Finding something that will calm and relax high energy kids or comfort anxious sleepers can be a worry to both parents and caregivers. But there may just be a solution that some caregivers say has worked for years to calm people experiencing anxiety, stress, sleeping disorders, sensory processing disorders, autism, and other health issues.
It’s called a weighted blanket. The bed cover is filled with special metal discs or plastic poly pellets similar to those used in Beanie Babies and creates a heavier feel than a regular blanket. The blanket provides deep pressure that is said to help people having difficulty resting and sleeping feel calmer. Some caregivers have used it to provide comfort to children receiving chemotherapy.
Other occupational therapists have suggested the blankets for children with autism. Although new research on weighted blankets and children with autism points to there being no difference in overall sleep time, most of the children reported preferring the weighted blanket.
Other clinical studies suggest that when the body’s pressure points are triggered by the weighted blanket, the brain releases serotonin (the neurotransmitter known as “the calming chemical”).
Despite the lack of definitive research results, many sleepers find the blankets comforting and say they feel better rested when they sleep with one.
There are a number of companies that make the blankets commercially, and as the video below shows, people are also learning to make their own.
Disclaimer: The content in this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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