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The "Dream Changer": a randomized controlled trial evaluating the efficacy of a parent-based intervention for

Stephanie Bourboulis1,1, Michael Gradisar1,2, Michal Kahn1

  • 1College of Education, Psychology & Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia.

Sleep
|February 18, 2022
PubMed

Insights

A novel parent-based intervention using the "Dream Changer" device significantly reduced childhood nightmares and sleep anxiety. These positive effects on children

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Child Psychology
  • Behavioral Intervention

Background:

  • Recurrent childhood nightmares can negatively impact children and their parents.
  • Effective, accessible interventions are needed to address childhood nightmares.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of a new parent-based intervention for childhood nightmares.
  • To assess the impact of the "Dream Changer" device on nightmare frequency and sleep anxiety.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 56 children (aged 3-10) and their parents.
  • Intervention group received the "Dream Changer" device; control group was waitlisted.
  • Parents completed online surveys assessing nightmare frequency, sleep anxiety, and daytime sleepiness.

Main Results:

  • The "Dream Changer" intervention significantly reduced children's nightmare frequency (p = 0.001) and sleep anxiety (p = 0.006).
  • Improvements were maintained at a 3-month follow-up.
  • No significant effects were observed on children's sleep metrics or parental daytime sleepiness.

Conclusions:

  • The "Dream Changer" intervention shows preliminary efficacy in reducing childhood nightmares and anxiety.
  • This brief, accessible intervention offers a potential solution for affected families.
  • Further research with larger samples and longer follow-ups is warranted.
Abstract

Keywords:
childreninsomnianightmaresnighttime fearssleepsleep anxiety

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