ADHD and sleepless nights? How to help your children sleep better

Why good sleep is essential

Sleep is more than just rest – it’s essential for children’s well-being. For kids with ADHD, lack of sleep can lead to more than just tiredness: it can amplify related symptoms and make them even more challenging. During sleep, our bodies regenerate, and our minds organize and store what we’ve learned each day. Without enough restful sleep, children may face irritability, trouble with memory and attention, and even long-term health impacts. That’s why quality sleep is so important for healthy growth and a happier, more balanced life. Thankfully, there are routines and tools that can make a real difference.

From healthcare to our bedrooms: the weighted duvet

In healthcare, weighted duvets have been prescribed to children with ADHD and sleep problems for many years – and for good reason! Studies have shown that the heavy blankets can help children to calm down, improve their sleep quality and promote their emotional balance. This was also the conclusion of a Swedish study published in spring 2023. ‘The result shows that children who use weighted duvets sleep longer and wake up less frequently during the night,’ said Ingrid Larsson, project leader of the study, in an interview with Swedish National Broadcasting Service. ‘Some parents report that their lives have changed as a result.’ The weighted duvet thus offers an accessible and prescription-free aid for affected children and parents.