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You are here: Home / Sensory Regulation / Calming Effects of Weighted Blankets

Calming Effects of Weighted Blankets

February 9, 2017 by Amy Smith

Imagine how good it feels when you get a big hug or relaxing shoulder rub. Science shows that the input from deep touch releases dopamine and neurotransmitters throughout the body which have a calming effect on the individual.

Wouldn’t it be great to be able to constantly feel that relaxation, especially during stressful times, or before going to bed? Fortunately, there is a product available that can provide deep sensory input at any time….. Weighted blankets. If you are interested in getting a weighted blanket after reading this article, you can visit Loveblankets for exclusive deals to get one for you or your child.

Discover the calming effects of weighted blankets and how weighted blankets can help kids with ADHD, autism, sensory problems, and anxiety.

What is a weighted blanket?

A weighted blanket looks very similar to a “regular” blanket but instead contains weights inside that provide a constant deep sensory input to help individuals calm down. Fun and Function sent me their weighted blanket to review. The weighted blanket helped my children relax and fall asleep faster than they had before using it. As an occupational therapist, I have seen weighted blankets clam down anxious kids in the classroom too. The weighted blanket for kids works in two ways.

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First, it provides constant input to the body which increases body awareness, and that added sense of body awareness is calming in itself. For example, think about how you feel walking around blindfolded…. that uncertainty about where your body is causes anxiety. For some kids, they feel that uncertainty all the time. The weighted blanket acts like a giant pair of calming hands holding onto them, reassuring the body.

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The second reason that weighted blankets work is that the heavy weight (also known as deep touch) felt by the skin receptors elicits a chemical change in the body to produce calming, “feel good” hormones. These changes are similar to the changes that take place after heavy exercise like running.

Moreover, weighted blankets can also be used to help young children struggling to sleep as a result of sleep regression. In case you are unfamiliar with sleep regression, there is research out there to suggest that sleep regression is thought to occur when a baby who is normally sleeping well begins to wake frequently at night and refuses naps.

Accordingly, there is thought to be a few different sleep regression ages that can have an impact on the quality of sleep that a child is able to get. Ultimately, conquering sleep regression is all about recognizing the changing needs of a baby and having a flexible schedule that is in sync with their natural sleep rhythm.

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Who can benefit from a weighted blanket

Weighted blankets can be used by all sorts of individuals (except for babies in cribs), regardless of whether the person has a diagnosis or special need, but they can be especially helpful for individuals who have:

  • ADHD or ADD
  • Autism or Aspergers
  • Sensory Processing Disorder or Sensory Issues
  • Anxiety/ Depression
  • Sleep Difficulties

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When should I use the weighted blanket?

  • On your child’s bed at nighttime or nap time (not for babies in cribs)
  • When your child is doing homework (just wrap blanket around shoulders or fold up on lap)
  • Before an anxiety provoking situation such as school, a doctor’s appointment, birthday party, sporting event, or unfamiliar place

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Fun and Function’s Weighted Blankets

As a pediatric occupational therapist, I am often asked about where to get weighted blankets. Nowadays with the rise of popularity of the products you can find them all over, such as these weighted blankets uk vendors on sites such as Amazon. These are perfectly fine options for general use, but if you’re looking for something more specialized then there are other sources to consider. I like to use reputable therapy companies such as Fun and Function because they make high quality products. Fun and Function makes a wide variety of weighted blankets that are durable, stylish, and functional.

Soft Plush Weighted Blanket $99.99 (click image to purchase)
Fur Heaven Blanket Bundle (Zebra)
Weighted Blanket + Fur Cover Bundle $109.00 (Click on image to purchase)

The blankets have weight evenly distributed throughout so it never feels lopsided. They can be hand washed and all the blankets are made in the USA. There are also covers available that fit over top of the blanket to customize the blanket to your child’s liking. Fun and Function offers blankets in different sizes and weights to fit your child’s needs.

Weighted Blanket-Twin Size
Weighted Blanket Twin Size $149.99 (Click on image to purchase)
Weighted Blanket-Single
Weighted Blanket Single Size $79.99 (Click on image to purchase)

Fun and Function is a family-owned, kid focused company with a passion for creating the best sensory toys on the planet. They take pride in #EmpoweringDifferent and helping show the world how amazing special needs children are.

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Filed Under: Sensory Regulation Tagged With: autism, calming activities, weighted blankets

Disclaimer

Kids Play Smarter is a blog about general ideas, theories, and concepts related to the field of occupational therapy and the growth and development of all children. The information presented on this blog is not intended to serve as or replace occupational therapy services for your child. The information on this blog is for entertainment, informational, and educational purposes only. This blog is not meant to replace formal professional consultation or evaluation from a qualified clinician. All children need to have the approval of a physician to participate in physical activities, including those described on this blog. In addition, children need to be supervised by a responsible adult at ALL times when completing activities that are illustrated and described on this blog. The author of this blog is NOT responsible or liable for any damage, injury, accident, illness, death, or adverse reaction due to participation in the activities described on the website.

Welcome to Kids Play Smarter

Amy Smith I am an occupational therapist with over 10 years of experience working with children. I created this website to offer parents, teachers, and therapists FREE ideas, strategies, and activities that they can do with their children to improve their fine and gross motor skills, handwriting, academic learning, and regulate their sensory system all while "playing" (just playing smarter)! Read More…

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