Sleep and Stress in Caregivers: Gender Differences
Author Information
Author(s): Stearns Melanie, McGovney Kevin, Curtis Ashley, Costa Amy, Miller Mary Beth, Nair Uma, McCrae Christina
Primary Institution: University of South Florida
Hypothesis
How does caregiving for different individuals (child, parent, spouse) impact sleep and stress among caregivers, particularly considering sex differences?
Conclusion
Child and parent caregivers, especially women, may experience increased sleep problems and stress due to caregiving burdens.
Supporting Evidence
- Caregiver-child reported less consistent bedtimes than caregiver-parent or caregiver-spouse.
- Caregiver-child reported more night awakenings than caregiver-spouse.
- Caregiver-child reported more stress than caregiver-spouse.
- Women caregivers reported more stress when caring for children compared to parents or spouses.
Takeaway
Taking care of kids or parents can make caregivers, especially women, feel more stressed and have trouble sleeping.
Methodology
Caregivers completed the Perceived Stress Scale and reported their sleep patterns; three-way ANOVAs were used to analyze the data.
Potential Biases
Potential bias in self-reported measures of stress and sleep.
Limitations
The study may not account for all variables affecting sleep and stress in caregivers.
Participant Demographics
Caregivers included 151 for children, 99 for parents, and 71 for spouses, with a mix of genders.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p=.049
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website