There is a lot of big talk regarding weighted blankets these days. From ADHA to autism, from anxiety to insomnia, the claimed benefits of weighted blankets seems to be steadily growing. But just how true is all of this? Can it really be so simple?
Humans are always a little wary of fads. We question those activities, techniques or possessions that become popular, often because we assume that it is linked with a greedy corporation which is trying to steal our hard-earned money. And sometimes we’re right. On the other hand, however, we should admit that we do not know everything and information is changing at a rapid rate.
Whether it is ancient breathing techniques, yoga, fasting or meditation, we are increasingly turning back to techniques that we have known about and practised for thousands of years, but have fallen out of sync with the madness of the modern world. Weighted blankets and Deep Pressure Stimulation fall into the same category. If you don’t take our word for it, check out what Harvard Health Publishing has to say on the matter.
What are weighted blankets?
Weighted blankets typically weigh between 2.2 kg to 13.6 kg. This weight is enough to mimic the effects of a technique known as deep pressure stimulation (DPS). This process is normally carried out by hand (such as massages) and is known to help ease the body from sympathetic nervous system – the fight or flight mode – to the parasympathetic nervous system – which can probably best be described as rest and digest. Essentially, you move from alert and perhaps slightly edgy, to calm and relaxed. Studies have shown that this technique can lower stress and anxiety, reduce pain and improve overall mood.
That sounds great, but can blankets really do the same thing?
Firstly, a weighted blanket is not suddenly going to cure you of your anxiety or magically reduce pain from a serious injury or disease. But can it make small differences in the human body – absolutely? The idea of a weighted blanket is not to use it as your primary means of soothing a disorder, but to use it in conjunction with other changes in your life.
If you are really stressed with your job, a weighted blanket might help you to feel better when in bed, and maybe get a better night’s sleep, but it cannot address the issues in your workplace. Those are up to you.
Who benefits the most from weighted blankets?
Weighted blankets are often associated with children, in particular those who are undergoing pedagogical therapy – an education therapy that aims to help children with learning differences, disabilities, and challenges. Children with ADHD and other hyperactivity disorders, autism, Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, attention deficit disorder, attacks of aggression and anger, impaired motor coordination and speech impairments might well see benefits from weighted blankets.
Do adults see a benefit too from Weighted Blankets?
Yes. In recent years the use of weighted blankets for adults has rapidly expanded. And why not? Do we become superhuman once we reach our adult years? Far from it. Many of the afflictions and disorders which are seen in children are carried into adulthood but might manifest themselves in different ways.
Anxiety and depression are reaching levels never before seen in society. Let’s be perfectly honest, much of this is of our own making – our lives are simply too frantic, too stressful. Insomnia is another problem that has seen enormous growth, we roughly a third of the population in the UK reporting some kind of sleep issue. These are two of the biggest problems facing adults today deep pressure stimulation has been shown to help both.
Can I see some medical research?
Clinical studies into weighted blankets are still far and few between, but what studies have been done have delivered some very encouraging results.
In 2016, a study using weighted blankets during a tooth extraction found that those using weighted blankets showed fewer anxiety symptoms than those in the control group without the blankets. A follow-up study, done only on adolescents this time, came to exactly the same conclusion.
In 2014, researchers found a positive correlation between soothing children with ADHD symptoms and weighted blankets. Both the children and their parents reported the weighted blankets helped lower sleep issues.
Another piece of research found that weighted blankets affected stress levels in 33% of participants. It also stated that deep pressure stimulation can help reduce autonomic arousal. When this arousal occurs, often in the form of increased heart rate, it is one of the principal symptoms of stress and anxiety.
Is there any risk?
There are very few risks involved with using a weighted blanket, but it might not be recommended for all. Young children under the age of 2 should not sleep under a heavier than normal blanket, while those suffering from asthma, claustrophobia and sleep apnea should approach with caution and check with your doctor if you have doubts.
What’s your Mattress Monk conclusion?
As I mentioned earlier, a weighted blanket is not going to fix all of your problems. Serious depression or stress at work is not going to be solved by curling up under a thick blanket – although it might feel wonderful in that very moment.
But in an age when we will just as quickly place young children on medication, perhaps weighted blankets are something we should be trying more often. We are still only just beginning to understand the human body, what it wants and what it sometimes needs. Yes, the scientific evidence is still a little thin on the ground, but this is down to a lack of studies, not because of contradictory evidence.
Weighted blankets appear to show the best results in those suffering from anxiety, insomnia, ADHA and autism. Four conditions that have proven to be almost impossible to fully address. If you, or a child, is suffering one of these, maybe a weighted blanket is something to try. There are no promises, and if anything the scientific evidence shows that it won’t work for everybody – but is that really a reason not to try? We need to try and start thinking outside of the box with these conditions we still cannot fix.
So who do you recommend?
Gravity blankets were not only received the top-rated weighted blanket in 2019, but their customer support and payment options/guarantee have also particularly caught the eye. Blankets are currently around £150 (down from £199) and come in a wide variety of colours, styles and weights.
For another option, try Mosaic who have a design that is probably more appealing to younger children than Gravity Blankets and start from around £99.
