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Parents' Experiences of Weighted Blankets' Impact on Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Ingrid Larsson1, Katarina Aili2, Jens M Nygren1
1Department of Health and Care, School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, SE-30118 Halmstad, Sweden.
Insights
Weighted blankets may improve sleep for children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Parents reported better sleep, well-being, and daily functioning for their children using this non-pharmacological approach.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Sleep Medicine
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Sleep disturbances are prevalent in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
- Non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly preferred by parents over medication.
- Limited research exists on the efficacy of weighted blankets for improving sleep in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore parental experiences with weighted blankets as a sleep intervention for children with ADHD.
- To assess the impact of weighted blankets on children's sleep quality and overall well-being.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative content analysis of interviews with 24 parents.
- Intervention involved children with ADHD and sleep problems using weighted blankets for 16 weeks.
Main Results:
- Parents reported significant improvements in children's sleep onset latency, continuity, and routines.
- Children experienced enhanced overall well-being, including improved relaxation and reduced anxiety.
- Improvements extended to daily life, with better life balance, family function, and participation in activities.
Conclusions:
- Weighted blankets represent a promising non-pharmacological intervention for improving sleep in children with ADHD.
- Findings suggest positive effects on sleep, well-being, and daily functioning, benefiting both children and families.
- Further research is warranted to validate these findings and inform clinical practice.
Abstract:
Sleep disturbances are common among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While pharmacological treatment has increased dramatically, parents often prefer non-pharmacological interventions. Research on experiences of weighted blankets and their effect in sleep improvement is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore parents' experiences of weighted blankets for children with ADHD and sleep problems, and the impact on their children's sleep. The explorative design was based on qualitative content analysis. Interviews were conducted with a purposeful sample of 24 parents of children with ADHD and sleep problems, after completing a sleep intervention with weighted blankets for 16 weeks. Parents reported that children sleeping with weighted blankets: (1) achieved satisfactory sleep, including improved sleep onset latency, sleep continuity, and sleep routines; (2) achieved overall well-being, including improved relaxation and reduced anxiety; and (3) mastered everyday life, including improved balance in life, family function, and participation in school and leisure activities. This study brings forward novel aspects of the effects of improved sleep among children with ADHD. The findings contribute to the understanding of potential positive effects of an intervention with weighted blankets critical for clinical practice to improve sleep, well-being, and everyday life of children with ADHD and their families.
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