Dutch Research Finds HUG Promotes Better Sleep
Over the past year, Vilans and Eindhoven University of Technology have conducted an evaluation of HUG with people living with dementia in collaboration with two Dutch care organisations: Zorg in Oktober and Surplus.
The findings from the research show that HUG supports improved sleep among residents. Nurse Anja from Zorg in Oktober shared her experience:
“It is very nice to see that someone can just sleep well again because of something as simple as a cuddly doll. One of our residents was given sleeping medication to get through the night quietly, and that is no longer necessary with the doll. Another resident also sleeps better now, and as a result, his appetite has also improved. Of course, the cuddly doll does not always work for everyone, but all the moments that it works are a bonus!”
The project was featured by Alzheimer Nederland (LinkedIn post)
Jac from HUG and UWE Bristol are preparing a follow-up study in collaboration with Vilans. This new phase will involve using Milbotix SmartSocks to monitor sleep quality and stress levels via built-in sensors. More updates coming later this year!