Weighted Blankets as a Sleep Intervention: A Scoping Review.

Area of Science:

• Sleep science
• Occupational therapy
• Nonpharmacological interventions

Background:

• Sleep disorders negatively impact health and daily functioning.
• Weighted blankets present a potential nonpharmacological sleep aid.
• Evidence on their effectiveness requires synthesis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review of literature on weighted blanket use.
• To summarize instrumentation and outcomes of overnight weighted blanket use.
• To inform clinical decision-making for sleep interventions.

Main Methods:

• Scoping review following PRISMA guidelines.
• Searched multiple databases including MEDLINE, PsycINFO, and Scopus.
• Included studies reporting overnight weighted blanket use; critical appraisal performed.

Main Results:

• Eighteen studies met inclusion criteria.
• Adults showed improved sleep, mood, and reduced medication use.
• Children's sleep outcomes were mixed, but occupational performance improved; parental feedback was positive.
• Methodological quality varied; intervention details were often lacking.

Conclusions:

• Weighted blankets show promise as a sleep intervention across age groups.
• More evidence supports effectiveness in adults than in children.
• Occupational therapists play a key role in implementation; practice guidelines are needed.