Do Weighted Blankets Help Children with Autism Sleep?

No objectively measured findings and few parent subjective findings support the utility of this intervention.

Most children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience difficulty falling asleep and frequent night wakening, which lead to reduced sleep duration. Weighted blankets have been purported to promote calming, relaxation, and sleep quality; under a theory of sensory integration, deep pressure with constant proprioceptive simulation reduces arousal and improves sleep.

This randomized, controlled, crossover study enrolled 67 children (mean age, 9 years) with clinically confirmed ASD and sleep disturbance (on 3 of 5 nights, >1 hour delayed sleep and/or <7 hours of continuous sleep). The child used a weighted blanket or a control, usual-weight blanket for 2 weeks before being crossed over to the other arm. Sleep-onset latency and total sleep t…

Reviewing Author

Martin T. Stein, MD

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardPearson Neuroscience Advisory Board

Speaker’s bureauAmerican Academy of Pediatrics

RoyaltiesElsevier, Inc.

Editorial boardsJournal of Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics