{"id":794,"date":"2018-12-06T16:16:15","date_gmt":"2018-12-06T16:16:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.adventtherapy.com\/?p=794"},"modified":"2018-12-14T20:10:03","modified_gmt":"2018-12-14T20:10:03","slug":"therapists-weigh-in-on-weighted-blankets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.adventtherapy.com\/advent-therapy-d\/therapists-weigh-in-on-weighted-blankets\/","title":{"rendered":"Therapists Weigh in on Weighted Blankets"},"content":{"rendered":"

An extra cozy blanket to snuggle under sounds particularly enticing this time of year. \u00a0And in recent years, there\u2019s been a particular type of blanket that has seen a surge in its sales: the weighted blanket. \u00a0Weighted blankets are a useful invention and we do recommend them to particular clients. But weighted blankets do come with certain precautions, and it seems the general public may not always be aware of this. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you aren\u2019t familiar with them, here\u2019s a little background info. \u00a0Weighted blankets are just that- blankets filled with material such as plastic pellets to intentionally make them heavier. \u00a0They come in a range of weights from as little as 5 pounds up to 25 pounds and come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. \u00a0They are marketed to children, adults, and even pets. Websites and advertisements tout their benefits for anxiety, ADHD, insomnia, and restless sleep. \u00a0The weight is designed to produce a calming effect- like a hug. <\/span><\/p>\n

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<\/p>\n

\"Kid<\/h4>\n

<\/h4>\n

Science or Science Fiction?<\/h4>\n

Are the claims accurate? \u00a0Do they actually work? Unfortunately, these questions are a bit difficult to answer. \u00a0The pool of research on weighted blankets is fairly limited, so we don\u2019t have a lot of scientific evidence either for or against their use. \u00a0The few studies that do exist are relatively small in size and only look at specific populations (children with ASD or ADHD). <\/span><\/p>\n

One study, which focused on children with ADHD, found the blankets helped decrease the number of minutes it took the children to fall asleep. \u00a0The act of falling asleep can prove particularly difficult for children with ADHD.\u00a0 Sleep interventions that pose minimal risk of side effects are often welcomed by parents and practitioners alike.\u00a0 And according to this study, a weighted blanket may fit the bill.\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The remainder of the available research suggests that the blankets may not make too much of a difference in the total amount of sleep a child gets and\/ or number of night wakings.\u00a0 However, we are all keenly aware that the recipe for a good night’s sleep includes much more than just the number of minutes slept.\u00a0 In one of these studies, the researchers interviewed children and parents about their perception of the blankets. Parents reported feeling that their children were calmer when using the blankets, even if their quantity of sleep hadn\u2019t changed. \u00a0At the end of the study, when given a choice, the majority chose to keep using the weighted blankets. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

From a Therapist’s Perspective<\/h4>\n

\u201cEveryone\u2019s sensory system is unique, so it\u2019s really hard to objectively study products like these,\u201d says Trish LaCour, MS\/OTR, Director of OT at Advent Therapy Services. \u00a0\u00a0\u201cTwo children with the exact same diagnoses can still respond completely differently to the sensory input provided by a weighted blanket. What calms one child may agitate another. \u00a0You have to look at each person as an individual, not as a diagnosis.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

The research also has significant shortcomings in regards to safety precautions. \u00a0Distributor websites for the blankets offer 10% body weight as a starting point for blanket weight, but they also recommend purchasers \u201cadjust as desired\u201d. \u00a0LaCour explains, \u201cIn general, we recommend that clients do not exceed the 10% guideline. We have seen complaints of muscle and joint pain when clients do not follow these recommendations. \u00a0We also do not recommend that a child sleep with a weighted blanket that is bigger than their body as they can become trapped by the weight.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Concrete evidence from research studies is the gold standard for backing clinical recommendations. \u00a0But when the data is slim, skilled clinicians used experience, the available data, and clinical judgment to provide the best possible client-centered care. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

LaCour and her team routinely recommend these products to clients when appropriate. \u00a0LaCour even teaches parents how to make their own child-sized blankets using king-sized pillow cases. \u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

To Buy or Not to Buy<\/h4>\n

The bottom line? \u00a0Weighted blankets are an individualized therapeutic strategy designed to help individuals function at their fullest. \u00a0They are often worth a try, but are likely not the miracle product the manufacturer\u2019s claim them as. And as always, use them wisely and follow the safety guidelines! \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Stay cozy,<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

The Advent Team \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

Sources<\/h6>\n
    \n
  1. France KG, McLay LK, Junter JE, France MLS. Empirical Research Evaluating the Effects of Non-traditional Approaches to Enhancing Sleep in Typical and Clinical Children and Young People. Sleep Med Rev. 2018;39:69-81. <\/span>https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/28918314<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  2. Gringras P, Green D, Wright B, et al. Weighted Blankets and Sleep in Autistic Children–a Randomized Controlled Trial. Pediatrics. 2014;134(2):298-306. <\/span>https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/25022743<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n
  3. Hvolby A, Bilenberg N. Use of Ball Blanket in Attention-Deficit\/Hyperactivity Disorder Sleeping Problems. Nord J Psychiatry. 2011;65(2):89-94. <\/span>https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/?term=use+of+ball+blankets+in+ADHD<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n
  4. Bestbier L, Williams TI. The Immediate Effects of Deep Pressure on Young People with Autism and Severe Intellectual Difficulties: Demonstrating Individual Differences. Occup Ther Int. 2017;9:2017. https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/29097980<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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