Amanda N Leggett1, Madelyn Morley2, Stephen F Smagula3. 1. Department of Psychiatry, 4250 Plymouth Rd. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA, 734-232-0538. 2. School of Public Health, 1415 Washington Heights, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA 48109, 734-764-5425. 3. Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh 3811 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA, USA, 15213 412-246-6674.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper critically evaluates literature from the last three years on sleep in caregivers for older adults. Research is evaluated in four main areas: factors related to caregivers having sleep problems, sleep health in various types of caregivers, how caregivers' sleep and health inter-relate, and interventions to improve sleep. RECENT FINDINGS: A range of both care recipients' and caregivers' characteristics have been associated with caregiver sleep quality measured subjectively and objectively. Care recipient factors associated with caregiver sleep quality include fall risk and sleep quality, while caregiver factors include stress, duration, intensity, provision of medical/nursing care tasks, and even particular serotonin genotypes (e.g. short allele carriers for 5-HTTLPR). While the greatest focus has been on dementia caregivers, recent work suggests groups such as end-of-life caregivers, former caregivers, and caregivers with multiple care roles (e.g. child, older adult, paid care) have sleep disturbances that vary by their unique contexts. Caregiver's sleep, particularly subjective assessments, relates to their mood and physiological well-being; and evidence suggests that sleep may be an important mediator linking care stressors with mental health. Factors such as mindfulness and sense of coherence may protect caregivers from sleep disturbances.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This paper critically evaluates literature from the last three years on sleep in caregivers for older adults. Research is evaluated in four main areas: factors related to caregivers having sleep problems, sleep health in various types of caregivers, how caregivers' sleep and health inter-relate, and interventions to improve sleep. RECENT FINDINGS: A range of both care recipients' and caregivers' characteristics have been associated with caregiver sleep quality measured subjectively and objectively. Care recipient factors associated with caregiver sleep quality include fall risk and sleep quality, while caregiver factors include stress, duration, intensity, provision of medical/nursing care tasks, and even particular serotonin genotypes (e.g. short allele carriers for 5-HTTLPR). While the greatest focus has been on dementia caregivers, recent work suggests groups such as end-of-life caregivers, former caregivers, and caregivers with multiple care roles (e.g. child, older adult, paid care) have sleep disturbances that vary by their unique contexts. Caregiver's sleep, particularly subjective assessments, relates to their mood and physiological well-being; and evidence suggests that sleep may be an important mediator linking care stressors with mental health. Factors such as mindfulness and sense of coherence may protect caregivers from sleep disturbances.
Authors: Brent T Mausbach; Elizabeth A Chattillion; Susan K Roepke; Thomas L Patterson; Igor Grant Journal: Am J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2013-01-02 Impact factor: 4.105
Authors: Kristin L Corey; Mary K McCurry; Kristen A Sethares; Meg Bourbonniere; Karen B Hirschman; Salimah H Meghani Journal: Aging Ment Health Date: 2018-12-27 Impact factor: 3.658
Authors: Daniel J Buysse; Anne Germain; Douglas E Moul; Peter L Franzen; Laurie K Brar; Mary E Fletcher; Amy Begley; Patricia R Houck; Sati Mazumdar; Charles F Reynolds; Timothy H Monk Journal: Arch Intern Med Date: 2011-01-24