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Frail older people with insomnia experiences of using weighted blankets: a qualitative study
Halmstad University, School of Health and Welfare.
Halmstad University, School of Health and Welfare.ORCID iD: 0000-0001-5647-086X
Halmstad University, School of Health and Welfare. Kristianstad University, Kristianstad, Sweden.ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6624-9963
(English)Manuscript (preprint) (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Background: Insomnia is common among frail older people living in nursing homes, and many are often prescribed medication. However, it may be beneficial to consider using a weighted blanket as an alternative intervention. 

Aim: The aim of the study was to explore how frail older people with insomnia experience the use of a weighted blanket when living in nursing homes. 

Methods: The study was conducted in nine nursing homes in five municipalities in the southwest of Sweden. Nineteen people were included aged 67 and older, four men and 15 women. The study had an inductive qualitative design. The semi-structured interviews were analysed with qualitative content analysis. 

Results: The results formed four categories: Experiencing proximity which raised older people's experiences of the weighted blankets' proximity that gave a sense of comfort or discomfort. Experiencing changes in sleeping patterns, raised older people's experiences of the weighted blanket influence in change sleep patterns. Experiencing conditions for use, frail older people experienced the right conditions surrounding and handling the weighted blanket. Experiencing stimulating senses: frail older people experience changes in their senses of worry, anxiety, and pain., 

Conclusions: Frail older people experience that weighted blankets can provide comfort, positively influence sleep patterns, and reduce anxiety. This intervention can be considered valuable and offers a possible alternative to medication for frail older people with insomnia. 

National Category
Health Sciences
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-53171OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hh-53171DiVA, id: diva2:1851052
Note

Som manuscript i avhandling/As manuscript in thesis

Available from: 2024-04-12 Created: 2024-04-12 Last updated: 2024-04-12Bibliographically approved
In thesis
1. Health intervention with weighted blankets for frail older people with insomnia in nursing homes
Open this publication in new window or tab >>Health intervention with weighted blankets for frail older people with insomnia in nursing homes
2024 (English)Doctoral thesis, comprehensive summary (Other academic)
Abstract [en]

Insomnia is a common health problem among frail older people in nursing homes. An alternative method of dealing with insomnia has been developed through weighted blankets. The overall aim was to explore and describe how older people with insomnia living in nursing homes are affected in terms of sleep, quality of life, ADL ability, nutritional status and medication after an intervention using a weighted blanket. The study uses a qualitative and quantitative approach to explore the experiences and outcomes of using the weighted blankets. It increases the opportunity to integrate different perspectives and methods to understand the weighted blanket sufficiently. Study I aimed to explore how frail older people insomnia living in nursing homes experience the use of a weighted blanket. Study II aimed to explore nursing staff’s experiences of how a weighted blanket-based intervention influenced nursing home residents’ self-rated health. Study III investigated the effects of weighted blankets on the health of older people nursing home residents in terms of QoL, sleep, nutrition, cognition, ADL, and medication needs. Study IV examined how weighted blankets affect the sleep patterns of frail older people living in nursing homes. The studies suggest that weighted blankets improve the sleep of frail older people living in nursing homes by reducing the number of times they wake during the night. They can also improve overall well-being, emotional state, cognitive function, nutritional status, and daytime activity levels. However, it is essential to consider individual differences, as some users may find the blankets uncomfortable. Study IV revealed that weighted blankets can improve the sleep and quality of life of older people nursing home residents.  Their use constitutes a safe and non-pharmacological intervention, but more research is needed to explore the long-term effects.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
Halmstad: Halmstad University Press, 2024. p. 104
Series
Halmstad University Dissertations ; 113
National Category
Health Sciences
Research subject
Health Innovation
Identifiers
urn:nbn:se:hh:diva-53165 (URN)978-91-89587-39-7 (ISBN)978-91-89587-40-3 (ISBN)
Public defence
2024-05-03, S1022, Kristian IV väg 3, Halmstad, 09:15 (Swedish)
Opponent
Supervisors
Available from: 2024-04-12 Created: 2024-04-11 Last updated: 2024-04-12Bibliographically approved

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Hjort-Telhede, EvaArvidsson, SusannKarlsson, Staffan

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