When you think about a weighted blanket, you might think of one that is very large and heavy that can make you very warm and comfortable. There aren’t any negative aspects of using weighted blankets, and they are often given as gifts, especially to those who are elderly so that they can stay warmer than if they had nothing on them at all.
A weighted blanket can be used to help those who have anxiety as it can be a comforting item while the person is laying on the bed or sitting in a chair. It is also a benefit for those who have sensory issues and don’t like the feeling of being uncovered through the day or at night. The reason the blanket work so well is because of the pressure that is exerted from the weight of the material. When there is a firm pressure placed on the body for a long period of time, it can help to calm the mind. This is why the blankets help with depression and anxiety as the conditions are often caused by the mind not being able to focus on certain tasks or because the mind focuses too much on one thing. Children with autism can also benefit from them because they tend to jump from one topic to another at a faster rate of speed than others, which can lead to nervousness while at home or school.
Those who have special needs children or those who work with children who have special needs often know how hard it can be for the child to calm down, especially at night. Parents can pick up on certain motions from the child, giving the blanket to help with soothing until the child is asleep or calm. There are small weights sewn into the blanket that exert the pressure evenly on the body. The weights are not dangerous for the body. Serotonin is released in the body once the pressure is applied. When serotonin is released, the brain begins to calm, which results in an ease of symptoms associated with conditions like autism, Tourette’s and Asperger’s.
By Ryan
