How Weighted Blankets Can Benefit People With Autism

A weighted blanket is simply a big, heavy blanket used to support sleep and decrease stress. At first, weighted blankets were primarily used as therapeutic aids to help people with dementia, autism, and other mental disorders. Today, they are a reasonably popular home decor item. You will find them in all sizes, from cribs to loveseats. They are ideal for both adults and children.

You will discover several versions of weighted blankets. The most basic type comes with a small plastic pellet which provides the weight. These pellets can be wound down so that as you pull the blanket tighter, more weight is added. In addition, there are models with a safety lock to stop the plastic pellets from detaching. Finally, you will discover plastic pellets of varying weights. Some blankets are composed of plastic pellets, which are specially designed to meet specific needs.

When we think about how to do weighted blankets work, it’s a lot like how do insulated coats work? Just as the skin helps regulate temperature by shedding water from the inside, the blanket helps regulate internal pressure by retaining the moisture. This way, it keeps you comfortable, even when the room temperature drops. This is particularly true when you consider that the typical pressures applied to these blankets range from thirty pounds per square inch to three hundred pounds per square inch.

weighted-blanketsYou may also consider using weighted blankets to control your allergies. There is a close link between asthma and allergies, and by using a weighted vest, you can significantly reduce your chances of an attack. A recent study showed that there is a significant correlation between the amount of physical activity and asthma. This is undoubtedly due to the fact that most asthma sufferers find it difficult to breathe when their symptoms are triggered. The vest helps by creating a barrier against the air.

Finally, we cannot forget the connection between autism and sleep issues. Those who have autism will often develop severe sleep disorders. Not only do these sleep issues make it difficult for them to get a good night’s rest, but they negatively impact their physical health as well. They will generally be unable to engage in physical activities because they lack enough energy to do so. The use of a weighted blanket can help those with autism gain a better quality of sleep. They may even begin to feel more active as a result.

Many have questioned the use of weighted blankets to treat certain health conditions, such as back pain or osteoarthritis. Back pain is often caused by poor posture, which is exacerbated by bad sleeping habits. Osteoarthritis is typically the result of wearing shoes that are too high. It is generally believed that massage therapy would be most effective in conjunction with a deep pressure stimulation device, such as a special blanket. The deep pressure stimulation device can provide a welcome alternative to costly prescription medication.