Gibson RHelm ARoss IGander PBreheny M2024-06-252024-06-252024-02-01Gibson R, Helm A, Ross I, Gander P, Breheny M. (2024). Balancing sleeping with guardianship: narratives of sleep during informal dementia care. International Journal of Care and Caring. 8. 1. (pp. 114-129).2397-8821https://mro.massey.ac.nz/handle/10179/69991Sleep has been recognised as compromised in dementia care. This study aims to represent the experiences and needs of informal carers via sleep-related accounts. Retrospective interviews were conducted with 20 carers concerning sleep changes across the trajectory of dementia care. Key interactive narratives were around: ‘sleep as my sacrifice’; tensions between identities of being a ‘sleeper’ versus ‘guardian’; and ‘sleep as a luxury’. Maintaining healthy sleep and preferable sleep practices is challenging while balancing the responsibilities of dementia-related care. Acknowledging sleep as a sociological practice enables a greater understanding of carers’ nuanced experience and support needs.CC BY-NC 4.0© Policy Press 2024https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/dementia carenarrative analysissleeptransitionsJournal article10.1332/239788221X166137778278692397-883Xjournal-article114-129