cover, and a cooling
weighted blanket with
cover. Its website
states that the
ultra-breathable fabric
wicks away moisture
and actively absorbs
body heat, making the
cover noticeably cooler to the
touch than traditional fabrics.
WEIGHTED BLANKETS
IMPROVE SLEEP
A 2015 study on the effects of a weight-
ed blanket in the Journal of Sleep Medicine
and Disorders claims that weighted blan-
kets and vests can provide a beneficial
calming effect, especially in clinical disor-
ders such as autism spectrum disorders,
attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and
pervasive developmental disorders. The
study found that movement during sleep
decreased in participants who used a
weighted blanket. Participants reported
liking sleeping with the blanket, finding it
easier to settle down
to sleep and feeling
more refreshed in the
morning.
Overall, the study
found that when the par-
ticipants used the weight-
ed blanket, they had a calmer
night’s sleep. “A weighted blanket
may aid in reducing insomnia through
altered tactile inputs, thus may provide an
innovative, non-pharmacological approach
and complementary tool to improve sleep
quality,” the study concluded.
“The idea of using weighted blankets
for sleep may have come from a different
area — the use of deep pressure stimula-
tion for children with autism and attention
deficit disorder,” says Barash, the
Ridgewood doctor. “Deep pressure stimu-
lation, and weighted blankets, have also
been used for children with anxiety and
sensory disorders. And many people have
enjoyed the calming and relaxing effect of
massage therapy.”
CHOOSING A
WEIGHTED BLANKET
Dr. Suzanne Buchanan, Autism New
Jersey’s executive director, says there is no
evidence that weighted blankets are an
effective treatment for people with autism,
though “some individuals may take com-
fort in a weighted blanket and others may
not. Just like everything else, it’s individu-
alized.”
Buchanan also suggests doing your
research before purchasing one. Her col-
league researched weighted blanket brands
and found that those marketed to the
autism community cost more than the oth-
ers, and they were similar products. Before
using, Barash says you should check with
your physician, as it may not benefit peo-
ple with heart, lung or circulatory disease.
He also notes that the material in the
blanket should dissipate the heat so that
the temperature does not increase, and
“it should not be so heavy as to restrict
one’s breathing or movements.” ❖
(201) HEALTH 2019 EDITION
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