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Parents’ perceptions of sleep problems in children with ADHD when using weighted blankets

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Title: Parents’ perceptions of sleep problems in children with ADHD when using weighted blankets
Authors: Lönn, Maria, PhD, 1981, Erlandsson, Lena-Karin, Professor, 1963, Aili, Katarina, PhD, 1980, Svedberg, Petra, 1973, Jarbin, Håkan, Larsson, Ingrid, 1968
Source: Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 32(1):1-11
Subject Terms: Assistive technology, client-centred practice, emotional regulation, occupational therapy, sleep disorders, IDC
Description: Background: Parents’ perceptions of children’s sleep problems when using a weighted blanket could enhance the understanding of challenges faced by families with ADHD and sleep problems. This is in alignment with a client-centred approach. Acknowledging, what parents perceive as a problem in a family context.Aim: To explore changes in parents’ perceptions of their children’s sleep problems before and after participation in a sleep intervention with weighted blankets.Methods: Children with ADHD (n = 45) aged 6–14 participated in a sleep intervention with weighted blankets. Data-collection (baseline + 16-week) using the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire.Results: Common sleep problems, such as bedtime resistance, daytime sleepiness, sleep onset delay, and sleep duration, were reported to have improved in 50–75% of the children after using a weighted blanket, according to their parents. Changes were seen also for the less commonly reported parasomnias and nightly awakenings, and these problems were rarely perceived as persistent.Conclusions: Reported improvements covered various sleep domains, though some sleep issues persisted. Future evaluation of the effects of weighted blanket should assess multiple dimensions of sleep, before and after use.Significance: The client-centred approach, including parents’ perceptions of children’s sleep problems, is important in the evaluation of weighted blankets for children with ADHD. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
File Description: print
Access URL: https://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-57255
https://doi.org/10.1080/11038128.2025.2538474
Database: SwePub
Description
Abstract:<strong>Background:</strong> Parents’ perceptions of children’s sleep problems when using a weighted blanket could enhance the understanding of challenges faced by families with ADHD and sleep problems. This is in alignment with a client-centred approach. Acknowledging, what parents perceive as a problem in a family context.<strong>Aim:</strong> To explore changes in parents’ perceptions of their children’s sleep problems before and after participation in a sleep intervention with weighted blankets.<strong>Methods</strong>: Children with ADHD (n = 45) aged 6–14 participated in a sleep intervention with weighted blankets. Data-collection (baseline + 16-week) using the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire.<strong>Results:</strong> Common sleep problems, such as bedtime resistance, daytime sleepiness, sleep onset delay, and sleep duration, were reported to have improved in 50–75% of the children after using a weighted blanket, according to their parents. Changes were seen also for the less commonly reported parasomnias and nightly awakenings, and these problems were rarely perceived as persistent.<strong>Conclusions:</strong> Reported improvements covered various sleep domains, though some sleep issues persisted. Future evaluation of the effects of weighted blanket should assess multiple dimensions of sleep, before and after use.<strong>Significance</strong>: The client-centred approach, including parents’ perceptions of children’s sleep problems, is important in the evaluation of weighted blankets for children with ADHD. © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
DOI:10.1080/11038128.2025.2538474