In other words, weighted blankets can help but don't assume that they 100% will. Talk to a medical professional, try it out, and don't be afraid to search for other means if the weighted blanket doesn't seem to calm you down. Do you have to have a weighted blanket to deal with stress, anxiety, and ASD? The science behind using a weighted blanket is simple - something called deep touch pressure (DTP). This is where you gently apply pressure to the body to aid with the release of serotonin.

Serotonin is sometimes called the happy chemical, because its release is linked and contributes to happiness, well-being and relaxation. And if you go to one of the many communities for people with ASD, we're sure you'll find a treasure trove of different advice. The most common recommendation is that a weighted blanket should be around 10% of your body weight. However, this varies from person to person and you must feel comfortable under the blanket. It’s important that you feel relaxed but not too constricted. You should be able to move around easily if you need to. A study has also shown that you are 30% more likely to be obese if you do not get enough good quality sleep.When looking for a weighted blanket, it’s important to know which features to look for. It’s not enough just to buy the first weighted blanket you come across. Many important features make up a good weighted blanket – like the weight, the material, how breathable it is etc. The resulting delicate yet firm pressure reaches the deep-seated receptors and helps with the release of serotonin and endorphins, chemicals that our body naturally produces to make us feel calm and relaxed. So what have you got to lose? Why not give our Slumber Weighted Blanket a try just like Sharlee and see the benefits for yourself. We recommend talking to your doctor before using a weighted blanket if you live with one of the following: Lastly, be mindful of how you layer your weighted blankets during colder months. If the weighted blanket is breathable, you can cover yourself with the weighted blanket and then throw on a duvet on top. However, if the cover is a bit more stuffy, you can do it the other way around and rely on the duvet cover instead.

Some people find the weight comforting and liken it to being hugged or swaddled. It is also said to help with a variety of issues such as stress and anxiety that may adversely affect sleep. How heavy should a weighted blanket be? As opposed to the sympathetic system that's responsible for our fight or flight response, the parasympathetic system handles our “rest and digest” response. However, it's important to note that some weighted blankets also have their own “cooling system”. Usually, this means that the weighted blanket has multiple layers that are designed to maximise airflow. You can also use a duvet cover that's extra breathable if the weighted blanket itself has a stuffy cover. Lastly, if the purpose of getting a weighted blanket is to help a person with ASD to fall asleep, it can be worth reading our article on the relationship between autism and sleep. After all, the more you know, the easier it will be to find what works best for you. What is the right weight of a weighted blanket for me? However, the catch is that the cover is somewhat of a pain to put on and take off. This is partly due to the weight of the blanket making it a bit of a workout. But also because to keep the cover properly positioned, you have to tie it to the blanket - in seven places! But it’s worth noting that this is the case for most weighted blanket covers.One of the more commonly asked questions in regards to weighted blankets is how they can potentially help people with autism. And this is especially true when it comes to children. The fact of the matter is that we can't tell you with certainty whether a weighted blanket will or won't help you or your child. However, here's what we've found researching this topic. The impact of quality sleep on your life can’t be stressed enough. Here are only a few of the benefits and advantages of owning the best weighted blanket.