Sleep disturbances and interrelationship between persons with dementia and family caregivers: The lived experiences of Korean American Dyads

Abstract

BackgroundLittle research has investigated sleep quality in dyadic interrelationships between persons with dementia (PWD) and family caregivers, particularly among immigrant ethnic minorities, such as Korean Americans. PurposeThe study aimed to describe lived experiences of sleep disturbances and sleep interrelationships between Korean American PWD and their family caregivers. MethodsA descriptive qualitative design used semi-structured interviews with cohabitating PWD-caregiver dyads. ResultsEleven Korean American dyads participated (PWD mean age: 82.7, SD=2.3; caregivers mean age: 69.1, SD=10.2). Major themes included (1) linked sleep disturbances between PWD and caregivers, (2) interrelationship in dyads, (3) language challenges within and outside the dyads, and (4) strategies that improve sleep quality for dyads. ConclusionFindings demonstrated bidirectional influences in dyadic sleep disturbances, where caregiving reciprocally impacted PWD sleep as part of an interactional unit. Communication barriers and limited community resources posed challenges for these dyads. Future sleep interventions should consider culturally competent, dyadic approaches.