Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Anxiety and nervousness are a common symptom, and sometimes an after-effect of dementia. Such individuals experience a progressive decline in their ability to remember things or process information, which makes them intrinsically insecure and anxious.
Weighted blankets in such situations offer a multi-fold advantage. The heavy fabric and overall feel of these blankets offer a sense of security and peace. Physiologically, it leads to an increase in the secretion of endorphins that regulate mood and social behavior. Being wrapped in these therapeutic blankets creates a sense of grounding and security, which in turn relieves nervousness.
Weighted Sensory Blanket For Anxiety
Use GRAVITY to help calm!
Weighted Blankets are an effective and drug-free aid in helping to calm the mind and relax those living with Alzheimer’s, Autism , Anxiety Disorders , Tourette’s syndrome , Restless Leg Syndrome, Menopause and more. By covering the body for sleep, wrapping shoulders while sitting or by laying the blanket across laps or legs, weighted blankets apply comforting pressure where it’s most beneficial.
- Elderly with dementia – weighted blankets help calm those with Alzheimers or Parkinsons Disease
- Sensory Disorders & Sleep Disorders – weighted therapy can help increase Serotonin and Melatonin levels overnight
- Insomnia – pressure increases Serotonin which then converts to Melatonin – a hormone that induces sleep
- ADD/ADHD Spectrum Disorder – those with ADHD use weighted blankets to calm down after school, during therapy sessions or to relax and fall asleep
- Aspergers and Autism Spectrum Disorder – weighted blankets help calm after school, during therapy sessions or to relax and fall asleep
- Restless Leg Syndrome – fidgeting legs due to RLS, chemotherapy treatments or Menopause
- Anxious Feelings + Panic symptoms – Stress, tension, cancer, Dental Anxiety, Perimenopause and Menopause symptoms
- Sensory Integration Disorders/Sensory Processing Disorders
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorders – weighted blankets can help with sleep, nightmares and panic anxiety
Remy Sleep The Sleeper
Remy Sleeps most popular weighted blanket The Sleeper is designed to aid the perfect nights sleep, and is customisable. You can choose between a smooth bamboo cover or a quilted plush cover for those that feel the cold more. Unlike most of the others brand who only offer various shades of grey, The Remy Blanket is also available in Midnight Blue.
The Sleeper is available in 2 sizes and 4 different weights. Remy Sleep also offer a generous trial period if it is does not improve sleep after 30 days then you can return it. Prices start from £129.00.
Age Space likes: The ability to choose between a bamboo or quilted plush cover, depending on if someone is warmer or cooler at night.
If you have a respiratory illness, you should speak to your GP about whether or not a weighted blanket is appropriate.
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How Heavy Should A Weighted Blanket Be
Weighted blankets come in a wide weight range. One must choose a weighted blanket keeping the user in mind.
Sleeping under a heavier blanket can lead to several health problems, especially in the case of the elderly with respiratory conditions such as asthma or bronchitis.
Ideally, you should go for a blanket weighing 8-10 percent of the users body weight. You can add a pound or two to the equation based on the users preference.
Caregivers who are unsure about the dementia patients preferences can go for a lighter-weight blanket.
How Weighted Blankets Work
While using a weighted blanket to treat agitation and anxiety in persons with dementia may sound unconventional, this recommendation is backed by science.
The weighted blanket works by what is called pressure therapy. First, the blanket exerts pressure on the users body. Then, the users brain, sensing this pressure, secrete serotonin.
This release of serotonin improves the users mood, making them feel calm.
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Can Weighted Blankets Be Used In Nursing Homes
Apart from seniors with conditions that prohibit them from using a weighted blanket, the elderly can use weighted blankets in a wide variety of environments where stress and anxiety may arise. This includes nursing homes and long-term care facilities, where caregivers use weighted blankets to help seniors calm down and grounded.
However, it is important to note that the medical fraternity is yet to fully understand the efficacy of using weighted blankets to help patients with dementia and Alzheimers. Nonetheless, efforts are underway to better understand weighted blankets effects through various clinical trials .
How To Choose The Right Weighted Blanket
When purchasing a weighted blanket, a person may consider:
- Weight: Weighted blankets typically range from 5 to 7 lb for childrens blankets and 10 to 30 lb for adult-sized blankets. Generally, companies recommend a person choose a blanket that is around 10% of their body weight. An individual should be able to get out from underneath the blanket easily and feel comfortable while using it. However, heavier weights may not suit people who have claustrophobia or mobility issues. Learn more about how heavy weighted blankets should be.
- Size: Some blankets are only for use by one person. This is because manufacturers design weighted blankets according to a persons body weight rather than bed size. The right size will depend on each users own body weight, personal preferences, and health needs. Additionally, people may wish to consider who will be using the blanket and whether their chosen weight and size will suit each individual.
- Materials: Blankets often feature cotton or polyester designs. Breathable fabrics may help keep a person cool under the blanket, while synthetic fabrics can trap heat, which may be more suitable for colder climates. Some brands use plastic pellets to add weight to the blanket, while others use glass beads, which may have a smaller impact on the environment.
