UConn Nursing Researchers Present Findings on Sleep Health at SLEEP 2026

Researchers from the UConn Elisabeth DeLuca School of Nursing presented their findings on maternal and family sleep health at the SLEEP 2026 conference, held from June 7 to 11 in Baltimore. This annual meeting, organized by the Associated Professional Sleep Societies, is a leading event for sleep and circadian science, drawing clinicians and researchers from around the globe.

The UConn delegation included Nancy S. Redeker, Ph.D., RN, FAHA, FAAN; Eileen Condon, Ph.D., RN; Yashika Sharma, Ph.D., RN; and doctoral student Kelley LaFleur, MS, APRN. They shared research investigating the effects of family dynamics, caregiving responsibilities, and maternal wellness on sleep health in mothers and young children.

Redeker noted, "These presentations highlight the importance of understanding sleep within the context of family life. Our work aims to develop interventions that are practical, accessible, and responsive to the needs of diverse families."

LaFleur's late-breaking abstract focused on the experiences of mothers serving as primary caregivers for children aged 1 to 6. Through interviews with Black, Hispanic, Asian, and multiracial mothers, the research identified overlapping factors that disrupt sleep, including stress, anxiety, and caregiving challenges. Participants voiced a need for flexible, culturally informed sleep interventions incorporating stress-reduction techniques and peer support, paving the way for effective solutions to enhance family sleep health. This study was funded by the National Institutes of Health under grant R01HL168770.

Another late-breaking presentation analyzed sleep patterns among preschoolers and their mothers utilizing the Actor–Partner Interdependence Model. By examining seven days of actigraphy sleep data, researchers discovered significant correlations between maternal and child sleep behaviors. Maternal sleep schedules were found to affect children's sleep timing, while maternal mental health factors like stress and anxiety correlated with poorer sleep quality in children. Additionally, stronger emotional support networks were linked to longer sleep duration for both mothers and children, highlighting the necessity of viewing sleep as a family-centric experience.

The research showcased at SLEEP 2026 signifies UConn Nursing's expanding role in sleep science and aligns with plans to enhance sleep research capabilities in the school’s upcoming academic building, set to open in 2027. Dean Victoria Vaughan Dickson emphasized the importance of the new research laboratory in fostering interdisciplinary collaboration aimed at improving health outcomes.

She stated, "The future sleep research laboratory planned for our new building, DeLuca Hall, represents an exciting opportunity to expand interdisciplinary collaboration and accelerate discoveries that improve health outcomes across the lifespan."

The envisioned lab will enable faculty and students to advance sleep health research, offering practical training and preparing the next generation of nurse scientists to address complex health challenges. UConn researchers continue to explore the impacts of sleep on cardiovascular health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life, translating research into beneficial solutions for individuals and families.

Additional presentations by UConn researchers at SLEEP 2026 covered a variety of topics within sleep health and symptom science, underscoring the school’s dedication to tackling complex health issues through innovative research.