Sleep of children of abused women in transitional housing.

Children of abused women have been reported to experience a variety of behavioral problems including disturbed sleep. Sleep is essential for health, growth, and development. Yet, to date no one has described the sleep behaviors of these children. The purpose of this study was to describe the sleep-related behaviors of children of abused women living in transitional housing programs. A convenience sample of mothers (N = 32) residing in transitional housing programs for abused women was recruited. Using the Sleep Behavior Scale (Fisher, Pauley, & McGuire, 1989), data were gathered from the mothers on 43 children 2 to 18 years of age. Approximately one-third of the children in this study were reported to experience sleep-related behavior problems four or more times per week. Some of these behaviors were likely to be burdensome to abused women. Behavioral interventions, however, offer promise for these children and their mothers.