There is a range of sizes available for weighted blankets. When shopping for a weighted blanket, you should go for one that is around ten percent of your body weight. This will help you feel comfortable and secure while using the blanket. The average weight range for weighted blankets is between three and thirty pounds, with bigger blankets commanding a higher price point.

Because the weight contributes to the impression of deep-pressure touch, the heaviness of your blanket is an important factor to consider. The use of DPT has been shown to lessen symptoms of anxiety, as well as lower blood pressure and tension, and enhance mood. Occupational therapists often use DPT techniques, such as holding the patient's hand, embracing, swaddling, and squeezing the patient to calm hyperactive youngsters and adults. Alternately, the relaxing benefits of deep pressure therapy (DPT) may be imitated using weighted blankets.

Why Using a Weighted Blanket Can Be Beneficial for Anxiety

Touch therapy with deep pressure may help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. People who suffer from anxiety may benefit from deep pressure therapy (DPT), which may be provided via weighted blankets in the following ways:

• Reduce the likelihood of engaging in repeated actions such as tapping your foot or fidgeting.
• Reduce impulsive actions such as participating in potentially risky activities by lowering your anxiety.
• Improve your attention and concentration.
• Enhance performance in activities requiring fine motor skills
• Increase the amounts of oxytocin.

According to the findings of research recently published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine, the use of weighted blankets was associated with a substantial reduction in the levels of anxiety experienced by people residing in an inpatient facility. Participants who used a weighted blanket weighing either 14 or 20 pounds for at least 20 minutes reported feeling less worried and had a lower heart rate than those who did not use a weighted blanket.

In another study, researchers tracked a group of 120 persons who suffered from anxiety or depression and also had sleeplessness. After using a weighted blanket for one month, researchers discovered that 92 percent of subjects reported improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety levels.

Can Children Who Struggle with Anxiety Benefit from Using Weighted Blankets?

Researchers are continuing their studies to determine whether weighted blankets may help young individuals with anxiety. The evidence on whether or not weighted blankets are helpful for anxiety in children with autism is still unclear at this point; nevertheless, some occupational therapists do utilize them to assist children in remaining calm.

You should search for a blanket that weighs around 10 percent of your child's body weight, much like adult-weighted blankets. This will help them feel more secure. This is done to ensure that the weight is not too heavy, making it difficult for your infant to breathe or move freely while encased in the blanket. Pay attention to how your youngster reacts when using the weighted blanket for the first time. If the weight is bothersome, consider exchanging the blanket with a lighter one. It is not suggested to use weighted blankets on infants less than one-year-old, and parents should only put them on their children after checking with their child's physician.

Additional Advantages of Making Use of a Weighted Blanket

Studies have indicated that weighted blankets may assist ease other anxiety-related symptoms, such as sleeplessness and exhaustion in some people. This is in addition to its ability to reduce anxiety levels. Adult volunteers with insomnia took part in a research in which they utilized a weighted blanket to determine whether it would help them get better sleep. The study's findings showed that the participants could fall asleep more quickly and remain asleep for the duration of the night when they used weighted blankets.

In the same research, weighted blankets were also evaluated for their potential to reduce daytime weariness. People who suffer from anxiety often find it challenging to go to sleep, which may impact how fatigued they feel throughout the day. The vast majority of those who slept with weighted blankets reported feeling more alert throughout the day, having more energy, and being able to remain active for long periods.

People who live with continuous anxiety may also endure physical side effects such as chronic and muscular pains; research indicates that DPT may be able to assist ease these symptoms. One research had the participation of 94 persons who suffered from anxiety and chronic pain. Each participant was given a weighted blanket weighing five or fifteen pounds. Although both weighted blankets were beneficial, most people who participated in the research said that the heavier blanket was more effective in reducing chronic pain symptoms.