618 Qualitative analysis of bedtime challenges and parental interventions in foster care children

Abstract Introduction Sleep during childhood has a major impact on physiological, psychological, and cognitive development. Limited research focused vulnerable populations such as children in foster care. Foster care endure placement instability, which may contribute to disrupted sleep patterns unpredictability around bedtime (Leathers, et al., 2019). The Fostering study examined caregivers’ perceptions of children’s challenges strategies for improving difficulties. Methods caregivers ages 4–11 throughout the US were invited complete Qualtrics Health among Children Care Survey via Facebook groups. survey included quantitative qualitative questions behaviors. Qualitative barriers opportunities improve examined: what helps well; kinds difficulties do experience at bedtime? Results 483 parents responded. Responses coded using 27 categories (e.g., parasomnias, resistance, trouble self-soothing); responses your child well based 22 comfort items, melatonin, TV intervention, communication reassure safety). most prevalent sleep/bedtime fear/anxiety (23.2%), nightmares (19.6%), environment (18.4%). For example, one parent responded: “He fears never waking up. He that sun is not going come back bad guys will get him.” Difficulties varied by age-- 4–5: fear/anxiety, destabilization from call/visit biological parent, nightmares; 6–9: nightmares, environment; 10–11: emotional/behavioral Most frequent parenting approaches routine (63.0%), reading before (36.5%), physical reassurance (26.6%). Interventions also according routine, reading, reassurance; noise control; technology regulation, reading. Conclusion reported common difficulty strategy healthy sleep. Findings suggest anxiety fear often interfere with and, turn, helpful strategy. Undoubtedly, there need preventive interventions Support (if any) Summer Student Research Support, Loyola University Maryland, College Arts Sciences