One of the most established questionnaires for assessing insomnia is the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). This survey consists of seven questions addressing different types of sleep difficulties and their impact on daily functioning. A study by Julia Eken and colleagues has tested the ISI among Swedish teenagers, with results suggesting that it is an effective tool for this age group as well.

Can weighted blankets help children with ADHD? And can they be used in elderly care? In this issue, Maria Lönn and Eva Hjort Telhede present findings from two doctoral dissertations at Halmstad University that have explored these questions. Their research suggests that weighted blankets can be beneficial for many—but not for everyone. This reminds us that there is no universal solution to sleep problems, but rather a need for a toolbox with various options, where weighted blankets may serve as a useful alternative.

Ludger Grote and Anna Nygren highlight successful quality improvement efforts at the CPAP clinic in Linköping, where the use of nasal masks and humidifiers has increased to over 90 % at both treatment initiation and follow-up. Through group trials, an inclusive care process, and digitalization, waiting times have been significantly reduced despite challenges such as efficiency demands and resource limitations. The article also emphasizes the importance of knowledge exchange between regions and looks ahead to further improvements through digital tools and the structured care pathway for sleep apnea.

In an interview with Kerstin Brismar, we gain insight into her thoughts on the role of sleep in a healthy lifestyle, a topic she highlights in her latest book. Eva Lazar Friberg also reviews Sömn vid hälsa och ohälsa, a book in Swedish in which we, as editors of the Sleep and Health, emphasize the importance of creating favorable conditions for sleep. We are reminded that sleep is influenced by our entire day—it is not just about going to bed on time but also about maintaining regular routines, engaging in meaningful activities, and embracing acceptance. Not every night will be perfect, and sometimes, we must accept that things are as they are.

Experiencing sleep problems is a deeply human experience—yet it can feel like one of the most inhumane struggles to endure. Inspired by the Flashback forum, Annika Norell has created a series of poems about sleep and sleeplessness. We are very proud to present these texts, which we believe will resonate strongly with many readers.

This issue of the journal is published in connection with the Sleep and Health course and conference, taking place from March 12–14, 2025. Thanks to funding from Forte, we have been able to invite distinguished international speakers.

Dr. Judite Blanc from the University of Miami will hold both a seminar and a lecture on sleep equity—the fact that sleep is not equally distributed in society. We know that people in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas often experience poorer sleep than those living in more stable environments. While health disparities are well-known, the notion that this also applies to sleep is something that requires greater attention (Blanc et al., 2023).

Professor Judith Owens from Harvard Medical School has spent decades working to improve adolescent sleep (see Owens & Weiss, 2017). One of her key areas of advocacy is ensuring that schools in the United States do not start earlier than 8:30 AM, to better align with teenagers' biological rhythms. We are very much looking forward to hearing her insights and discussing these issues during the conference.

We hope that this issue of Sleep and Health provides inspiration, knowledge, and new perspectives on the importance of sleep throughout different stages of life.

Happy reading!

Pernilla Garmy