Sleep Study

Guidelines for eczema recommend a holistic approach, yet therapeutic strategies primarily focus on controlling skin symptoms such as itch, dryness, and inflammation. Research highlights the negative effects of sleep disturbance, including emotional and conduct problems as well as impaired school performance. However, there is much less evidence to support sleep-focused drug and behavioral interventions in eczema. This project aims to i) improve our understanding of the burden of eczema-related sleep disturbance from the perspectives of patients, families, and healthcare workers (HCWs), and ii) provide up-to-date insights into the current management of sleep disturbance, including prescribed and non-prescribed pharmacological treatments and behavioral methods.

We will conduct online surveys among children/young people (CYP) and parents/caregivers to understand their respective experiences of sleep disturbance and its management in eczema. These surveys will gather both quantitative and qualitative data, using open questions that invite free-text comments. Inductive thematic analysis will be performed. Additionally, a survey will ascertain current practices regarding the assessment and management of sleep disturbance in CYP with eczema, including strategies employed by various HCWs such as GPs, paediatricians, allergists, dermatologists, and pharmacists. Findings from the surveys will be augmented with focus groups with relevant HCWs to explore the perceived importance of sleep disturbance and any barriers to its assessment and treatment. Funding for complementary focus groups with CYP and parents/caregivers on their experience of sleep disturbance in eczema has already been secured. Insights from these surveys and focus groups will inform the development and evaluation of an intervention to improve the sleep of CYP with eczema.