J Korean Sleep Res Soc.  2014 Jun;11(1):33-37.

Effects of an Indigo Blanket on Insomnia Symptoms: Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Pilot Study

• Kwon YN
• Sung MJ
• Cho HA
• Chang E
• Park KA
• Park J
• Jeon EJ
• Kim E
• Lee S
• You H
• Ha T
• Shin WC

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Transient insomnia symptoms are seen in about 30-50% of general population, which needs easily accessible and comfortable methods to improve the sleep quality. To assess the effect of indigo blanket on sleep promotion, we conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial.
METHODS
Thirty subjects were recruited in this study and were randomly divided into two groups, indigo blanket and placebo blanket group. The subjects went to sleep with indigo or placebo blanket for one week. All subjects were asked to complete the sleep questionnaires [Insomnia Severity Index, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, World Health Organization (WHO)-5 Well-Being Index] and to record the sleep diary before and after they use the blanket. The effects of each blanket was evaluated by sleep quality improvement and sleep satisfaction during their use of blanket, based on the sleep diary and sleep questionnaires.
RESULTS
Estimated total sleep time (268 min vs. 318 min) was increased in indigo blanket group (p<0.05). Estimated sleep latency and sleep efficacy, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and Insomnia Severity Index scores were not different among two groups.
CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study suggests that the indigo blanket could have sleep promoting property and may warrant further research about effects of indigo blanket on sleep quality.

Keyword

Insomnia; Indigo blanket; Sleep quality

MeSH Terms

Indigo Carmine*
Pilot Projects*
Quality Improvement
Surveys and Questionnaires
Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders*
World Health Organization
Indigo Carmine