Study (2021): Effect of weighted blankets on sleep and daily life of people with ADHD and/or autism
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are often associated with sleep problems that affect social, emotional, and cognitive functioning in daily activities. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a weighted blanket has a positive impact on the sleep and daily activities of people with ADHD and/or ASD. For this purpose, 85 people diagnosed with ADHD and/or ASD were prescribed a weighted blanket. Of the 85 people, 48 were children under 17 years old and 37 were adults over 18 years old. The participants were interviewed by telephone.
The results showed that a weighted blanket improved falling asleep, staying asleep, and relaxation during the day. The use of the weighted blanket improved the morning and evening routine, so that both going to bed (59%) and waking up in the morning (26%) were better. 81% of participants reported sleeping better at night. 78% used the weighted blanket every night for several years. Positive effects from using a weighted blanket on everyday activities such as at work or school could only be confirmed by 17% of participants.
Source:
Vedrana Bolic Baric, Sofie Skuthälla, Malin Pettersson, Per A. Gustafsson
& Anette Kjellberg (2021): The effectiveness of weighted blankets on sleep and everyday activities – A retrospective follow-up study of children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and/or autism spectrum disorder, Scandinavian Journal of Occupational Therapy, DOI: 10.1080/11038128.2021.1939414
%20and%20autism%20spectrum%20disorders%20(ASD)%20are%20often%20associated%20with%20sleep%20problems%20that%20affect%20social,%20emotional,%20and%20cognitive%20functioning%20in%20daily%20activi...){kind=link}
Leave a comment
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.