0741 Gender Differences in the Association of Household Burden with Sleep Disturbance

• Published in: Sleep (New York, N.Y.) Vol. 46; no. Supplement_1; p. A326
• Main Authors: Eldridge-Smith, E Devon, Holm, Kristen, Edinger, Jack, Depew, Ann
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 29.05.2023
• ISSN: 0161-8105; 1550-9109
• DOI: 10.1093/sleep/zsad077.0741

Abstract Introduction The emotional, mental, and physical labor inherent to family and household management may help explain gender differences in insomnia. Research suggests that managing multiple roles and responsibilities within the household can lead to sleep disruption. However, the sleep consequences of acting as “household manager,” which has been shown to negatively impact wellbeing, remains untested. The current study evaluated the association of household burden with sleep disturbance among both women and men. Methods Participants were recruited to complete an online survey from both the general population and the National Jewish Health Sleep Clinic. Eligibility criteria included being in a cohabitating relationship, currently employed, and having at least one child/dependent under the age of 18 residing in the household. The sample for this analysis (n = 558; mean age = 38; 62% men) had complete data on the primary measures of sleep (PROMIS Sleep Disturbance scale) and household burden (Household Management Measure; HMM). The HMM has three subscales (Household Routines, Child Adjustment, and Household Finances), with higher scores indicating greater personal responsibility. Bivariate correlations were utilized to assess the association of household burden with sleep disturbance among both men and women. Results Among females, increased levels of sleep disturbance were associated with higher rates of overall household burden (r(208) = .22, p < .01), as well as child (r(208) = .18, p < .05), and financial (r(208) = .22, p < .01) responsibility. Conversely, among males, lower levels of sleep disturbance were associated with higher rates of overall household burden (r(344) = -.20, p < .01), as well as household routine (r(344) = -.14, p < .01), child (r(344) = -.17, p < .01), and financial (r(344) = -.20, p < .01) responsibility. Conclusion The association between household burden and sleep disturbance differs between women and men. Among men, increased perceived household responsibility was associated with less sleep disturbance, while the opposite was found for women. Additional research is warranted to better understand the differing effects of household responsibility on sleep by gender. Support (if any) Funding support from the Natalie V. Zucker Research Center for Women Scholars Award.