An exploratory study: The effects of sleep systems on sleep quality, pain and carer goals for non-ambulant children and young people with cerebral palsy.

Introduction: Sleep systems are supports used in lying, forming part of 24 h posture management programmes, for children and adults with severe motor disorders. Improved posture reduces likelihood of secondary complications such as pain and poor sleep quality, thus improving quality of life. The study aims are to investigate the effect of sleep systems on sleep quality and quantity, pain for young people with Cerebral Palsy and outcomes for carers.

Methods: Baseline data were gathered for 1 month prior to sleep system provision. Comparative data with the sleep system in place, were gathered for 5 months. The sample comprised four children with Cerebral Palsy, GMFCS level V, average age of 11.5, who did not have a sleep system. Data on sleep quality and quantity was gathered using the Chailey Sleep Questionnaire and sleep diaries and pain levels using the Paediatric Pain Profile. GAS Light verbal outcome measure was used to measure carer goals.

Results: Descriptive statistics and paired sample t-tests were used, demonstrating pain levels remained static, improvements in sleep quality and quantity were found and carer goals achieved.

Conclusion: A small sample size and subjective data collection methods were used; further research is required to obtain more conclusive results.