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Novak JR, Miller K, Gunn HE, Troxel WM. Development of the Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale: A new tool to assess conflict around sleep in romantic relationships. Sleep Health 2024; 10:308-315. [PMID: 38604936 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleh.2024.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale, a new measure designed to identify the extent of conflict around sleep in romantic relationships. METHODS Data from an individual sample (N = 158) and dyadic sample (N = 143 mixed-gender couples) in romantic relationships were used to examine the psychometric properties of the Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale, including internal consistency, convergent and divergent validity, and whether the factor structure differed between couples with concordant and discordant chronotypes. RESULTS Results revealed that the Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale fit a 1-factor solution of 5 items, a summed or mean score can be used, and that it is reliable for both men and women. In addition, more relational sleep conflict was associated with both their own and their partners' poorer sleep hygiene, worse sleep quality, and more daytime sleepiness as well as more general relationship conflict, lower relationship satisfaction, and higher anxious and avoidant attachment. Finally, we found partial measurement invariance for factor loadings, intercepts, and latent variable variances between couples with concordant vs. discordant chronotypes. CONCLUSION The Couples' Sleep Conflict Scale is a brief measure that can be used in both research and in health care settings to examine how sleep-related conflict can affect both sleep and relationship quality among couples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh R Novak
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States.
| | - Kaleigh Miller
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, United States
| | - Heather E Gunn
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
| | - Wendy M Troxel
- Division of Behavior and Policy Sciences, RAND Corporation, Social and Behavioral Policy Program, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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Rubi S, Monk JK, Shoemaker S, Miller C, Prabhu N, Flores LY, Bernard D, McCrae CS, Borsari B, Miller MB. Perpetuating and protective factors in insomnia across racial/ethnic groups of veterans. J Sleep Res 2024; 33:e14063. [PMID: 37778753 PMCID: PMC10947959 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Few studies have examined racial/ethnic differences in rates and correlates of insomnia among veterans. This study compared rates of insomnia and interest in sleep treatment among veterans of diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds. Consistent with the 3P model, we tested racial discrimination as a predictor of insomnia, with post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and romantic partners as perpetuating and protective moderators of this association, respectively. A total of 325 veterans (N = 236 veterans of colour; 12% Asian, 36% Black, 14% Hispanic/Latine) completed questionnaires online from remote locations. Descriptive statistics were used to compare patterns across racial/ethnic groups. Linear regression was used to test moderators of the association between racial discrimination and insomnia severity. Overall, 68% of participants screened positive for insomnia: 90% of Asian; 79% of Hispanic/Latine; 65% of Black; and 58% of White participants. Of those, 74% reported interest in sleep treatment, and 76% of those with partners reported interest in including their partner in treatment. Racial discrimination and post-traumatic stress disorder were correlated with more severe insomnia, while romantic partners were correlated with less severe insomnia. Only post-traumatic stress disorder moderated the association between racial discrimination and insomnia severity. Rates of insomnia were highest among Asian and Hispanic/Latine participants, yet these groups were among the least likely to express interest in sleep treatment. Racial discrimination may exacerbate insomnia symptoms among veterans, but only among those who do not already have disturbed sleep in the context of post-traumatic stress disorder. Romantic partners may serve as a protective factor in insomnia, but do not seem to mitigate the impact of racial discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Rubi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri, School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - J. Kale Monk
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri College of Education & Human Development, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Sydney Shoemaker
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri, School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Colten Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri, School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Nivedita Prabhu
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri, School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Lisa Y. Flores
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri College of Arts & Sciences, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | - Donte Bernard
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Missouri College of Arts & Sciences, Columbia, Missouri, USA
| | | | - Brian Borsari
- Mental Health Service, San Francisco VA Health Care System, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mary Beth Miller
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Missouri, School of Medicine, Columbia, Missouri, USA
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Sleep and social relationships in healthy populations: A systematic review. Sleep Med Rev 2021; 57:101428. [PMID: 33596514 DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2021.101428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, research linking sleep and social relationships has burgeoned. Researchers across the globe are trying to understand whether the quality and quantity of our social relationships matter for sleep, and vice versa. We conducted a systematic review of the literature, identifying over 200 relevant articles examining sleep and social relationships in healthy populations. Here, we summarize our findings by reviewing 1) links between sleep and broad social ties across the lifespan, and 2) links between sleep and specific social relationships identified in the literature search, including romantic relationships, family relationships, and work relationships. Taken together, the literature provides evidence that the quality and presence of social relationships, especially our closest relationships, play a role in how we sleep. Likewise, sleep appears to influence our social bonds. However, the majority of work is correlational, limiting conclusions about the directionality of these effects. We conclude by synthesizing the findings, considering the limitations of the present literature, and identifying key future directions for this emerging area of research.
