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Cifre AB, Vieira A, Baker C, Myers A, Rech ME, Kim J, Zhang Y, Alfano CA. Do weighted blankets improve sleep among children with a history of maltreatment? A randomized controlled crossover trial. J Clin Sleep Med 2024; 20:1405-1413. [PMID: 38607244 PMCID: PMC11367729 DOI: 10.5664/jcsm.11152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2024]
Abstract
STUDY OBJECTIVES Sleep disruption is prevalent and persistent among children who experience maltreatment/interpersonal trauma. Weighted blankets have gained popularity in recent years as a potential nonpharmacological intervention for improving sleep in various populations, but their efficacy has not been examined among maltreated children. The current study used a randomized, within-subjects, crossover design to examine whether the use of a weighted blanket improves objective and/or subjective indices of sleep among 30 children, ages 6-15 years (mean = 9.7, standard deviation = 2.9) adopted from foster care. METHODS Participants used a weighted blanket for 2 weeks and their usual (unweighted) blanket for 2 weeks in a counterbalanced order. Sleep outcomes were measured using actigraphy and subjective sleep diaries. RESULTS No differences in actigraphy-based or subjective estimates of total sleep time, sleep onset latency, wake after sleep onset, or sleep quality ratings were found based on blanket type. Child age, biological sex, timing of participation (school year vs summer months), and maltreatment/trauma history did not impact outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Although we did not find evidence that weighted blankets improve sleep among children with a history of maltreatment/interpersonal trauma, additional well-controlled studies using larger samples of children are needed. CITATION Cifre AB, Vieira A, Baker C, et al. Do weighted blankets improve sleep among children with a history of maltreatment? A randomized controlled crossover trial. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(9):1405-1413.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony B Cifre
- Sleep and Anxiety Center of Houston, Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Alyssa Vieira
- Sleep and Anxiety Center of Houston, Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Carter Baker
- Sleep and Anxiety Center of Houston, Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Annika Myers
- Sleep and Anxiety Center of Houston, Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Megan E Rech
- Sleep and Anxiety Center of Houston, Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Jinu Kim
- Sleep and Anxiety Center of Houston, Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Yuexin Zhang
- Sleep and Anxiety Center of Houston, Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Candice A Alfano
- Sleep and Anxiety Center of Houston, Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas
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Kristiansen ST, Larsen ER, Videbech P, Bjerrum MB. User Experiences of Ball Blankets in Adults with Depression-Related Insomnia: A Qualitative Content Analysis Study. Issues Ment Health Nurs 2024; 45:639-649. [PMID: 38710095 DOI: 10.1080/01612840.2024.2341046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
Insomnia is prevalent in patients suffering from depression and may itself exacerbate the disability associated with depression and impede the path to recovery. Although crucial in ensuring meaningful interactions and interventions for patients, research on patients' experiences of depression-related insomnia and its treatment is limited. The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate how adult patients with depression-related insomnia experience sleeping with a weighted Protac Ball Blanket®, focusing on how the blanket feels and works and contributes to their subjective sleep quality experience. An inductive content analysis approach was adopted. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 13 patients. Four categories were identified: 1) Deep and dynamic touch pressure from the plastic balls induced calmness; 2) Changing sensory impressions from the rolling balls distracted attention from distressing thoughts and emotions; 3) The ball blanket improved the quality and quantity of sleep, which increased daily well-being; 4) Sleeping with the ball blanket was associated with positive as well as negative experiences depending on personal preferences for sensory stimulation. This study explains how the Protac Ball Blanket® as a potential non-pharmacological sleep-intervention improved the sleep of adult patients with depression-related insomnia. The blanket was found meaningful for coping with sleeplessness and with mental and physical unrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Toft Kristiansen
- Research Unit for Nursing and Healthcare, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Erik Roj Larsen
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Poul Videbech
- Centre for Neuropsychiatric Depression Research, Mental Health Centre Glostrup, Glostrup, Denmark
| | - Merete Bender Bjerrum
- Research Unit for Nursing and Healthcare, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Centre of Clinical Guidelines - Danish National Clearing House, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
- Danish Centre of Systematic Reviews, A JBI Centre of Excellence, Denmark Aalborg
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Bondopadhyay U, McGrath J, Coogan AN. "Tell Me More About Your Child's Sleep": A Qualitative Investigation Of Sleep Problems In Children With ADHD. Behav Sleep Med 2024; 22:298-307. [PMID: 37665076 DOI: 10.1080/15402002.2023.2253947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate parental experiences and perceptions of sleep problems in their children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the perceived impacts of sleep problems and coping strategies deployed by parents. METHODS Semi-structured interviews with twenty-six parents of pre-adolescent children with a diagnosis of ADHD, followed by thematic analysis of the interview transcripts. RESULTS Three themes were generated from the data: Children's Sleep Difficulties; Impacts of Children's Sleep; and Improving Children's Sleep. Sleep initiation problems in children with ADHD were commonly reported by parents, were perceived to be linked in a bidirectional manner with executive and emotional problems, and were reported as being disruptive to parental sleep. Some parents reported that their children's sleep problems were the initial prompt that lead to a diagnosis of ADHD. Parents reported utilizing a range of coping strategies to mitigate sleep problems, such as controlling the bedroom sensory environment and using emotional "wind down" as part of the bedtime routine. Some parents endorsed a beneficial effect of melatonin on their children's sleep. CONCLUSIONS Sleep problems in children with ADHD were perceived as important issues by parents. Equipping parents with evidence-based strategies for the management of their children's sleep may lead to benefits for the children, parents and wider household.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jane McGrath
