"63% reported lower anxiety after use"

Source: Journal of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health

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Weighted blankets have been used to help alleviate anxiety in both children and adults.  Research has shown that weighted blankets help provide deep pressure stimulation, which releases the chemical and neurotransmitter serotonin and oxytocin.  This is similar to a hug!  Serotonin is our mood regulating chemical that assists in promoting sleep.  Serotonin levels can change when we are effected by mental health difficulties, such as anxiety and depression.  Oxytocin is the chemical that helps to promotes feeling calm and happy.  This concept was originally discovered by famous autism researcher, Temple Grandin.  Dr. Grandin, who has autism herself, discovered how cattle responded by becoming more calm and relaxed when they were applied with gentle pressure in a compression device to help hold them while getting vaccinated.  She created a similar device for people and the concept of deep pressure therapy was developed!  

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It is fairly common that children and adults who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, and anxiety will have sensory processing difficulties.  Studies have shown benefit in the use of a weighted blanket to help with regulating the mood as well as assisting in sleep.  

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Although weighted blankets have been well-known to help people with sensory processing difficulties, they can assist in other health conditions as well!  Because oxytocin is known to help ease a broad range of health conditions, it is useful for alleviating the symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, restless leg syndrome and fibromyalgia.

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WHICH WEIGHT IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

 

Our suggestion is to choose a blanket that is approximately 10% of your body weight. This is an approximate measurement as some people like more or less pressure - it's a personal preference. We also recommend that the blanket fits the person and not necessarily the bed. To help with distributing the weight evenly on the person, ensure that the blanket does not go over the sides of the bed.

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*Please note that this information is not intended to provide professional medical advice.  It is recommended to talk to your doctor  or health care provider before undertaking any type of therapy or treatment.*