Co-sleeping fathers' perceptions of sleep quality with intentional and unintentional co-sleeping

ObjectiveNearly 45% of Australian families intentionally or unintentionally co-sleep, including bedshare. Parents' intentionality to co-sleep can influence their perceptions of sleep quality, family functioning and overall satisfaction. Yet very little is known about fathers' perspectives and experiences of co-sleeping with their children. This mixed-method study aimed to explore paternal co-sleeping intention and its association with perceived sleep quality.MethodFathers with children who co-slept completed an online survey about their sleep arrangements and intentionality from the Sleep Practices Questionnaire, and their sleep quality from the Sleep Quality Scale. Open-ended responses about intentionality were analysed thematically.ResultsOne hundred and forty-one fathers were included in the analysis. Quantitative analysis found that fathers' whose children were sleeping where definitely intended had significantly better perceived sleep quality than fathers whose children were sleeping in an unintended location. A thematic analysis provided insight into the reasons for this relationship.ConclusionsThis study offers insight into fathers' experiences of co-sleeping including bedsharing, and responsive night-time infant care practices. Paternal night-time involvement in infant care can influence father-infant bonding, maternal and paternal mental health and overall family functioning. The results and their implications for professionals working with fathers during the perinatal period are discussed. What is already known about this topic: Co-sleeping (bedsharing and roomsharing) occurs in Australian families, both intentionally and unintentionally.Intentionality to co-sleep can influence a mother's perceptions of sleep quality, satisfaction and family functioning.Little research has examined fathers' role in co-sleeping, including their intentionality.What this topic adds: Shows how fathers' intention to co-sleep is related to their perception of sleep quality.Provides insight into how fathers who intend to co-sleep see the benefits for the child and the family.Provides insight into fathers' experiences of co-sleeping with their children.