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Abstract

Introduction: Sleep-related problems among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is common. Behavioral interventions are the first-line treatment for sleep problems in children with ADHD. Meditation has gained interest as an alternative treatment for sleep problems.

Objectives: To determine whether a sleep intervention could reduce sleep problems, improve ADHD symptoms and enhance parental mental health.

Methods: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) of 52 children (4–12 years) with ADHD and sleep problems was undertaken. The 2 week intervention covered sleep hygiene, daily Line messages and meditation stories. The control group received sleep hygiene and usual care. Outcomes were measured using the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire Thai version (CSHQ), SNAP-IV, a sleep hygiene checklist, and the Thai Mental Health Indicator-15 (TMHI-15) at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks.

Results: The intervention group showed significant improvement in sleep-disordered breathing over time (p = 0.042). Within-group improvements at 6 weeks were seen for total CSHQ score, parasomnia, sleep-disordered breathing, and ADHD symptoms. However, most outcomes did not differ significantly between groups, and no significant changes were observed in parental mental health. Both groups had high parental satisfaction. Importantly, education on good sleep hygiene, either alone or combined with bedtime stories, led to an overall reduction in sleep problem scores.

Conclusions: This first randomized controlled trial of a sleep intervention using meditation stories delivered via audiobook demonstrated promising within-group improvements. The approach is accessible, user-friendly, and can be effectively used as an adjunct to support children with ADHD who experience sleep problems.

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