- ADMIRE Service, Linn Dara CAMHS, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew N Coogan
- Department of Psychology, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
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Yu J, Yang Z, Sun S, Sun K, Chen W, Zhang L, Xu J, Xu Q, Liu Z, Ke J, Zhang L, Zhu Y. The effect of weighted blankets on sleep and related disorders: a brief review. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1333015. [PMID: 38686123 PMCID: PMC11056563 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1333015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Sleep disorders such as insomnia can lead to a range of health problems. The high risk of side effects and drug abuse of traditional pharmacotherapy calls for a safer non-pharmacotherapy. Aims To examine the use and efficacy of weighted blankets in improving sleep and related disorders in different populations and explore the possible mechanisms. Methods A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library and CNKI databases. Eligible studies included an intervention with weighted blankets and outcomes covering sleep and/or related disorders (behavioral disturbance, negative emotions and daytime symptoms). Studies using other deep pressure, compression, or exercise-related interventions were excluded. Conclusions Most of the included studies showed that weighted blankets could effectively improve sleep quality and alleviate negative emotions and daytime symptoms in patients with sleep disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and other related disorders, with a possible mechanism of deep pressure touch. Recommendations Weighted blankets might be a promising tool for sleep interventions among individuals with sleep disorders in clinical settings. More high-quality and large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to further validate the safety and efficacy of weighted blankets and explore precise mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenqing Yang
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sudan Sun
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Kaili Sun
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiran Chen
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liming Zhang
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiahui Xu
- Department of Neurology/Center for Sleep Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qinglin Xu
- Department of Neurology/Center for Sleep Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zuyun Liu
- Center for Clinical Big Data and Analytics of the Second Affiliated Hospital, and Department of Big Data in Health Science School of Public Health, The Key Laboratory of Intelligent Preventive Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Juan Ke
- Department of Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaoxing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaoxing, China
| | - Lisan Zhang
- Department of Neurology/Center for Sleep Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yubo Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Shaoxing University, Shaoxing, China
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Lönn M, Svedberg P, Nygren J, Jarbin H, Aili K, Larsson I. The efficacy of weighted blankets for sleep in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-A randomized controlled crossover trial. J Sleep Res 2024; 33:e13990. [PMID: 37452697 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Weighted blankets are a non-pharmacological intervention for treating sleep and anxiety problems in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. However, research on the efficacy of weighted blankets is sparse. The aim of this randomized controlled trial with a crossover design (4 + 4 weeks) was to evaluate the efficacy of weighted blankets on sleep among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and sleeping problems. Children diagnosed with uncomplicated Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder with verified sleep problems were randomized to start with either a weighted blanket or a lighter control blanket. Data collection was performed at weeks 0, 4 and 8 using actigraphy, questionnaires and a daily sleep diary. T-tests were used to evaluate efficacy. The study included 94 children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (mean age 9.0 [sd 2.2] years; 54 [57.4%] boys). Weighted blankets had a significant effect on total sleep time (mean diff. 7.72 min, p = 0.027, Cohen's d = 0.24), sleep efficiency (mean diff. 0.82%, p = 0.038, Cohen's d = 0.23) and wake after sleep onset (mean diff. -2.79 min, p = 0.015, Cohen's d = -0.27), but not on sleep-onset latency (p = 0.432). According to our exploratory subgroup analyses, weighted blankets may be especially beneficial for improving total sleep time in children aged 11-14 years (Cohen's d = 0.53, p = 0.009) and in children with the inattentive attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder subtype (Cohen's d = 0.58, p = 0.016). Our results suggest that weighted blankets may improve children's sleep and could be used as an alternative to pharmacological sleep interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Lönn
- Department of Health and Care, School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
- Psychiatry Halland, Region Halland, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Petra Svedberg
- Department of Health and Care, School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Jens Nygren
- Department of Health and Care, School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Håkan Jarbin
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Region Halland, Halmstad, Sweden
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Katarina Aili
- Department of Health and Sport, School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