- Price: Blankets with heavier weights tend to be more expensive than lighter blankets. A person should consider the features they need and choose a blanket that will suit their budget.
Additionally,
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Can My Pet Use A Weighted Blanket
It depends on the size and weight of your pet. The recommendation for humans is 10 percent of your body weight. Since pets weigh under 10 pounds, it could be too heavy for a small cat or dog. However, if you have an 80-pound dog, an 8-pound weighted blanket is most likely fine. Before purchasing a pet weighted blanket, speak with your veterinarian.
How Does A Person Care For Weighted Blankets
How to care for a weighted blanket depends on the brand and materials it uses. Some blankets are washable at home, while others may be wipe-clean only. Many come with removable duvet covers, so a person can wash them in a washing machine.
Individuals should check the care requirements for their chosen weighted blanket before making a purchase.
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Guidelines For Using Weighted Blankets With Seniors
Given that weighted blankets are safe for most seniors to use, transitioning from regular blankets to weighted blankets is generally easy. The most important tip to using weighted blankets is always to use an appropriately weighted blanket. Overbearing your body with too much weight while sleeping will negate the benefits of using this type of blanket, and in some cases, cause health issues.
To this end, choose a blanket that is 10% of your body weight. You can always use a heavier or lighter blanket, depending on your comfort level and needs.
For first-time weighted blanket users, consider covering the lower half of your body with the blanket during the first one week. Easing your way into using weighted blankets will reduce the shock of the added weight your body experiences. Additionally, easing yourself into weighted blankets will negate feeling claustrophobic.
With regards to cleanliness, you want to purchase a weighted blanket with a removable cover. Due to the added weight of weighted blankets, washing these blankets can be a tad difficult. Caregivers will, therefore, find it difficult, if not impossible, to regularly wash the blanket as needed to maintain high standards of hygiene. With a removable cover, you can wash the cover as often as needed without incurring the hassle of moving a heavy blanket around.
Best Weighted Blankets Of 2022
Keith Cushner, Sleep Product Expert
Methodology
We personally test every product featured in our reviews and guide to provide accurate, data-driven recommendations. Learn More
We recently updated this list to include the Aricove Weighted Blanket as our pick for best weight options. The Bearaby Cotton Napper remains our best overall pick.
Sleepfoundation.org is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process here
Sales of weighted blankets have soared in recent years. While the research behind the purported health benefits of weighted blankets is still fairly inconclusive, those who swear by them say that hunkering down under the added weight helps to reduce anxiety and, in some cases, relieve insomnia.
Most weighted blankets contain plastic pellets, ball bearings, and other objects that make them feel significantly heavier than a standard cover or duvet. However, some newer weighted blankets feature open-knit designs that many sleepers find more breathable. Typical weights for these blankets range from 5 to 30 pounds. Sleepers tend to feel most comfortable beneath a blanket that comprises roughly 10 percent of their own body weight.
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Weighted Blanket Benefits For The Elderly
Weighted blankets for adults help to relieve symptoms of insomnia, promoting better, more relaxing sleep among the elderly.
When seniors get enough sleep, they improve their overall health, get enough rest, and have more fulfilling lives.
These blankets have more to offer than just preventing insomnia among the elderly. Consider the following additional weighted blanket benefits for the elderly:
Help Alleviate Symptoms Of Alzheimers
Alzheimers disease is a progressive mental deterioration that affects the cognitive abilities of an individual, including their memory and behavior.
The risk of developing this irreversible brain disorder increases with age. This is because the molecules involved in spreading the disease spread much more easily in aging brains.
Among the elderly, Alzheimers disease impairs their ability to perform daily tasks, even simple tasks such as dressing and ensuring personal hygiene. Also, the condition makes seniors more susceptible to developing other health conditions, such as depression, high blood pressure, insomnia, and anxiety.
Alzheimers has no known cure. However, using weighted blankets has been known to help seniors manage the system symptoms. In addition to reducing stress and anxiety levels, weighted blankets for the elderly ease depression and promote more comfortable among the users. Also, the blankets help to improve sleep quality among Alzheimers disease patients, ensuring that they always get enough rest every day.
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Who Is Best Suited For A Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets carry benefits for a wide range of sleepers. Whether or not it is officially due to sleep onset insomnia, those who struggle to fall asleep at night may feel more relaxed and less anxious under a weighted blanket. This can be true for adults, teenagers, and children age 2 or older, especially if they experience an undue amount of stress over work, family, or other concerns.
What Are The Benefits Of Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets are designed to reduce stress and promote feelings of relaxation, which in turn can help you fall asleep more quickly. For many people, the feeling of a blanket pushing gently onto their body and weighing them down is calming. This sensation is intended to simulate deep pressure touch , a type of therapy that alleviates anxiety by distributing an even amount of weight across the body. DPT is comparable to a full body hug. When administered properly, some studies have shown DPT to be highly effective at reducing anxiety in children and adults.
Weighted blankets are often touted as therapeutically valuable for those with certain medical conditions like autism, depression and PTSD, but overall, the research supporting these claims is thin. As with any product, be wary of any medical claims from manufacturers.
