Sleep and Blankets

Purpose The primary aim of this research project is to evaluate whether a special blanket is an effective intervention for improving sleep among young people aged 16-24 with sleep disturbances. Sleep problems are increasingly common among Danish youth, with approximately one in five reporting significant sleep difficulties in the past 14 days. This trend has been rising steadily since 2010 and is mirrored internationally. Sleep disturbances are linked to a wide range of physical and mental health problems, including stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as negative effects on academic performance and social relationships. Early intervention is crucial to prevent chronic insomnia and poor mental health outcomes in adulthood. Current treatments include specialized psychological therapies and medication. However, psychological therapies require extensive time and commitment, and medication carries risks of side effects, tolerance, and dependency, making non-pharmacological, safe, and accessible alternatives necessary. The special blanket is believed to promote relaxation through stimulation of the tactile and proprioceptive systems. Although promising in clinical and pedagogical contexts for certain populations (e.g., children with developmental disorders and adults with neurological conditions), there is limited scientific evidence regarding its efficacy and underlying mechanisms, particularly among youth with sleep disturbances. Methods and Study Design This project is a Phase 1 randomized controlled trial (RCT) assessing the effect of 4 weeks of using a special blanket on sleep problems among young people aged 16-24, as well as the impact on participants' mental and physical health. Additionally, the study investigates possible stress-related mechanisms involved in the use of the special blanket. Following the 4-week intervention, an open-label extension phase of 8 weeks (Phase 2) will explore continued use and acceptability of the blanket. Eligible particip