Fatigue, wellbeing and parenting in mothers of infants and toddlers with sleep problems

Abstract

Objective: This study explored the relationships between fatigue, wellbeing and parenting in mothers of young children (aged 0-4 years) with sleep and settling difficulties. Demographic, child sleep and maternal factors associated with fatigue were also investigated. Background: Children's sleep problems can have a significant impact on parent's sleep, placing them at risk of fatigue and wellbeing difficulties. Methods: A total of 164 mothers of children aged 0-4 attending an early parenting centre completed a survey on fatigue, wellbeing and parenting. Results: Mothers reported moderate levels of fatigue, which was associated with high levels of depression, anxiety and stress. Fatigue was also significantly associated with low parental self-efficacy, parenting warmth and involvement, and high parenting hostility. Limited health and self-care behaviours, unrealistic expectations about sleep, and high need for social support were significant predictors of fatigue. Conclusion: These findings provide an empirical basis for the development of information and support for the prevention and management of parental fatigue, and have implications for professionals working with parents of children with sleep difficulties.

Improving Psychosocial Health, Coping, and Self-Efficacy in Parents of Sleep-Disturbed Young Children

“…However, the definition of sleep problems differs between research groups. Studies have shown that mothers of young children with (persistent) sleep difficulties experience poorer physical and mental health [5,6], tend to be more depressed [7][8][9][10][11] and anxious [12], and report higher stress [4,[12][13][14]. The direction concerning some of these associations -especially relating to maternal depression -is supported by two kinds of results.…”

“…Following recommendations by Brockington [62], further studies should distinguish between harm-related obsessive thoughts in mothers who are gentle and devoted and pathological anger that precedes child abuse. As mentioned by Giallo et al [12], a high level of aggression (and depression or anxiety) may contribute to the mental and physical experience of fatigue. The authors explored mothers of young children (0-4 years of age) with sleep and settling difficulties.…”

“…Other studies report that parents experience increased irritability and anger when fatigued [66] and show over-reactive discipline [67]. Giallo et al [12] reasoned that: "Fatigued parents may find it harder to manage anger and frustration associated with challenging parenting tasks or situations with their children, and therefore may be at risk of using negative parenting strategies such as yelling or smacking".…”

Parents’ experiences with sleep problems in children aged 1–3 years: a qualitative study from a health promotion perspective

“…The parents performed considerable demanding care work to help their children get to sleep, while they themselves often experienced reduced or disturbed sleep, leaving them tired and exhausted. This was also highlighted in other studies (Cooklin, Giallo, & Rose, 2012; Giallo, Rose, Cooklin, & McCormack, 2013; Giallo, Rose, & Vittorino, 2011), and is something that can be seen in the context of the experience of fatigue among parents, including after the first few years of a child’s life (Cooklin et al, 2012). It is known that sleep problems in small children can be emotionally difficult for mothers (Hiscock et al, 2008).…”

Exploring Maternal Perceptions of Infant Sleep and Feeding Method Among Mothers in the United Kingdom: A Qualitative Focus Group Study

“…They articulated a narrative of infant sleep in which frequent waking is normal The literature on postpartum depression suggests that management of parental expectations prior to birth may prevent frustration and unfulfilled expectations of parental ability and self-efficacy (Ball, 2003;Kennedy et al, 2007). Unrealistic expectations of infant and parental sleep are associated both with higher levels of self-reported fatigue (Giallo, Rose, & Vittorino, 2011) and with negative cognition linked to depression (Muscat, Thorpe, & Obst, 2012). The emergence of a new narrative around infant sleep in the context of an increased premium on exclusive breastfeeding may reflect the efforts of breastfeeding mothers to consolidate the validity of their own experiences and re-align the expectations of prospective new parents with a "new reality" of night-time infant care.…”