Exploring sleep-wake experiences of mothers during maintenance therapy for their child's acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Madalynn Neu; Ellyn Matthews; Nancy A King

doi:10.1016/j.pedn.2014.01.002

Exploring sleep-wake experiences of mothers during maintenance therapy for their child's acute lymphoblastic leukemia

J Pediatr Nurs. 2014 Sep-Oct;29(5):410-21. doi: 10.1016/j.pedn.2014.01.002. Epub 2014 Jan 11.

Authors

Madalynn Neu¹, Ellyn Matthews², Nancy A King³

Affiliations

¹ University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, College of Nursing, Aurora, CO. Electronic address: Madalynn.neu@ucdenver.edu.
² University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, College of Nursing, Aurora, CO.
³ University of Colorado, School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Aurora, CO.

Abstract

A qualitative study was designed to explore sleep-wake experience of mothers of children in maintenance treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Interviews were conducted with 20 participants using open-ended, semi-structured questions and were transcribed verbatim. Two main themes emerged: "It's a whole new cancer world" and "I don't remember what it's like to have sleep." Mothers experience difficulty sleeping during their children's treatment, and expressed several serious issues. Although the mothers were able to employ various mechanisms to address sleep deprivation and disruption, interventions such as social support, journaling, spiritual guidance, and/or self-talk may be most beneficial.

Keywords: ALL; Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia; Maintenance Treatment; Sleep; Stress.

Publication types

Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

Adult
Child
Female
Humans
Interviews as Topic
Middle Aged
Mothers / psychology*
Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma / drug therapy*
Qualitative Research
Self Care
Sleep Disorders, Circadian Rhythm / psychology*
Social Support
Spirituality
Stress, Psychological / psychology
Writing

Abstract

Publication types

MeSH terms

Grants and funding