Siblings’ experiences of sleep disruption in families with a child with down syndrome

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First published online 04 October 2023

Why this study was done

Parents of children with Down syndrome often experience poor sleep, but little is known about how these sleep problems affect the child’s brothers and sisters. This study explored what siblings themselves say about their sleep and how parents understand the impact.

What the study did

Researchers interviewed 11 siblings (aged 5–15) and 11 parents from eight Australian families who had a child with Down syndrome and sleep difficulties. The interviews looked at how the siblings slept, how tiredness affected their daily life, and what the family did to cope.

What the study found

From the siblings’ perspective:

Negative effects: Many were woken often by their brother or sister with Down syndrome, leaving them tired, cranky, and less focused at school.

Shared sleep: Siblings saw their sleep as linked with the rest of the family’s. They sometimes stayed up to help their sibling so their parents could rest.

Coping through adjustment: Many said they just “got used to it” or tried to help their sibling back to sleep themselves.

From the parents’ perspective:

Unaware of the impact: Some parents didn’t realise how often siblings were being disturbed or helping at night.
Uncertain causes: When siblings seemed tired or moody, parents weren’t sure if it was from poor sleep or other reasons.

What this means

Siblings of children with Down syndrome and sleep problems are often affected but overlooked. Because these issues become “normal” in the family, siblings may not get support. Health professionals should check in about sleep with all family members to better support everyone’s wellbeing.

This study was conducted by:

Dr Emily Cox, Ms Caitlin Smith, Ms. Maria Carmen Miguel, Dr. Sally Staton, Dr. Karen Thorpe & Dr. Jasneek Chawla

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone and clarity and approved by the author.

First published online 04 October 2023

Why this study was done

Parents of children with Down syndrome often experience poor sleep, but little is known about how these sleep problems affect the child’s brothers and sisters. This study explored what siblings themselves say about their sleep and how parents understand the impact.

What the study did

Researchers interviewed 11 siblings (aged 5–15) and 11 parents from eight Australian families who had a child with Down syndrome and sleep difficulties. The interviews looked at how the siblings slept, how tiredness affected their daily life, and what the family did to cope.

What the study found

From the siblings’ perspective:

Negative effects: Many were woken often by their brother or sister with Down syndrome, leaving them tired, cranky, and less focused at school.

Shared sleep: Siblings saw their sleep as linked with the rest of the family’s. They sometimes stayed up to help their sibling so their parents could rest.

Coping through adjustment: Many said they just “got used to it” or tried to help their sibling back to sleep themselves.

From the parents’ perspective:

Unaware of the impact: Some parents didn’t realise how often siblings were being disturbed or helping at night.
Uncertain causes: When siblings seemed tired or moody, parents weren’t sure if it was from poor sleep or other reasons.

What this means

Siblings of children with Down syndrome and sleep problems are often affected but overlooked. Because these issues become “normal” in the family, siblings may not get support. Health professionals should check in about sleep with all family members to better support everyone’s wellbeing.

This study was conducted by:

Dr Emily Cox, Ms Caitlin Smith, Ms. Maria Carmen Miguel, Dr. Sally Staton, Dr. Karen Thorpe & Dr. Jasneek Chawla

To read the full article, visit the journal.

For other accessible formats, please see the column to the right.

Disclaimer: The QDRN has utilised generative AI to refine the wording of this plain language summary. All content has been checked for accuracy, appropriate tone and clarity and approved by the author.