I was compensated for my time reviewing this product/service and writing this review. My opinions, however, are strongly mine.

Two reviews in one week? You bet! This one is completely different than the other, though, so I'm hoping you don't mind hearing my thoughts on the very cool and helpful Dreampad From Integrated Learning Systems.

Most of you know that our 8th child caught a deadly virus when he was just 7 weeks old, and it left him with permanent brain damage. He's a little boy with a lot of energy and limited executive function ability, which makes him extremely compulsive, much like a child with ADHD. So much ADHD that were you to encounter us in public, his very presence would wear you out. (Read: I'm totally worn out.)

To say that Joe has a difficult time settling down is an understatement. He's generally a good sleeper once he's asleep (many special needs kids are not; we are grateful), but getting there can be highly challenging.

Review the Dreampad? Yes, please!

What is a Dreampad?

First of all, what exactly is a Dreampad? The Dreampad is a pillow equipped with special technology that allows you to hear music (only you!) and feel it through vibrations that pass into your inner ear. It's not just soft music! The Dreampad actually stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system.

How Does the Dreampad Work?

The Dreampad is easy peasy, both to set up and to use. Download the free Dreampad app to your MP3 player (smartphone, iPod, etc.), connect it to a cord within the Dreampad, set your volume, and press "play". That's all there is to it!

**But Does the Dreampad Really Work?**

The very first time we set it up for Mighty Joe, he laid down on my bed and asked me 12 questions. Maybe fewer, maybe more, but along the lines of, "What is this, Mommy?", and "What is that music? Where is it coming from?" After getting him settled in, I left the room for about 20 minutes, and when I returned, my husband told me, "He hasn't moved."

He hasn't moved.

At no time in Joe's 7 years of life could we make that claim. The Dreampad had him so relaxed and calmed, he didn't move. He didn't end up sleeping with it that night, but he went to bed quickly and quietly.

The next morning, Joe was at my bedside at 6:15 a.m., asking for the "music pillow". I set it to my favorite Dreampad setting, Seaside Strings, a mixture of ocean waves and calming spa-like music, and we cuddled for about 15 minutes. He was a mellower kiddo than he normally is in the morning.

Since we first began using the Dreampad, it has now become part of Joe's nightly bedtime routine. Anytime I need him to mellow out, we arrange a cozy little spot and turn the Dreampad on. It will play for 2 hours continuously (unless you change the time setting - easy to do) and then automatically shut itself off.

How Much Does the Dreampad Cost?

There are four different pillow size options, and they range in price from $159 to $179. Who in their right mind would pay that price for a pillow? I'll tell you: anyone with a child who does not sleep. Anyone with a family member (child, adult, special needs, or not) who cannot get a continuous night's sleep, struggles to fall asleep, or is under an inordinate amount of stress.

My brother is currently undergoing chemotherapy and radiation for cancer, and our discussions lately have often been about how impossible it is to sleep in the hospital. The Dreampad could make all the difference in a setting like that.