The Effect of Healing Touch on Sleep Patterns of Pediatric Burn Patients

The Effect of Healing Touch on Sleep Patterns of Pediatric Burn Patients: A Prospective Cross Over Trial

Adequate sleep is an important aspect of any healing process, and because it is known that children recovering from burns suffer long term sleep disruptions, the investigators believe that Healing Touch may improve the quality and quantity of sleep in the pediatric burn population.

This study examines the impact of Healing Touch on the quality and quantity of sleep in pediatric burn survivors. Polysomnography recordings are obtained in order to assess nocturnal sleep in conjunction with Healing Touch; which is done on 1 of 2 nights during Polysomnography. Soft background music is played on both nights.

Healing Touch is performed by one of 2 Healing Touch Certified Practitioners.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. All pediatric patients (from 5 to 21 years of age) admitted for treatment (following an acute burn injury) to Shriners Hospitals for Children - Cincinnati Burns Hospital will be screened.
2. Include electrical, flame, scald and chemical burns.
3. Signed informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients admitted for treatment unrelated to a burn injury.
2. Patients admitted for less than 2 nights.
3. Patients with face and head grafting if they interfere with the lead placements
4. Neurological disorder