P110 How do Night-time Awakenings, Assistive Technologies, and Help-seeking Behaviours Impact Australian Carers Sleep? A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Carers who provide support for those living with a disability or long-term health conditions have been recognised as being at increased risk of negative health outcomes due to the demands of caregiving. In particular, carers are much more likely than their non-carer counterparts to experience poor sleep outcomes such as lower sleep quality and inadequate sleep duration. The aim of this study is to examine how nighttime awakenings, assistive technology use and help-seeking behaviours impact sleep quality among Australian adult carers. Methods A cross-sectional online survey was conducted with a sample of Australian carers aged 18 to 64 years. Participants were required to answer questions regarding their sleep, caregiving duties, night-time-awakenings and completed the 9-item self-report Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). They also answered questions regarding their use of assistive technologies and help-seeking behaviours. Participants were eligible if they reported sleep time <7 h or dissatisfaction with their sleep. Results Participants (n=352) completed the online survey. Analyses of these data have just begun and will be presented in full at the conference. Conclusion The results of this study aim to extend current literature and provide valuable information in the formulation of sleep recommendations and interventions for Australian carers.