Social Support and Sleep Quality Among Bereaved AD/ADRD Caregivers: A Qualitative Study

Abstract

Background:

Nearly 7 million adults aged 65 and above in the United States live with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD-related dementias (AD/ADRD), and it is the fifth most common cause of death. Bereaved AD/ADRD informal caregivers report high rates of sleep disturbances that may impair daily functioning. Social support is a potentially modifiable resource fostering sleep quality; however, little is known regarding the contributing role of social support to sleep quality among bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers.

Objective:

This study explored the contributing role of social support to sleep quality among bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers posting to an online forum.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive design addressed the research objective. We collated 1771 forum threads comprising 2 012 195 words posted by bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers on the ALZConnected forum (2011-2023). Posts related to sleep were extracted using the keywords “bed,” “dream,” “nap,” “sleep,” “slept,” “wake,” and “woke.”

Results:

A total of 178 threads contained information relevant to the contribution of social support to sleep quality in bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers. Using qualitative content analysis, we identified 3 themes: Restorative Function (Safe/Secure), Relational Identity Function (Belonging/Connection), and Comforting Presence Function (Warmth/Comfort).

Conclusion:

Findings further the understanding of the social context in which sleep quality in bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers is experienced. Findings from this study may inform clinical practice and research efforts aimed at enhancing sleep quality through social support in bereaved AD/ADRD caregivers.