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Vincent GE, Karan S, Paterson J, Reynolds AC, Dominiak M, Ferguson SA. Impacts of Australian Firefighters' On-Call Work Arrangements on the Sleep of Partners. Clocks Sleep 2020; 2:39-51. [PMID: 33089189 PMCID: PMC7445837 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep2010005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
On-call work arrangements are commonly utilised in the emergency services sector and are consistency associated with inadequate sleep. Despite sleep being a common shared behaviour, studies are yet to assess the impact of on-call work on the sleep of co-sleeping partners. This study aimed to investigate whether frequent 24/7 on-call work impacted the sleep and relationship happiness of firefighters' partners. Two key research questions were investigated: (1) Does the frequency of calls impact sleep and relationship happiness? and, (2) Does the (a) sleep quantity and (b) sleep quality of partners impact perceived relationship happiness? A cross-sectional study was conducted using an online questionnaire completed by partners of on-call workers (n = 66; 93% female). The questionnaire included items on (i) sleep quantity and quality, (ii) on-call sleep disturbances and, (iii) relationship happiness. Responses were analysed using logistic regression models. Higher overnight call frequency was associated with greater self-reported levels of inadequate sleep (<7 h per night; p = 0.024). Support for continuance of a firefighter's role was less likely if the partner reported they regularly had trouble falling asleep within 30 min (p < 0.001). There were no other significant relationships between the frequency of calls or other sleep quantity or quality variables and relationship happiness. This study provides important first insights into how firefighters' on-call work arrangements impact partners' sleep. Future research is needed across periods of high and low call demand, using objective measures of sleep to further define the impacts of on-call work on partners' sleep.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace E Vincent
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia; (S.K.); (J.P.); (A.C.R.); (M.D.); (S.A.F.)
| | - Simone Karan
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia; (S.K.); (J.P.); (A.C.R.); (M.D.); (S.A.F.)
| | - Jessica Paterson
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia; (S.K.); (J.P.); (A.C.R.); (M.D.); (S.A.F.)
| | - Amy C Reynolds
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia; (S.K.); (J.P.); (A.C.R.); (M.D.); (S.A.F.)
- Central Queensland University, School of Health, Medical, and Applied Sciences, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia
| | - Michelle Dominiak
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia; (S.K.); (J.P.); (A.C.R.); (M.D.); (S.A.F.)
| | - Sally A Ferguson
- Central Queensland University, Appleton Institute of Behavioural Science, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia; (S.K.); (J.P.); (A.C.R.); (M.D.); (S.A.F.)
- Central Queensland University, School of Health, Medical, and Applied Sciences, Adelaide, SA 5034, Australia
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The Impact of on-Call Work for Partners' Sleep, Relationship Quality and Daytime Functioning. Clocks Sleep 2019; 1:185-192. [PMID: 33089163 PMCID: PMC7509679 DOI: 10.3390/clockssleep1010016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 02/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The on-call schedule is a common work arrangement that allows for the continuance of services during periods of low demand or emergencies. Even though 17%–25% of the world’s population participate in on-call work, the human impacts of on-call are generally poorly described in the literature. Of the studies available on the effects of on-call work on workers, disturbances to sleep duration and sleep quality are the most commonly reported, along with negative sleep-related consequences on sleepiness, fatigue, stress and mood. Research has shown that for couples sharing a bed, disturbances to sleep can impair relationship conflict resolution and reduce relationship quality. In the ‘off-site’ on-call scenario where workers are sleeping at home, their co-sleeping partner may be at risk of sleep disturbances and the subsequent detrimental consequences of this disturbed sleep for themselves and their relationship. To date, few studies have investigated the impact of on-call work for partners’ sleep and the potential sleep-related consequences. Therefore, further studies are needed to specifically address whether on-call work impacts the sleep of partners and whether these sleep disturbances also impact the partner’s daily performance and relationship quality. Our aim was to provide a narrative around the existing, relevant literature that both investigate and inform the potential impact of on-call for workers’ partners’ sleep and related consequences.
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Berzins TL, Van Dulmen MHM, Deluca H. Alcohol use affects sleep duration among military couples. MILITARY PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/08995605.2018.1521684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Haylee Deluca
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, Ohio
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