Experiences of Using Weighted Blankets among Children with ADHD and Sleeping Difficulties

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.

The efficacy of weighted blankets for sleep in children with attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder—A randomized controlled crossover trial

“…Improved child and family functioning when using WBs was confirmed in interviews with children (Lönn et al, 2023) and parents (Larsson et al, 2021).…”

“…If children's restlessness and subsequent sleep problems decrease during night‐time, the whole family may experience improved functioning and overall well‐being. Improved child and family functioning when using WBs was confirmed in interviews with children (Lönn et al, 2023) and parents (Larsson et al, 2021).…”

“…For example, we did not evaluate the efficacy based on primary sleep disorder. Also, participating in a sleep intervention might improve sleep hygiene practices even if the participants were informed not to change anything in their environment (Larsson et al, 2021; Lönn et al, 2023) but, in such cases, this should have affected both groups. This could also explain why some self‐reported sleep outcomes were improved for participants using both WBs and CBs.…”

The effect of weighted blankets on sleep and related disorders: a brief review

“…Similarly, A qualitative study based on parents’ experiences of the impact of weighted blankets on children with ADHD and sleep disorders indicated that after 16 weeks of weighted blankets intervention, children could better master everyday life, and achieve satisfactory sleep and overall well-being ( 31 ). Another qualitative study based on children’s experiences revealed that the use of weighted blankets improved the emotional regulation, everyday participation and sleep quality of children with ADHD and sleeping difficulties ( 33 ). Moreover, in Idaho, USA, a single-subject design study ( 28 ) and two continuation studies ( 15 , 29 ) in children with ASD and sleep disorders indicated that weighted blankets were beneficial for the improvement of overall sleep quality, especially the sleep onset latency, awakening times, sleep duration, and morning mood, although the effects were not sufficient to recommend for clinical use.…”

“…It is important to note that weighted blankets can be dangerous, especially for children and the elderly. The higher weight of weighted blankets may cause pain, anxiety, and panic to a few children ( 33 , 73 ). In general, children under 3 years of age or weighing less than 50 pounds should not use weighted blankets due to the risk of suffocation or entrapment.…”