The participants with the weighted blanket had lower anxiety physically and mentally while the parasympathetic nervous system ( calming, healing, and digestion ) was not active. [3]

    Thus, it can be concluded based on the heart rate variance data that the weighted blanket may have increased the parasympathetic nervous system's activity. [3]       

    Basically, the authors found that with a weighted blanket, you may not experience the physical consequences associated with stressful situations because your sympathetic nervous system has not been activated, even if you are stressed for a long time. [3]

      High levels of cortisol are associated with high levels of stress and the use of a weighted blanket can actually decrease these stress hormones in the body. [10]

          A higher high - frequency percentage indicates a larger presence of parasympathetic nervous system activity ( the balancing response ); a higher low - frequency percentage sympathetic nervous system activity ( fight or flight response ). [3]

       

    #pressure #serotonin #touch #feel

     The Deep Pressure Stimulation ( DPS ) or Deep Pressure Touch ( DPT ) of weighted blankets can feel like a hug, and hugs release oxytocin and serotonin, making us feel good and lessening sensations of pain. [1]

    Moreover, weighted blankets use DPT ( deep pressure touch ) to apply pressure to your body, and that pressure, in turn, relaxes you and relieves a host of ailments. [15]

    The weight of the blanket acts as deep touch therapy and acts on deep pressure touch receptors located all over your body. [12]

    Weighted blankets have been used as a deep touch pressure ( DTP ) tool to alleviate anxiety in many patient populations. [4]

    Experts refer to it as "deep - pressure therapy" - the idea is that the pressure from the blanket can increase serotonin, a chemical in your body that makes you feel happy and calm. [11]

       

   #study #Health #Therapy #Mental

    A 2008 study published in Occupational Therapy in Mental Health showed that weighted blankets offered safe and effective therapy for decreasing anxiety in patients. [12]

    Another study tested weighted blankets in 30 people who had been hospitalized for a mental health crisis, and 60 % reported lower anxiety after using the blanket. [5]

    In a study published in the journal Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of weighted blankets on more than 30 adults with anxiety issues or stress complaints. [2]

    She has earned her master's degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and now provides therapy to children and youth in the community agency setting. [3]

    In one study of 32 adult volunteers, 63 % reported lower anxiety after lying under a 30-pound blanket for 5 minutes. [5]

      

#sleep #PTSD #insomnia

    If you're thinking of buying a weighted blanket to help you with stress, anxiety, PTSD or insomnia, you won't go wrong with Better Sleep. 

   The Better Sleep Weighted Blanket uses DPT ( deep pressure therapy ) to combat mild - to - severe stress, anxiety, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, and even PTSD.

   TIME magazine called the Gravity Blanket one of the best inventions of 2018, declaring that they transform sleep habits, while others swear that they help with insomnia and anxiety. [8]

    No matter what the cause of anxiety ( e.g. ADHD, PTSD, OCD, autism, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, bipolar disorder, etc. ) use of a weighted blanket is a simple, drug free way to encourage satisfying, restorative sleep. [9]

       

#disorders #adults #people

   Heavy blankets have actually been used for a while, but are finally getting a larger notice because of the impact they can have on people, specifically children and adults with high anxiety levels and anxiety disorders. [10]

   According to the ADAA ( Anxiety and Depression Association of America),This is a staggering statistic, but even more concerning is that, One type of anxiety disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, affects 15 million adults, or 6.8 % of the U.S. population. [7]

   If you suffer from stress and anxiety, you're not alone : Anxiety disorders affect millions of adults in Canada, and about half of Canadians say they're stressed out.

    For teenagers, anxiety is a prevalent challenge, with one in five Canadian teens experiencing an anxiety disorder at some point in their adolescence.

       

#autism #children #disorders #therapy

         Traditionally, weighted blankets are used as part of occupational therapy for children experiencing sensory disorders, anxiety, stress or issues related to autism. [12]

        Temple Grandin, the well - known biologist and autism spokesperson, has been a champion of deep pressure therapy and weighted blankets for autism. [2]

        The blankets are used in a type of occupational therapy called "sensory integration therapy," which helps people with autism or other mental conditions focus on sensory experiences. [14]

        For example people with sensory processing disorders, ADHD and autism have gained a great deal of relief from the use of weighted blankets. [9]

         Initially, weighted blankets were most commonly used as therapeutic tools to assist individuals with autism spectrum disorders ( ASD ), dementia, and other mental health conditions. [14]

        

#patients #research #study

    Based on the success of the study, researchers concluded that weighted blankets for anxiety are useful as a non - invasive tool. [2]

    By conducting similar studies across various procedures and populations, the researchers were able to build credibility for weighted blankets as an intervention for dental anxiety. [3]

    Numeric State Anxiety Scale : Caretakers scored their patient's perceived anxiety prior to and after the dental treatment; the higher the score = the more perceived anxiety. [3]

   Patients were randomized to one of two study arms ( given the weighted blanket during their first infusion or given the weighted blanket during their second infusion ). [4]

   This study assessed the effectiveness of a medical - grade therapeutic weighted blanket on anxiety in patients receiving their first and second chemotherapy infusions at an outpatient infusion center. [4]

       

#weighted #pressure #stresses

    Weighted blankets, also known as gravity blankets or heavy blankets, have been used in medical communities and by occupational therapists for years. [0]

    The goal of this weighted blanket is to ease your stress and anxiety by helping you relax and sleep more soundly at night. [15]

    Before we dive into the research regarding weighted blankets and anxiety, let's take a quick look at what a weighted blanket is, in case you are new to them.

       

Sources:

[0]: https://helixsleep.com/products/weighted-blanket   

[1]: https://gennev.com/education/menopause-and-insomnia

[2]: https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/weighted-blankets-for-anxiety/

[3]: https://truhugs.com/research-science/weighted-blanket-benefits-do-weighted-blankets-work-for-anxiety/

[4]: https://cjon.ons.org/cjon/24/4/weighted-blankets-anxiety-reduction-adult-patients-receiving-chemotherapy

[5]: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/can-weighted-blankets-banish-nighttime-anxiety/

[6]: https://www.prevention.com/health/mental-health/a21526329/weighted-blanket-anxiety-insomnia/

[7]: https://www.platinumhealthllc.com/pages/the-benefits-of-a-weighted-blanket-for-relief-from-stress-anxiety-and-insomnia

[8]: https://www.oprahmag.com/life/g28911441/best-weighted-blankets/

[9]: https://bestvacuumresource.com/best-weighted-blankets-for-anxiety-top-brands-reviewed/

[11]: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home-products/blanket-reviews/a24734005/best-weighted-blankets/

[12]: https://www.lifehack.org/351993/sleeping-with-weighted-blankets-helps-insomnia-and-anxiety-study-finds

[13]: https://www.mattressclarity.com/weighted-blanket-reviews/best-weighted-blankets-anxiety/   

[14]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weighted_blanket

[15]: https://parentingpod.com/best-weighted-blanket-for-anxiety/