Benefits of a Weighted Blanket in Sensory Processing.
Weighted blankets are often used for individuals with sensory processing difficulties. These blankets apply gentle, even pressure across the body, providing deep touch pressure. This sensory input can help calm the nervous system, making it easier for individuals to regulate their emotions and behaviors.
We find the following benefits are that they:
1. Promote Calmness and Reduces Anxiety
It can impact on our ‘rest and digest’ system, providing a calming effect thats particularly useful for individuals who experience heightened anxiety or stress from overstimulation. The pressure from the blanket promotes the release of serotonin and dopamine, both of which are neurotransmitters linked to feelings of relaxation and happiness.
2. Improve Focus and Attention
Weighted blankets can help improve focus by reducing sensory overload. The deep touch pressure helps calm an overactive nervous system, allowing the individual to concentrate better on tasks.
3. Enhance Sleep Quality
Many children with sensory processing challenges struggle with sleep. Weighted blankets can be highly effective in promoting better sleep by reducing the body’s stress response and calming the nervous system. The blanket’s deep pressure stimulation can enhance the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates sleep, leading to improved sleep patterns and more restful nights.
4. Increase Body Awareness (Proprioception)
Weighted blankets provide proprioceptive input, which helps individuals understand where their body is in space. For individuals with sensory under-responsivity, this added sensory input can help improve body awareness and coordination, making it easier for them to engage in daily activities with better balance and control.
5. Help with Emotional Regulation
The calming effect of weighted blankets can help children regulate their emotions more effectively, especially during times of sensory overload or heightened arousal.
Weight Limit and Guidelines
The effectiveness of a weighted blanket depends significantly on its weight. A general guideline is that a weighted blanket should be about 10% of the user’s body weight. Always follow the individual instructions.
Precautions should always be taken:
• Ensure the individual can move freely under the blanket
• Monitor breathing
• Avoid using weighted blankets for infants or very young children
• Don’t use if the child struggles with temperature regulation
• Check for allergies and sensitivities
We recommend removing them when the child is asleep. We also like to use them just when the child is relaxing on the sofa.
Always be guided by your child and whether they like weighted blankets or not.
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