Identifying Key Factors Contributing to Poor Sleep Quality in Caregivers of Persons Living With Dementia

In our study, we investigated the relationship between caregivers’ perceptions of their caregiving experience and their sleep quality among those caring for individuals with dementia. Using 2017 National Study of Caregiving (NSOC) and the 2017 National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS) Round 7 data from 784 caregivers, we conducted a multiple logistic regression analysis. Our sample included 62% female caregivers; 45% reported excellent or very good sleep, with 80% stating their sleep was rarely or never interrupted by the care recipient. We found that better perceived relationship quality was associated with an 8% higher likelihood of reporting good sleep. Interestingly, perceived caregiving benefit did not significantly impact sleep quality. Greater perceived caregiving burden was linked to a 9% lower likelihood of good sleep. These findings suggest that interventions aimed at reducing perceived caregiving burden and improving relationship quality could positively affect sleep and health outcomes for caregivers.