Weighted blankets are used to combat specific sensory deficits or overload, along with several other mental health and emotional disorders. Those with chronic anxiety, depression, insomnia, autism, dementia, and attention deficit problems can benefit from using a weighted blanket. These unique blankets counteract these issues and aid in better rest periods and relaxation. This essential guide to weighted blanket answers several of the top questions asked.
Many occupational therapists recommend weighted blanket therapy as part of an individual’s daily routines. Children over two years of age may also benefit from switching to an appropriate sized and weighted blanket. These blankets can calm nerves and promote more comfortable and deeper sleep. Parents should be aware that there are some essential guidelines for using weighted blankets for children.
The Essential Guide to Weighted Blankets
Who Can Benefit?
Weighted blankets might help kids diagnosed with several different disorders. This includes: sensory processing disorder, autism, ADHD, and Anxiety. It can also help children who can’t switch their thought patterns and behaviors off before bedtime. Weighted blankets help the child to fall into a deep and tranquil sleep. This type of sleep is necessary for the body’s nighttime rejuvenation process.
Is There Any Science Behind It?
Fortunately, there are scientific findings that connect the use of weighted blankets with other therapies Deep Pressure Touch therapies (DPT). More doctors, mental health professionals, and various therapists are seeing positive results. This simple therapeutic technique helps decrease anxieties, combat depression or to assist individuals with insomnia sleep without medication. Most occupational therapists hear the question “do weighted blankets work?” far more often than not.
Understanding How Weighted Blankets Work
DPT has been successfully helping many kids to self-calm during the day or when trying to fall asleep. The evenly dispersed weights in a weighted blanket serve to promote a subtle “grounding” effect that is useful for encouraging natural relaxation that can lead to better overall sleep.
A weighted blanket may trigger the body’s natural release of melatonin known to induce sleepiness that typically leads to better rest in general. As the gentle and steady weight of the blanket pushes the body down, the person lying beneath it often begins to slow their racing thoughts and calm their restless emotions.
Determine if a Weighted Blanket Might Help your Child
Most important in this essential guide to weighted blankets is determine if it will benefit your child. Many occupational therapists and healthcare specialists speak highly of weighted blanket therapy. It is essential that parents first assess if the blanket is likely to help their child. These blankets can be expensive, and it makes sense to ask your child or yourself some simple determining questions.
Common signs that your child might like and benefit from a weighted blanket include:
- Is your child overly anxious before bedtime?
- Does your child like tighter spaces when upset like a closet or behind a couch?
- Has your child been diagnosed with autism, depression, anxiety, or other sensory impacted health conditions?
- Does your kid love to snuggle under warm blankets?
- Is it difficult for your child to calm down?
Essential Guide to Weighted Blankets
Ask your child’s family, doctor, therapist, or another healthcare professional if this type of blanket is suitable for your child. Many occupational therapists have loaner blankets for parents to try out first. The blanket weight should be roughly 10% of the child’s weight.
A weighted blanket could help your child calm down and sleep better and combined with additional therapies,
