Tossing and Turning Together: A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis of Sleep Interdependence Among Care Dyads

Abstract

<h3>Objectives</h3><p>Care recipients and caregivers share similar stressors and living environments and may thus present concordance in health-related outcomes, yet their sleep interdependence remains understudied. This study examined sleep interdependence among care dyads.</p><h3>Methods</h3><p>Longitudinal data from the National Health and Aging Trends Study and National Study of Caregiving were analyzed, including 2,204 dyads (2015 baseline; 2017 follow-up). Sleep disruptions were assessed as trouble falling back asleep. Cross-lagged panel models examined concurrent/longitudinal sleep interdependence; multiple group analyses ascertained whether the relationships differed by caregiving contexts (dementia/non-dementia) and living arrangements (co-residing/living apart).</p><h3>Results</h3><p>A stable actor effect emerged: Care recipients’ and caregivers’ sleep disruptions in 2015 predicted their own sleep disruptions in 2017. No cross-lagged partner effects were significant (<em>p</em> > .05). There was a significant synchronous partner effect in 2017 (β = 0.118, 95% CI = 0.048, 0.187). These relationships remained significant for dementia-care and co-residing dyads but not for non-dementia or living-apart care dyads.</p><h3>Conclusions</h3><p>This first longitudinal dyadic study identified sleep interdependence among care dyads, highlighting the importance of early intervention to reduce sleep disruptions. Targeted support for dementia caregivers and co-residing dyads is critical.</p><h3>Clinical Implications</h3><p>Sleep hygiene interventions should leverage the interconnectedness of sleep within caregiving relationships.</p>