Heavier blankets may help improve sleep for adults with insomnia.
- Weighted blankets help improve sleep, mood, pain management and reduce the consumption of sleeping pills in adults.
- Results are mixed for their use in children.
- From now on, researchers want to establish clear recommendations for the use of these heavier fabrics, because “there are not yet standardized recommendations concerning the type, weight, frequency of use or duration.”
We know: sleep is a fundamental human need. When a person doesn’t get enough sleep, they may develop health problems, be at increased risk, or exacerbate chronic illnesses, including heart conditions, stroke, and mental health disorders. “In occupational therapy, weighted blankets are increasingly used as assistive technology for people of all ages, but there are currently no clinical recommendations for their use,” declared Suzanne Dawsonoccupational therapist and researcher at Flinders University (Australia). This is why a study was carried out to assess the extent of knowledge about weighted blankets.
Sleep, pain, mood: weighted blankets are beneficial for adults
For the purposes of the work, the authors reviewed 18 existing research on the use of weighted blankets, which weigh between 6 and 10 kg, during the night. The results, published in the journal The American Journal of Occupational Therapyhighlight significant evidence supporting the use of weighted blankets to improve sleep in adults. In detail, people using these heavier fabrics have reported better sleep, a reduction in the consumption of sleeping pills and even an improvement in mood and pain management.
However, “results regarding sleep in children and adolescents were mixed.” Limited improvements in sleep for youth with disorders, such as childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorders, have been observed. However, some studies have shown an improvement in children’s daily functioning after using a weighted blanket, and parents also report positive results. “They often reported that their children seemed more relaxed, less anxious and more focused during daily activities when using the blankets, which could have a long-term impact on their overall well-being,” explained Suzanne Dawson.
Clearer recommendations on using weighted blankets
According to the scientists, these data suggest that occupational therapists should consider offering or recommending weighted blankets as a sleep intervention option for people of all ages, while taking into account patient preferences. But first, clearer recommendations should be developed. “Blankets come in different types, whether they contain beads or chains, and in different weights, but there are not yet standardized recommendations regarding type, weight, frequency of use, or duration.”
