As the word implies, a Weighted Blanket is a cloth sort that has disks, poly-pellets, and glass or plastic polypropylene shells packed in a blanket… Deep Touch Pressure from a weighted blanket can help relax muscles, increase circulation, reduce self-stimulatory behaviors, improve focus, and improve sleep. Learn how gravity blankets can aid anxiety and promote total well being. Weighted blankets are effective for alleviating the symptoms of depression, anxiety, sensory processing disorder, and autism. This study from 2015 suggests the benefits of a weighted blanket includes a ‘beneficial calming effect’ for those suffering from insomnia. For many people, weighted blankets have become a routine part of stress relief and healthy sleep habits, and for good reason. Weighted vests and weighted blankets for autism –two common forms of deep pressure stimulation—are yet another piece to this ever-so complicated puzzle that never seems to be solved. They are often filled with glass beads, cotton or other materials to apply a weight on the body which gives a sense of security and relaxation. Deep pressure provides the body with a firm tactile input, which is organizing and calming, versus a … The benefits of weighted blankets go beyond helping you get a good night's sleep. However, certain adjustments can be made, so it fits the person’s age and preference. For instance, therapists recommend up to 12 percent of the person’s body weight instead of 5 to 10 percent. What Is Weighted Blanket? Weighted blankets can be a great tool for managing anxiety related symptoms for individuals on the autism spectrum with its use of tactile sensory input to calm the nervous system. Research suggests weighted blankets may benefit people with anxiety, autism, and insomnia, among other conditions. Weighted therapy blankets allow for something called deep pressure touch stimulation, which in turn produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter thought to be very influential on mood (as well as appetite, sleep, memory, and learning). 5 Research-Backed Benefits of Weighted Blankets and Vests Weighted blankets and vests have been around as a therapy tool for a while now. By Sambit Barua Posted on November 23, 2020 November 26, 2020. Weighted blankets offer more health benefits because of the added weight and pressure on the legs. Whether you have a baby, a toddler, or a child, they can each benefit from a weighted blanket. Benefits of Weighted Blanket. Other common benefits to using weighted blankets as a treatment method for patients with autism include: Reduced repetitive behaviors or “stimming” Increased communication; Decreased touch hypersensitivity; Increased body and spatial l … A healthy sleep routine is critical for our well being but conditions in children such as ADHD, anxiety or other sensory processing disorders make it very difficult for them to go to sleep and get a full night’s rest. How Does A Weighted Blanket Work? Why use weighted blankets for autism? Check out our 2019 complete guide. Weighted blankets don’t improve sleep for kids with autism, according to one study. Researched-backed benefits to weighted blankets. There is a great deal of weighted blanket autism research. Nowadays, occupational therapists are increasingly using weighted blankets for patients as part of Sensory Integration Therapy. Let’s explore how weighted blankets work as well as the benefits and risks of using these therapeutic blankets. It all boils down to deep touch pressure and the increase in serotonin levels in the brain. A weighted blanket for autism helps in more ways than just improving sleep quality. Thus, at the end of the day, weighted blankets can be a great help in caring for a child or adult with autism. Welcome to Weighted Blankets For Kids – a resource for people seeking information on weighted blankets for children (& adults) with sleeping issues, autism, ADHD, SPD or anxiety. Weighted Blankets can benefit Autism symptoms, but can also reinforce negative behaviors. Benefits of a Weighted Blanket for a Child with Autism Sensory integration theory posits that deep pressure input provides a calming effect to the nervous system. If your child with autism craves deep pressure or has a hard time sleeping , try a weighted blanket for autism. Weighted Vest for adults with autism. Children who slept with the blankets didn’t fall asleep faster, sleep longer, or wake up less often. Participants found it easier to settle down, fall asleep, and felt more refreshed in the morning. An inexpensive weighted blanket will also offer quite a bit of saving when you compare it to other therapies and medications for autism. In fact, 78 percent of people who used weighted blankets in a study said they preferred it as a “calming modality.” 14. The weighted blanket comes with splendid benefits that can leave you amazed. A weighted blanket, also known as an autism or sensory blanket, is filled with materials that apply a deep pressure stimulation on those wearing it. Weighted blankets are many times even eligible for reimbursement under some insurance plans. The use and benefits of weighted vests for children are the same for adults. Weighted blankets and deep-touch pressure benefits those without a specific sensory disorder as well. An autism spectrum disorder is a very complicated disease, but with the aid of weighted blankets, it can reduce complications and symptoms, improving the quality of life of the children afflicted with the developmental disorder. The science behind weighted blankets is that of Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) or Deep Pressure Touch (DPT).DPS is when pressure is applied by the hands, special massage tools, or a product—like a weighted blanket—that you can wrap around yourself or your child. Benefits of Weighted Blankets Resting under the firm yet gentle pressure of a weighted blanket is used to help treat autism, but can be beneficial for the general population Weighted blankets have been used for many years to treat autism spectrum disorder, but the calming affect offered by these blankets will with glass beads can help those with insomnia. This is the primary benefit of weighted blankets and one that many people have […] When a child gets under the blanket, the extra weight exerts pressure, which stimulates touch receptors throughout the body. Using a weighted blanket feels like being hugged, which can trigger the production of serotonin and oxytocin (the “love hormone”) that makes you feel good and less stressed. The science behind these weighted items is called Deep Touch Pressure (DTP). The therapeutic benefits of weighted blankets for people with autism is related to deep touch pressure or DPT. A weighted blanket is a blanket or comfort that is weighted to be heavier than a standard blanket or comforter. We’ve written previously about the autonomic nervous system, and how weighted blankets essentially trick the brain into thinking there’s no danger in the environment, thus preventing bodily stress responses to occur. The weighted blankets are extremely easy to use. Find the right weighted blanket for your child with our recommendations. Positive Effects on Insomnia. Here are the benefits of using a weighted blanket: Reduces stress and anxiety. Fortunately, weighted blankets may be of some help in managing common manifestations of autism spectrum disorders. The weighted blanket also has added benefits because using deep touch therapy, it induces calm on the nervous system hence leading to longer, more restorative periods of sleep. Other studies have shown that autistic children can benefit from using a weighted blanket. One 2004 study involved participants complaining of sleep dysfunction, stress, and pain, and showed a reduction in nighttime cortisol levels while patients were “grounded” during sleep with weighted blankets. Weighted blankets are not just beneficial for kids and people on the autism spectrum, and they have benefits that can help everyone! Combining a weighted blanket with an autism-friendly bed tent is the ideal option. 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