Efficient action of sleep pillows in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorders - a pilot study

Objective. Sleep disorders may critically affect working performance and qu ality of life. Sleep pillows have been traditionally used to overcome such disorders. Scientifically based clinical trials to demonstrate the efficacy are missing. Methods: 28 patients with problems falling asleep and/or stay ing asleep not related to psychiatric or organic diseases were investigated in an accredited sleep laboratory. The diagnosis was confirmed by polysomn ography. After 2 and 4 weeks of treatment the polysomnography was repeated to document any influences by the sleep pillows. Results: The polysomnograp hic records showed a monotonic trend to regain an age-related distribution of the non-REM sleep stages. The REM sleep phase increased nearly twofold; however, the norm values were not reached within the 4-week period of treat ment. Sleep pillows of intensity 2 were superior to those of intensity 1; a further increase to intensity 3 did not create any additional effect. Conc lusion: The results demonstrate an effective treatment of non-complicated s leep disorders with sleep pillows, which has been shown with objective meas urements in a sleep laboratory.