Perspective: Restoring rest-the critical role of sleep in foster care well-being

Authors

• Jill McLeigh
• Anna Wani
• Likhita Shaik

DOI

https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.11806

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine

Abstract

In 2023, approximately 400,000 children were in foster care in the United States, a population disproportionately affected by trauma, instability, and systemic inequities.1 These children face chronic disruptions in sleep—an essential physiological process that underpins physical development, learning, emotional regulation, and overall health.²⁻⁴ Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), including abuse, neglect, and household dysfunction, are prevalent in this group and contribute to significant sleep disturbances through pathways of hyperarousal, stress dysregulation, and recurrent nightmares. 3,4 Understanding the interplay between foster care, social determinants of health (SDOH), and sleep health disparities highlights opportunities for targeted interventions to improve outcomes.

For questions about this study or others, please email reesjonestrainings@childrens.com

childrens.com/fostercare

Publication Date

10-2025

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Shaik L, Mcleigh J, Wani A. Perspective: Restoring rest-the critical role of sleep in foster care well-being. J Clin Sleep Med. 2025 Oct 1;21(10):1809-1811. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.11806. PMID: 40566984; PMCID: PMC12493072.