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Weighted Blankets: Pros & Cons
Pros
- A drug-free means of managing the signs and symptoms of dementia and Alzheimers, including anxiety.
- Seniors benefit from better and deeper sleep when covered with a weighted blanket by alleviating conditions such as restless leg syndrome.
- The grounding effect of weighted blankets can reduce the perception of stress and anxiety common among dementia patients.
- Weighted blankets reduce physical discomfort.
- As a one-time purchase, weighted blankets are relatively cheaper than other means of treating dementia and Alzheimers.
Cons
- It takes some time to get used to the weight and tightness of a weighted blanket.
- There is no certainty about what works and what does not work with the inadequate research studies into weighted blankets.
- When the elderly get used to weighted blankets, they find sleeping without one difficult, if not impossible.
- The added weight of the blankets makes them difficult to travel with.
- Selecting one blanket can be difficult.
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Eating a healthy diet is an excellent memory loss remedy. It should consist of fruits and vegetables, as well as whole grains and low-fat proteins. Avoid alcohol and drugs, which can also cause confusion and memory loss. Its important to follow your doctors recommendations, and review your medications regularly. If you suspect a medical condition, you may want to consult a medical professional for a diagnosis and treatment. This way, a physician can prescribe the right medication. Weighted Blankets for Alzheimers Patients
Eating a healthy diet is an effective memory loss remedy. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables can improve your memory. A balanced diet can also help you to retain information longer. Try to consume at least five servings of these foods a day. The berries contain anthocyanins and flavonoids, which can be very helpful in fighting memory loss. A study of 16,000 women found that those who ate more berries were less likely to suffer from cognitive decline. Turmeric root contains a substance called curcumin, which is found in high concentrations. This compound is a powerful antioxidant that has anti-inflammatory effects.
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What Kinds Of Items Should You Sew On A Fidget Blanket
Fidget quilts often feature buttons, ribbons, sequins, beads, pockets, small plush toys, and multiple fabric textures to provide lots of different sensations. Some people add scented items that promote relaxation using aromatherapy, especially lavender. My favorite sensory quilt has super soft minky fleece as the background and on the side that lays against your body. The flower stems are made with satin ribbon, and the petals of the flowers are made with cotton in various textures and colors. The center of each flower is a button. There are two strings of beads on ribbons to spin, and a small section of reversible sequins that change colors depending on which side is showing. All of these items are very satisfying to touch and fulfill my natural need to stim as a neurodivergent person.
If youre making your own fidget blanket, you can sew anything and everything you want on it. If youre buying a sensory mat or board for yourself or a loved one, consider their abilities and goals first. For example, if you have a child with cerebral palsy who is working on fine motor skills in occupational therapy, you might get them a busy board with switches, lights, buttons, and buckles to practice. But if you have an elderly parent with Parkinsons disease or arthritis, items that require hand dexterity and strength may be painful and frustrating to use.
Uses Of Weighted Blankets In The Elderly
While weighted blankets were first used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder , this type of blanket has gained popularity for dealing with other conditions and ailments including joint pain, Osteoarthritis , dementia, Alzheimers, insomnia , depression, anxiety, and even for loneliness among the elderly. As you can appreciate, the benefits of weighted blankets are all-encompassing.
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Reduce Symptoms Of Arthritis
Degenerative arthritis leads to the wearing off of cartilage between the bones. Not only does this condition cause the joints to inflame, but it also leads to pain, swelling and stiffness of bones. And this condition worsens with time since the cartilage usually deteriorates as people age.
The pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with arthritis usually make it quite difficult for seniors to carry out normal daily activities, as they can barely move a lot. Also, the reduced range of motion keeps most seniors up at night, such that they get reduced sleep quality every night.
The less sleep the individuals get, the worse the arthritis pain, swelling, and inflammation can become. In turn, the increased pain causes the seniors to toss and turn throughout the night, creating an unhealthy vicious cycle.
As has been mentioned in the already discussed benefits, weighted blankets for the elderly help to improve the quality of sleep. Besides making it much easier for arthritis patients to fall asleep, the blankets also ensure that users stay asleep all through the night without tossing and turning around.
As they sleep, the seniors experience fewer symptoms of arthritis. Also, getting enough quality sleep helps to improve the immune system of the elderly, such that they experience less pain, swelling, stiffness and other associated symptoms of arthritis.
Recommendations For A Weighted Blanket
The research shows promising results, but we must remember that weighted blankets can easily become a danger to the elderly. If you choose to implement weighted blankets into your dementia, we recommend choosing a lighter weighted blanket. People who use weighted blankets should move freely and get out from underneath the weighted blanket without an issue. Weve written about using heavier weighted blankets with a general population, but an elderly population is exempt from that recommendation.
The ultimate goal for a dementia care plan is to make the person comfortable and reduce psychological and behavioral symptoms. As weve stated, dementia is often associated with multifarious symptoms aside from memory loss that can be distressing. We hope that as modern medicine advances, there will be a cure for dementia, but we must work to reduce distress in the meantime. Weighted blankets as part of a dementia care plan are a feasible and accessible option with merit. Have you had success with weighted blankets and dementia?
Veronica
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