Settling down in ADHD - Children 6-13

STUDY BASICS

Are you the parent of a child 6 to 13 years old with ADHD? You and your child may be eligible for a research study to test a short, bedtime intervention called the “Power Down” for children with ADHD who struggle to fall asleep at night. This intervention hopes to help kids settle down quicker by using sensory-based strategies. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are looking to test a short, bedtime intervention called the “Power Down” for children with ADHD who struggle to fall asleep at night. This intervention hopes to help kids settle down quicker by using sensory-based strategies.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

• Between 6 and 13 years old
• Have threshold ADHD symptoms (a screening questionnaire will confirm this) or a diagnosis of ADHD
• Difficulties settling down to fall asleep

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

1. Completing on-line questionnaires about your child’s sleep and sensory processing and virtual interview (15-20 mins) about your child’s sleep and bedtime routines;
2. A 1-week baseline data collection protocol where:
   1. Your child wears a watch-like device that measures movement and physiological biomarkers (like heart rate and skin conductance),
   2. You complete a short (3-5 mins) morning and evening diary with questions about your child’s sleep and rise times, mood;
3. A 1-2 hour in-person training session on the “Power Down” protocol on the University of Pittsburgh’s Oakland campus;
4. A 2-week trial period where:
   1. You complete the Power Down protocol each night,
   2. Your child wears a watch-like activity monitor all day and night to measure their activity and sleep,
   3. You complete a short (3-5 mins) morning and evening diary with questions about your child’s sleep and rise times, mood, and experience with the Power Down;
5. A virtual exit interview (15-20 mins) and post-intervention questionnaires about your child’s sleep and the suitability of the Power Down protocol.