Abstract
Background: Older US veterans and their caregivers often report significant sleep disruption, but little is known about caregivers’ attitudes towards sleep therapies. This study explored caregivers’ attitudes toward therapies for managing veterans’ sleep problems and their own sleep issues, and collected pilot data about caregivers’ sleep and daytime function. Methods: A focus group was conducted with caregivers (N=5) of US veterans at one adult day health care program. Participants completed a questionnaire including demographic items, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and Flinders Fatigue Scale (FSS), and a five-day sleep diary. Results: Caregivers (100% female spouses of veterans; mean age=72) were primary caregivers for an average of 10 years (mean care hours per week=70). Four had PSQI>5 indicating poor sleep quality. The average ISI was 7.4 ± 4.7 with 3 having at least mild insomnia. The average ZBI was 28.1 ± 8.5 with 3 at risk for depression due to high caregiving burden. The average PSS was 13.6 ± 6.6, indicating medium stress levels. Four experienced fatigue due to poor sleep. Two experienced nocturnal awakening due to caregiving. Four napped during the day. They reported sleep compression (gradually reducing time in bed to improve sleep quality), indoor physical activity, and outdoor light exposure were acceptable sleep interventions for themselves and veterans. Conclusions: Caregivers experience poor sleep quality. They perceive the core elements of a behavioral sleep intervention targeting both members as acceptable. Potential benefits to patients and caregivers may be improved sleep and reduced stress.