Weighted Blanket: Why you AND your child need one!
Note: I may earn money or products from the companies, products, or links mentioned in this post.
As a special needs parent you have probably heard how a weighted blanket can help your child, but did you know weighted blankets are good for both children AND adults?
Weighted blankets can provide a sense of calm for a wide range of individuals, including those with some of these disorders:
- Autism
- ADHD
- SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder)
- Anxiety
- PTSD
- Insomnia
- Restless Leg Syndrome
- And many other sleep disorders!
It’s almost like this heavy blanket could solve the world’s problems, right?
I bought my husband a weighted blanket for Christmas this past year and it was one of the best gifts I ever could have gotten him. While these blankets can be a bit pricey, it’s worth it for the price of a good night’s sleep and a high-quality blanket!
My husband has sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and anxiety and since receiving the weighted blanket, he has had a better quality of sleep, his restless legs have stopped almost completely, and his anxiety levels have lowered.
Now, I’m saving up to buy my own weighted blanket to help with my anxiety, PTSD, and insomnia. I have taken a nap with my husband’s blanket and it was one of the best naps I’ve ever had, including a very deep, sound, sleep.
Recently, Harkla.co reached out to me about an infographic they did on weighted blankets and their effects. Before I share that with you, I wanted to share a little bit about the science behind weighted blankets and why they work.
Thanks to Harkla.co for this tip:
Deep Touch Pressure: The Science Behind Weighted Blankets
“When looking at the science behind weighted blankets, youâll often find the term deep touch pressure, often abbreviated to DTP.
DTP is simply a term for weight being gently and evenly distributed on the body. Most people have felt deep touch pressure in the form of a hug or massage. If youâve even felt calmed down by a hug or have had to hug your child for them to sleep, there is science behind why it works!
Deep Touch Pressure has been shown to raise levels of serotonin in the body. There are actually a few studies backing this up at this point.
Why is releasing serotonin important? It’s a chemical that’s extremely important for feeling calm, sensory processing, mood regulation, and much more.
Releasing more serotonin along with decreasing activity in the nervous system is a great combination for calming down before bed.”
Whether or not you have a sleep disorder, or you just want to have a better quality of sleep, a weighted blanket may just be the thing to get you the help you need in a calm and natural way!
If you are interested in learning about the benefits of using a weighted blanket, and how to pick the right blanket for you, this infographic is here to help.
Benefits of and Tips & Tricks for Using a Weighted Blanket
What about YOU? Do you or your child use a weighted blanket?
The infographic above was used with permission from harkla.co
I sleep so much better when I have as much weight on me as possible. I always turn the heat off at night so I don’t get too hot and load up on blankets. It’s nice to know there’s a reason why it helps me reach a deeper sleep. Thanks for sharing, Kathryn!
We have kids so we can’t have the heat off but we do have it down. We love bundling up!