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All About Sleeping

Sleeping is a key element of 24-hour postural management. A well supported sleep, in a symmetric posture can reduce the build-up of pressure points, increase comfort and contribute to an undisturbed night's sleep.

Parent Hub

What Are Sleep Positioning Systems?

Simply put, sleep positioning systems are devices used alongside other postural management equipment, such as specialised seating and standing frames, to help a child maintain postural alignment and be comfortable at night.

The Importance Of Postural Management At Night

Sleep positioning systems tend not to be as routine as other forms of equipment like seating systems, standing and walking frames. However, this does not make them any less important.

On average, children spend approximately 42% of their time in a sleeping or lying position, which when left unchecked, is a substantial time to go without postural management.

Whilst the child does not need to maintain the body upright against gravity, gravity and tone can still pull the body into asymmetrical and destructive postures. Over short periods of time, these postures can be comfortable, however due to the child’s inability to frequently reposition themselves during the night (think about how much you might toss and turn at night), these postures can lead to muscle shortening and contractures.

 

What Are The Benefits Of Sleep Positioning Systems?

Improved Sleep Latency

Supportive sleep systems reduce the time it takes to get to sleep.

Improved Sleep Efficency

A well supported sleep has the potential to increase the amount of time spent asleep. 

Reduced Sleep Disturbances

Clinicians advocate supported sleeping to reduce the number of times woken during the night.

Improved Caregiver Sleep

When a child sleeps more peacefully, it helps reduce stress levels and work rates of caregivers.

Improved Body Symmetry

Supportive sleep systems help prevent long term destructive postures by keeping the body aligned.

Stabilised Hip Joint

Children can be positioned in a manner which stabilises the femur in the acetabulum, discourages subluxation and supports healthy formation of the joint

Better Respiratory Function

By improving body symmetry, sleep positioning systems can be an effective way to increase lung volume and improve breathing at night-time.

Pressure Care

Supportive sleep systems help distribute pressure, decreasing high pressure under bony prominences and increasing comfort

Emotional Outcomes

There is substantial and consistent research that increasing sleep duration reduces depression and improves emotional regulation.

Introducing A Sleep Positioning System

Introducing a new sleep position can be difficult for some children, particularly for older children who may already have a preferred position to sleep in, or whose body shape has changed with time. In fact, when first setting up the device, it might not be possible for your therapist to achieve the desired posture right away, as often such a drastic change in position can be intolerable.

Sleep systems are typically designed to allow you to continually adjust the supports, so that you can adjust over time to reach the optimum position. This will help your child to become comfortable with the device, without rapidly changing from the posture they have become used to.

Where a child struggles to tolerate supports or a new posture, we recommend introducing the positioning system slowly over time. For example, you might encourage your child to spend short periods in the device during the day, or only attach additional supports once they have fallen asleep. Likewise, where additional supports such as straps are required, sometimes it can be beneficial to attach or adjust these after the child has fallen asleep, if possible. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about supported sleeping? We've gathered some of the most common questions to help you.

  • Who needs a sleep system?

    A sleeping system is designed to be used as part of a 24-hour positioning programme. As a general rule, anyone who cannot change their position in bed voluntarily, or only with great difficulty, can benefit from a sleeping system. This includes users with high tone and involuntary movement.

  • Which supported position is best for my child to lie in?

    The answer to this question can differ from person to person. The supine position is the easiest way to achieve a supported, symmetrical position. However, not everyone will tolerate a sudden change. If this is the case, we recommend choosing a time of day when there is a higher level of supervision to spend times in supine, and to use side lying at other times. 

    If in doubt, you should always discuss this with your medical team.

  • How long can my child sleep in a supported sleeping system?

    Most children will eventually sleep all night in a supported sleeping system. However, it may take several months to acclimatise them to their new sleeping position and get the best of it. Some users may only tolerate the system for a few hours at a time, but it's important to remember that two hours per night is equal to 730 hours of night time postural management.

  • What type of mattress would you recommend for a supported sleeping system?

    There are no strict guidelines on the type of mattress required for a supported sleeping system like the Leckey Sleepform. However, we recommend a mattress that is of good quality and meets the appropriate standards.

  • How long will a supported sleeping system last?

    It is difficult to provide a definitive answer to this, as the answer will be unique to each user. Around five years would be a good lifespan for the fabric components.

  • Can I use a supported sleeping system on a "dynamic pressure mattress" or "turning bed"?

    Recent studies have showed that both dynamic pressure mattresses and turning beds can be used in conjunction with supported sleeping systems.

    When combining your supported sleep system with a dynamic pressure mattress, it is important to make frequent inspections of the skin to ensure that there is no skin breakdown.

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To get in touch or to become a Leckey distributor, please email hello@leckey.com or call us on (+44) 28 9260 0750.

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