Future studies could explore the effectiveness of family-based sleep interventions and the role of social support in mitigating parental stress related to sleep problems.
The link between sleep disorders and parental stress is a reminder that prioritizing sleep is not merely a matter of personal comfort, but a vital component of overall family health and well-being.
