Sleep disturbances in children with cerebral palsy, their siblings, and parents: A qualitative descriptive study

AIM: To explore the impact of sleep disturbances on children with cerebral palsy (CP) and their families. METHOD: Semi-structured online interviews were conducted with families of children with CP using a qualitative descriptive design. Children with CP aged 3 to 18 years, who experienced clinical sleep disturbance, their siblings, and parents were recruited. Interviews were video-recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analysed using inductive, semantic thematic analysis. Rigour was established using member checking, analytical discussion, and rich, thick description. RESULTS: Thirty participants from 10 families were interviewed. Six themes were identified: (1) It's hard to know; the challenges recognizing when sleep disturbances require clinical attention; (2) So many things; health, caregiving, and the family environment influence sleep disturbances; (3) I'm tired and grumpy with friends; sleep disturbances affect mood and relationships; (4) Stuff is harder to do; sleep disturbances affect daily life; (5) Tiredness just makes anything that was already physically hard much worse; sleep disturbances affect physical health; (6) We don't know what is out there; parents seek support to manage sleep disturbances. INTERPRETATION: Tailored, multidisciplinary, and holistic sleep assessment and interventions are warranted; these should include mental health and social care support for the family.