what can you expect from weighted blankets?

Many parents of autistic children use and increasingly recommend the use of this simple accessory which would make it easier for their toddler to fall asleep or return to calm after a crisis. In the United States or Sweden, this new “health accessory” is all the rage and a growing number of people say they have improved their sleep problems or anxiety by investing in this type of coverage.

If the scientific evidence of its effectiveness remains fragile and often targeted on certain specific pathologies (see our summary of studies below), many specialists and parents testify to real effectiveness in reducing the anxiety of certain children or adults with special needs. Also, why wouldn't they benefit all those who suffer from sleep or anxiety disorders, even mild ones?

A therapeutic tool for hypersensitive patients that has become a trendy sleep accessory

Initially, these blankets are used in therapeutic settings for patients suffering from sensory processing disorders, that is to say who are too or not sensitive enough. Generally, it is overly sensitive patients who are concerned, those whose falling asleep is made difficult by sensitivity to the slightest noise, light or smell ; disorders that are often found in patients suffering from ADHD (attention deficit disorder with or without hyperactivity), autism spectrum disorder, developmental delay, anxiety or post-traumatic stress.

In 1999, Australian occupational therapist Tina Champagne was the first to have the idea of ​​using them to treat patients suffering from mental and physical trauma. Subsequently, specialized companies mass-produced these blankets to offer them more widely as a sleep accessory. Recently, the phenomenon has grown and advertisements for these products are increasing on social networks. Time magazine even included them in its famous “list of the best inventions” in 2018.

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A heavy blanket that feels like a big hug

These weighted blankets look a lot like a classic duvet or a quilted blanket and are typically weighted by pockets containing glass or plastic beads, integrated into the interior lining (for an example of a product available for sale, see the product notebook address below or opposite).

They generally weigh 4 to 10 kilos (approximately 10% of the body weight of the person who will use it) and are covered with wool, flannel or cotton. Designed to exercise “ deep pressure » and homogeneous in contact with the body, these blankets give the feeling of being held or cuddled.

This pressure would have the effect of reducing anxiety, promoting calm and improving the quality of sleep by relaxing the…

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