As an integrative pediatrician, I’m all about going for natural solutions over medications when possible. I also find that a multi-faceted approach yields the best results. That’s one reason I’m interested in the current craze about weighted blankets.
There’s been recent talk about weighted blankets for use in several conditions including anxiety, autism, ADHD, & insomnia. Why could weighted blankets help in these contexts and what does the research show?
For some kids & teens, the transition period between wakefulness and sleep can be fraught with worries, racing thoughts, restlessness, and a sense of “letting go.” The perceived loss of control just before sleep onset can be problematic, particularly for kids who rely on rigid routines or who struggle with anxiety or focus issues at baseline.
Weighted blankets may serve as a helpful bridge during this period by providing external pressure (similar to a hug) and contributing to a sense of safety. In theory, such sensory input has the potential to calm the stress response system, decrease cortisol, and activate feel-good chemicals in the brain such as serotonin (which also happens to be a precursor to melatonin–a hormone associated with sleep).
We know that sleep is important for emotional regulation, focus, and overall health. Research has proven this again and again, reinforcing our personal experience and common sense. But what’s the data on weighted blankets and sleep? Several studies have come out recently showing benefit in specific populations. For example, one study showed a significant decrease in insomnia among hospitalized psychiatric patients using weighted blankets. Another study showed that among kids with autism, weighted blankets were preferred by families despite not demonstrating a statistical benefit in terms of sleep duration or more rapid sleep onset. A recent publication that reviewed findings from multiple studies showed a decrease in anxiety among users of weighted blankets, but not necessarily decreased insomnia. So will a weighted blanket help improve your child’s sleep? It’s probably worth a try as long as your child has no contraindications.
When deciding about whether to try a weighted blanket (or any new tool or modality), it’s useful to weigh the risks and benefits. Weighted blankets are not appropriate for everyone. For children under 2 years old or those with developmental delays, weighted blankets could pose a suffocation risk. (For infants, sleep sacs or swaddling techniques are more appropriate.) Another consideration is cost. But the benefit of a good night’s sleep is priceless and may be well worth the investment for even the possibility of improvement.
If you decide to try out a weighted blanket for your child, I’d love to hear how it goes!
Check out this video to find out the weighted blanket I recommend!
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