Weighted blankets have increasingly become popular over the years because of its established numerous benefits when it comes to the treatment of conditions such as autism, anxiety, insomnia and sleeping disorders (which can be part of the symptoms of anxiety and autism). Research into the use of weighted blankets for treating these conditions identified the use of what is called “pressure therapy” to achieve some sort of calming effects that helps to relax the nervous system.

The Science is “simple”

The science behind the use of weighted blankets for treating the conditions mentioned above is straightforward. Due to the heavy nature of these set of blankets, they can simulate the calm and beautiful feeling of being “hugged” by someone. And when this simulation is complete, the hormones – serotonin and melatonin – whose major job role is to ensure relaxation and decrease the production of cortisol – the hormone responsible for causing stress. Once individuals feel relaxed and less stressed, they can fall asleep faster, and sleep better. These weighted blankets are usually recommended by therapists and psychologists to individuals who have been diagnosed with autism.

Weighted blankets and autism

As mentioned above, autism is one of the areas where weighted blankets have proved to be very useful. Autism comprises of both psychiatric and medical conditions which have varying implications on individuals suffering from it. Implications of its medical conditions can range from attention-deficit disorder, anxiety disorder, immune system irregularities, difficulty to sleep and disruption in sleep patterns. The specific area where weighted blankets have proven useful in treating or managing the implications of autism is in the area of disrupted sleep patterns.

Disrupted or impaired sleep patterns arises from the distortions of some sensory information (this distortions is mostly common in kids). A study conducted on children with autism revealed that majority the children are faced with impaired sleeping patterns primarily because they mostly experience what is called atypical sensory behaviours. This simply means sensory under and over responsiveness and sleep disturbances that are not common or typical with other children of similar age.

Before the use of weighted blankets to treat this sleeping issue started, medical practitioners used other methods such as pharmacological agents, educating and training the caregiver or encouraging behavioural and contextual sleep hygiene changes. However, weighted blankets has proved to be very effective in this regards. Researchers have noted that these blankets stabilize and modulate individuals in stressful situations by enhancing parasympathetic activation.