I've come across something called "weighted blankets".
HOW YOUR WEIGHT ON ME WEIGHTED BLANKET WORKS
Patients with extreme anxiety caused by autism, sensory processing disorder and other conditions can be difficult to soothe and calm. Dr. Temple Grandin uncovered the benefits of pressure as a way to calm an overstimulated and frazzled nervous system. The principal idea is that firm pressure on the body for an extended period can calm the mind. Research has found that deep pressure touch stimulation releases serotonin, a chemical in the brain that works as a neurotransmitter in the regulation of mood, sleep and sensory perception. Weighted blankets mimic deep pressure touch stimulation and thus have a calming and soothing effect. Sensory processing disorders generally accompany other conditions and many that appear on the autism spectrum. The sensory disorders cause children to seek sensory stimulation or to "stim," which is characterized by such actions as flapping the arms or, in severe cases, self-injurious behaviors. A weighted blanket counteracts this need for sensory stimulation. The pressure that the blanket puts on the child's body meets the child's need for physical sensation and simultaneously calms the child down.
Weighted blankets are also very helpful in adults. The have been shown to help significantly with anxiety, dementia, and especially with the trauma and sleep issues that accompany PTSD. Weight On Me Blankets are currently being used on soldiers in the field in our War Zones overseas, as well as on soldiers that have returned and are trying to recover. Pressure therapy is also very beneficial for Chronic Pain conditions including Fibromyalgia and patients undergoing treatment for various conditions including cancer. In addition, these blankets have helped people with the following conditions, Tourette’s Syndrome, Seizure Disorder, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Bi-Polar Disorder, Asperger’s Syndrome, Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), Schizophrenia, Cerebral Palsy (CP), Azheimer’s Disease, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, (PDD, PDD-NOS), Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders, (FASD), Dementia, ADHD, ADD, Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD), Downs Syndrome, Rett’s Syndrome, Insomnia, Parkinson’s Disease,Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), William’s Syndrome, Batton’s Disease, Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD), Charge Syndrome, Shift-Work Sleep issues, and so many other Conditions.
WEIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS
Generally, the weight of the blanket should be equal to 10 percent of a person's body weight plus one pound. From there, weight can be added or subtracted based on personal preferences.
HOW TO USE A WEIGHT ON ME WEIGHTED BLANKET
Weighted blankets can be used at bedtime to induce sleep and left on overnight or for as long as the user wants or needs. If the blanket is used for a calming effect, it can stay on as long as needed. There are no ill effects of leaving a weighted blanket on for long periods of time, and the benefits are wonderful. Many people compare them to receiving a big hug. You receive a wonderful sense of security and calm.
I was wondering if anyone had used a blanket like this before?
Do you think it could be helpful to those who self-harm, to help calm them down when they have an urge to self-harm?
Hi,
I work with adults with autism, and we have tried using weighted blankets with them, though none of our service users have found them helpful. I really want to try one, but they are pretty expensive.
I've never heard of this but I really want to try it. When I got to sleep I always have to use 3 or 4 blankets, it's the only way I can sleep.
Where can you buy one of these??
I would love to use one. The kids i work witb who have autism find them comforting and because i like gentle pressure, i think it would help me feel more secure.
I have no idea how similar this is to the sensation of being under weighted blanket, but I find lying underneath a mattress very soothing! Slightly weird I know :P
Assuming it's not summer, heavy quilts serve a similar purpose, or those thick knit/crochet things? I forget what they're called they usually smell like mothballs and wool.
Last edited by dust : 13-04-2015 at 01:37 AM.
Reason: 'old people' is rude.
I have this blanket that is filled with like buckwheat and rice and other grains. It is pretty heavy, and it can go in either the microwave or the freezer. Mine is scented, but they come in unscented as well.
I have this blanket that is filled with like buckwheat and rice and other grains. It is pretty heavy, and it can go in either the microwave or the freezer. Mine is scented, but they come in unscented as well.
was this made or bought because this seems amazing.
I have a weighted blanket, though I haven't used it in a while. I find it useful partly for self-soothing/calming down, but also to help with proprioceptive stuff related to autism (basically, I have trouble sensing where my limbs are unless they're actively getting input, so having pressure on them helps a lot with that).
I made it myself, you can buy the beads to fill them off eBay (search for "poly pellets") and it runs to about £22 for a 5kg blanket, which doesn't meet the 10%+1lb for me, but it's still pretty heavy! At some point I also want to make a weighted hoodie, with beads in pockets over the shoulders.
I have never heard of 'weighted blankets' before. I have generalised anxiety disorder (and depression) and have always preferred the weight of many blankets to sleep rather than a single warm blanket, perhaps this is related to what you're saying?
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