PRELIMINARY DREAMPAD STUDY:
THE EFFECT OF THE DREAMPAD PILLOW ON CHILDREN WITH ADHD
AND SLEEP-RELATED DIFFICULTIES

Site

The Hallowell Center New York

Date

October 25, 2012


Description

This clinical program was conducted in collaboration with the Hallowell Center in New York to determine the feasibility and potential benefits of using the Dreampad for sleep problems in children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).The focus was to examine the immediate, short term effects of the Dreampad on the sleep behaviors of children as measured by sleep diary and parent questionnaire. Additionally, the effects of changes in sleep patterns on parents and family were of interest.A total of eight children and families participated in this experimental program in advance of an IRB approved protocol. They were asked to complete two questionnaires at three points during the study: after Week One in which no Dreampad was used, after Week Two in which the Dreampad was used, and after Week Three in which no Dreampad was used.


Results

The results were quite promising for future study. All eight children showed a decrease in sleep problems as noted in response to the Child’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). None of the sleep problems returned to their original levels in week three, when the Dreampad was not used.The CSHQ has four subscales: bedtime, sleep behavior, waking during the night and morning wake-up. The most notable changes were in sleep behavior, waking during the night and morning wake-up. All but one child no longer showed any problems waking during the night. All but two children showed improvement in sleep behavior and morning wake-up.The graph below shows compiled data from the four subscales for each child for three weeks. The Pre-Dreampad week is blue, the Dreampad week is red, and the Post-Dreapad week is green. High scores indicate difficulty; low scores indicate better sleep habits.Note: Children #3, #6 and #7 do not have data for the final week (post-intervention).


Child’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire


Child’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire  

Child’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire


Similarly all eight children had improved scores on the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL – see graph below) that persisted beyond the time they were actively using the Dreampad. Performance on this scale is measured in four domains: physical functioning, emotional functioning, social functioning and school functioning. Changes were most notable in emotional, social and school functioning. Improvements were reported by all but one parent in all four areas of function.




Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory preliminary-dreampad-study-hallowell 

Here are some examples of behaviors that improved:

  • Worrying
  • Low energy level
  • Keeping up with school work
  • Getting along with other children

  

All of the parents reported a positive reaction to using the Dreampad and were interested in continuing its use. Many said their children were going to bed/sleep more quickly, sleeping more soundly, waking up more easily and generally seemed more relaxed.An IRB approved protocol is slated to begin immediately to test the efficacy of the Dreampad on sleep patterns among children with ADHD as well as ASD.The Dreampad would like to thank the team at the Hallowell Center New York and the parents involved in this pilot program. Without their sincere interest in improving the lives of those with ADHD, this study would not have been possible.