Single parent households and families experiencing transition (i.e. divorcing families, step families, etc.) predict poor sleep outcomes. Routines and rules help prevent the development of unhealthy sleep behaviors, like staying up late, sleeping too little or too much, and sleeping in distracting environments. 

Family Structure and Sleep Behaviors

Part of the family dynamic, structure refers to the hierarchy and organization of each household unit. Configurations include:

•Nuclear families

•Single-parent families

•Extended families 

•Childless families

•Grandparent families

Grand Valley State University

Family dynamics encompass the ways in which individual members interact with each other based on their hierarchies, roles, and identities, and how familial relationships are perceived. Elements of family dynamics include:

• Structure

• Cohesion 

• Conflict style 

• Parenting style 

Family Dynamics

Gunn, H. E., & Eberhardt, K. R. (2019). Family dynamics in sleep health and hypertension. Current Hypertension Reports, 21(5), 39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11906-019-0944-9

Family dynamics in sleep health and hypertension

Sleep hygiene habits can be influenced by other family members and are often mimicked. Depending on the functionality of the family dynamic, poor habits promoted within the household can increase risk for hypertension, especially in youth.

Family Dynamics in Sleep Health and Hypertension

A element that impacts the functionality of the family dynamic, cohesion is conceptualized as the nature and strength of familial bonds, characterized by emotional closeness and individual autonomy.

Family Cohesion

Family Structure 

- Family relations
- Communication patterns 
- Role and responsibilities
- Emotional climate 
- Power and decision-making

Components of Family Dynamics 

Proposed by Diana Baumrind, this theory suggests that parenting styles are a significant factor in a child's socioemotional development and the formation of a healthy self-concept. The theory outlines four primary styles: authoritative, authoritarian, permissive, and uninvolved, each describing a different approach to raising children.

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