The impact of sleep difficulties in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on the family: a thematic analysis

French, Blandine; Quain, Emily; Kilgariff, Joseph; Lockwood, Joanna; Daley, David

Abstract

Background. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a complex but common neurodevelopmental condition characterised by symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity associated with a significant level of academic, social and functional impairment. Problems around sleep frequently co-occur with ADHD and are thought to affect 50-80% of children and adults with the condition. Sleep issues typically include trouble falling asleep, bedtime resistance, night-time waking, and early rising. The impact of these problems on families and parents is profound but poorly researched. Methods. Semi-structured interviews took place with twelve mothers of children with ADHD who struggle with sleep. Participants were asked about sleeping patterns and issues, methods used to improve sleep, the impact on parents’ sleep and wider family life, and involvement with clinical services and support groups. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis. Results. Three themes were identified in the data: a constant battle ground; the cumulative effect of lack of sleep: impact on functioning and the wider family; a mixed bag of strategies: the tried, tested and needed. Long-term sleep issues and challenging behaviour at bedtime had substantial negative effects on families. Parents experiencing sleep deprivation suffered functional impairments to daily life and wellbeing, and experienced strain on relationships with children and spouses. Conclusions. Findings revealed parents were consistently and profoundly impacted by their children’s sleep problems. Parents sought strategies and support in many different ways but were often unsuccessful.

Citation

French, B., Quain, E., Kilgariff, J., Lockwood, J., & Daley, D. (2023). The impact of sleep difficulties in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder on the family: a thematic analysis. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 19(10), 1735-1741. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.10662

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: May 11, 2023
• Online Publication Date: May 18, 2023
• Publication Date: Oct 1, 2023
• Deposit Date: May 22, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Nov 19, 2023
• Journal: Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine
• Print ISSN: 1550-9389
• Electronic ISSN: 1550-9397
• Publisher: American Academy of Sleep Medicine
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 19
• Issue: 10
• Pages: 1735-1741
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.10662
• Keywords: sleep, parental health, ADHD, qualitative study
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/21099715
• Publisher URL: https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.10662
• Additional Information: This article has been accepted for publication in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine published by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine