Promoting sleep health and literacy in people with learning disabilities through an inclusive “Sleep Hygiene” resource: Sleep Smart

The Medical Research Council awarded the funds for the project “Promoting sleep health and literacy through an inclusive “Sleep Hygiene” resource”. The aim of the project was to co-produce a digital and printed pamphlet, which would offer brief, accessible, inclusive and evidence-based advice on optimal sleep management practices for people with learning disabilities, their carers, and those other stakeholders involved in working with this group.Research Objectives:One of the main objectives of the present project was to inform the structure and emphasis of key messages within the sleep hygiene pamphlet, by explore the unique experiences of individuals with learning disability in managing their sleep behaviour. The research questions for this part of the project therefore were:1. Do the present sleep hygiene key messages fit within the sleep experiences of people with learning disabilities and their carers?2. What components of the current sleep hygiene practices are used within this population?3. What is the perceived effectiveness of currently used sleep hygiene practices among people with learning disabilities?Research Design and Method:The research employed a qualitative research design with moderated focus groups as the method for data collection. Participants were adults with learning disabilities and their carers, able to give informed consent. Recruitment of participants occurred through network of charities working with people with learning disabilities, and through a Facebook advert meta-campaign to reach a wider UK audience. Eighteen participants with learning disabilities and carers participated in this study (5 female and 13 Male). The average age in the sample was 24.7 years (SD = 4.2 years), and most participants were of Black/African/Caribbean/Black British ethnicity. The two focus groups were conducted online, to facilitate easy access and remote engagement with participants. The focus groups were moderated by sleep scientists, a clinical psychologist and other qualified staff to offer support throughout.Data Analysis:Focus groups were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim before undergoing thematic analysis within NVivo (version 12.0) software. Published data analysis for thematic analysis procedures were followed throughout the process to preserve the empirical adequacy and descriptive validity.