Weighted blankets

JJLemon18

Thoughts on weighted blankets; and should I get one? (And by "get" I mean "ask if I can get one for Christmas" )

lunarcat522

@JJLemon18 I can't say for sleeping as I don't actually have one, but I know what they feel like. They can be really useful as a calming tool for those that are neurodivergent, particularly those with autism/ADHD or anyone who needs support with grounding. I know a lot of people use them as a tool to help them sleep, if they struggle with things like insomnia, or even just getting to sleep. I would say if you want one, go for it! A lot of things, you'll only know through try and error, and if you want one and think it might help, then why not.

I wasn't quite sure of the science of it, but after a quick search apparently the weight puts your autonomic nervous system into a state of rest, so they can also help aid anxiety symptoms.

It can also act as a form of Deep Pressure Touch/Deep Pressure Stimulation, which is a technique often use to help calm the nervous system. It's a technique that some service dogs are trained in, so it can be really useful to know about. I've added some links detailing more about how exactly it works, and who it might work for, but in essence it basically helps as a sensory tool to regulate the nervous system to reduce feelings of anxiety, restlessness, overstimulation, and feelings of being overwhelmed.

It's not for everybody but if you're interested I don't see any harm in getting one and trying it!

https://karmara.co.uk/blogs/learn/deep-touch-pressure-therapy

https://pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2022/march/weighted-blankets#:~:text=The%20pressure%20of%20weighted%20blankets,an%20overall%20sense%20of%20calm.

https://truhugs.com/research-science/do-weighted-blankets-work-deep-pressure-therapy/

Former Member

Yesssssss I love my weighted blanket. I’ve slept with it every night for the past 2 years. It does feel way too heavy at first but then you get used to it and it’s so nice. If you decide to get one I’d recommend getting one with a removable cover makes it a lot easier to wash

JJLemon18

@lunarcat522 Thank you for all the info! Who thought a blanket would be so helpful haha.

I got a normal light blanket with sleeves last christmas and I swear I've spent at least some time in it every single day lol, I love it so much. Is it possible to get a weighted blanket with sleeves? Not sure if that could even work.

@jess63 yes that sounds like an important point, thanks for the heads up!

lunarcat522

@JJLemon18 I've had a quick search and they definitely do exist!

https://amazon.co.uk/Winthome-Wearable-Blanket-Sleeves-Sherpa/dp/B0957BVGMP/ref=cs_sr_dp_2?crid=1UGCEAT6XEHSJ&keywords=sleeved%2Bweighted%2Bblanket&qid=1700690610&s=kitchen&sprefix=sleeved%2Bweighted%2Bblanket%2Ckitchen%2C147&sr=1-17&th=1

JJLemon18

@lunarcat522 ooh it looks cool. But I dont think its a 'weighted' blanket, I already have one similar to this. Its on sale though which is also nice

lunarcat522

@JJLemon18 Yes sorry I think you're right - you're a lot more observant than me! There is some out there, there's one by Fineline, but I have a feeling it's an American-based brand

I've found some weighted shoulder wraps/lap blankets that might work as a substitute. I also forgot to mention you can now get weighted plushies too!

https://amazon.co.uk/Topblan-Weighted-Relaxation-Friendly-All-Season/dp/B0CB7L2C82/ref=sr_1_12?ascsubtag=%5Bartid%7C2089.a.32240634%5Bsrc%7Cwww.google.com%5Bch%7C%5Blt%7C%5Bpid%7Cd9376656-93d7-415a-af55-694d8e2371b6&imprToken=88c5fc8c-0dd6-fb91-f0e&keywords=FineLife%2BProducts%2BGrey%2BWeighted%2BBlanket%2Bwith%2BSleeves%2B(7%2Blbs)%2B48%2BInch%2Bx%2B72%2BInch&linkCode=gs3&qid=1700691403&sr=8-12&th=1

https://amazon.co.uk/MAXTID-Weighted-Shoulder-Wrap-Relief/dp/B07L4H7RTG/ref=sr_1_9?crid=2RF9RNFM16Q26&keywords=Weighted%2Bscarf&qid=1700691428&sprefix=weighted%2Bscarf%2Caps%2C152&sr=8-9&th=1

https://amazon.co.uk/Weighted-Dinosaur-Stuffed-Birthday-Children/dp/B0BFDXN7PC/ref=sr_1_10?keywords=weighted%2Bteddy&qid=1700691391&sr=8-10&th=1

JJLemon18

@lunarcat522 ooh I had no idea these existed! They seem quite uncomfortable tho, idk. And btw the last two links don't work for some reason so I just searched them up.

And yea you're right, a weighted blanket with sleeves is a thing! But the more I think about it the more I feel like it wouldn't really work

JustV

I got one a few years ago and never looked back. One of the best things I've ever bought. In my experience it really helps with insomnia as well as the calming/sensory effect.

ebyrne556

I’m not the biggest fan mainly cuz I’m not good with the pressure of it on my legs cuz they get quite sore sometimes Comfort levels are a diff story🥰

JJLemon18

Yay, so I got a weighted blanket for my birthday!

BUT... its a CBD infused one... I'm not sure what to think about that I don't like the idea, but at the same time I don't mind it either. The smell is something I have to get used to tho. But unlike some smells, I can definitely tolerate this one.

In terms of the weight itself. It feels a lot lighter than I thought it would. It's quite heavy when carrying around. But when lying under it, it does at first feel like a light hug, but after a while I kind of don't notice it anymore. Not sure if that's just me.

Also, I've already slept two nights under it and I wouldn't say my sleep was great, both times. Maybe it's just a coincidence, or maybe it's something I have to get used to first.

Amy22

@JJLemon18 That's so cool you got a weighted blanket for your birthday!. Ah right yeah sometimes the CBD blankets can have a certain smell to them, I am aware though the CBD infused oil ones are supposed to be more relaxing but honestly I'm not the best at advice for this as I haven't tried or got a weighted blanket. I get you with the smell thing and sometimes certain smells do take a while to get used especially if they are unfamilar or new smells too. Its good though you find you can tolerate the smell of the CBD. I think some weightend blankets feel lighter than we think they are. I think you can get varying different types of weights such as a light heavy weight or more a heavy depending on the person and their choice of how much pressure they want.

Overall, I don't really know much about weighted blankets but I feel like they may take a few days to get used to especially if it's brand new too. I have considered getting one myself actually or crocheting one with some velvet yarn. I think they work depending on each person as sometimes some people may find them more useful than others.