| | - Ingrid Larsson
- Department of Health and Care, School of Health and Welfare, Halmstad University, Halmstad, Sweden
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Xie Y, Feeney BC. A narrative review of research linking non-sexual social touch to sleep quality. J Sleep Res 2024:e14174. [PMID: 38382911 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.14174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
This narrative review describes the current state of the literature that has examined associations between non-sexual social touch (i.e., affectionate touch, touch therapies, touch with animals and inanimate objects that mimic social touch) and sleep quality. It also highlights areas for future research to clarify the links and to identify underlying mechanisms. Most existing studies have focussed on and shown positive effects of touch therapies (e.g., massage, therapeutic touch) on sleep quality in clinical populations. Although there are fewer studies examining how other forms of social touch are linked with sleep quality, the existing research provides preliminary evidence supporting affectionate touch (e.g., hugging, skin-to-skin contact) and tactile contact with animals (e.g., dogs) and objects that mimic social touch (e.g., robots, weighted blankets) as predictors of better sleep quality, while touch deprivation and touch aversion are associated with worse sleep quality. Informed by the existing literature, we additionally reviewed potential relational-cognitive (e.g., felt-security) and neurobiological (e.g., oxytocin) mechanisms likely to underlie associations between social touch and sleep quality. Overall, current research supports associations between non-sexual social touch and sleep quality. However, future research is needed to establish these links for specific forms of social touch (and in various populations), to test explanatory mechanisms, and to identify boundary conditions. Understanding associations between non-sexual social touch and sleep quality can inform the development of touch-based interventions to improve sleep quality and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxi Xie
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Brooke C Feeney
- Department of Psychology, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Experiences of Using Weighted Blankets among Children with ADHD and Sleeping Difficulties. Occup Ther Int 2023; 2023:1945290. [PMID: 36824380 PMCID: PMC9943603 DOI: 10.1155/2023/1945290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Sleeping difficulties are common in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A sleep intervention with weighted blankets was designed to increase current understanding of using weighted blankets to target children's individual needs in connection with sleep and daytime functioning. Aim To explore how children with ADHD and sleeping difficulties experience the use of weighted blankets. Methods An explorative qualitative design in which 26 children with ADHD and sleeping difficulties, 6-15 years old, were interviewed about a sleep intervention with weighted blankets. Four categories emerged from qualitative content analysis. Results Children's experiences revealed that the use of weighted blankets 1) requires a commitment, by adjusting according to needs and preferences and adapting to the environment; 2) improves emotional regulation by feeling calm and feeling safe; 3) changes sleeping patterns by creating new routines for sleep and improving sleep quality; and 4) promotes everyday participation by promoting daily function and balancing activity and sleep. Conclusions Using weighted blankets promoted children's management of daily life with ADHD and sleeping difficulties. Occupational therapists can improve the assessment and delivery of weighted blankets tailored to individual needs based on increased knowledge from the children themselves.
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Hjort Telhede E, Arvidsson S, Karlsson S, Ivarsson A. Weighted Blankets' Effect on the Health of Older People Living in Nursing Homes. Geriatrics (Basel) 2022; 7:geriatrics7040079. [PMID: 36005255 PMCID: PMC9408528 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics7040079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: An increasingly aging population is a global phenomenon. While considered a positive step forward, vulnerability to age-related health problems increases along with the ageing population. The aim of the study was to investigate weighted blankets’ effect on health regarding quality of life (QoL), sleep, nutrition, cognition, activities of daily living ADL and medication in older people living in nursing homes. Methods: In total, 110 older people were involved in an intervention with weighted blankets, and 68 older people completed the intervention. Measures before and after were performed regarding quality of life; QoL-AD, EQ-VAS, sleep; MISS, nutrition; MNA, cognition; S -MMSE (ADL) and medication. Comparative statistical analyses were applied. Results: After intervention with weighted blankets, health in general, such as QoL, improved. Sleep also improved significantly, especially with respect to waking up during the night. Nutrition was enhanced, health as a cognitive ability improved, and medication in the psychoanaleptic group decreased. The effect size varied between small and large. Conclusions: A weighted blanket seems to be an effective and safe intervention for older people in nursing homes, as several improvements were made regarding the health of older people.
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Medications and Sleep. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am 2022; 31:499-514. [PMID: 35697398 DOI: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sleep problems are common and often increase when initiating pharmacotherapy for ADHD. Stimulants are commonly associated with delayed sleep onset/insomnia although nonstimulants can be associated with daytime sleepiness. There is a wide variability in severity and duration of sleep effects, but most effects are mild and improve over time. Although sleep problems occur in all age groups, preschoolers and adolescents appear to be more vulnerable to adverse effects on sleep than adults and children. Interventions to improve sleep include behavioral therapy, changing dose schedules or formulations, and adding a sleep-promoting agent such as melatonin.
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