Weighted blankets – Not just a passing trend

Not a trend

We have received many questions around the authenticity of weighted products and their benefits.

With the current trend of weighted blankets around the world starting around 2017, and more recently in Cape Town and South Africa, it’s not uncommon to have concerns. “Is this the real thing or just a passing trend?” Rest assured that the benefits of Deep-Pressure Touch and weighted products have been around for decades and clinically proven to be effective methods of treatment for anxiety, depression, insomnia, ADD, ASD and many other conditions.

We will be detailing each condition and how weighted therapy can help relieve them in future posts, but for now, I have listed a few studies for you to reference for your own information. 

 

Deep Touch Pressure

Most notable is Dr. Temple Grandin, PhD, who lives with autism spectrum disorder. She was one of the first to point out the benefits of deep-touch pressure provided by weighted blankets to help relax overstressed nervous systems. It was, in fact, her research that lead to the development of the weighted blanket.

In the published Journal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology  she says, “Deep touch pressure is the type of surface pressure that is exerted in most types of firm touching, holding, stroking, petting of animals, or swaddling. In contrast, light touch pressure is a more superficial stimulation of the skin, such as tickling, very light touch, or moving hairs on the skin.”

In addition, PrettySpecial Weighted Blankets are made of 100% pure cotton provide deep touch stimulation without any uncomfortable restrictions. They mimic a nice, warm hug, which comfort and aid sleep without being too bulky or uncomfortable. This results in significant and longer hours of sleep, while waking up refreshed and well rested.

 

Regarding the Therapeutic effects of Deep Pressure Stimulation Using a Weighted Blanket

According to Occupational Therapy in Mental Health A mixed methods exploratory study on the safety and effectiveness of a 13kg weighted blanket with a sample of 32 adults. Safety was investigated measuring blood pressure, pulse rate, and pulse oximetry, and effectiveness by electrodermal activity (EDA), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-10 and an exit survey. 

The results reveal that the use of the 13kg weighted blanket, in the lying down position, is safe as evidenced by the vital sign metrics. Data obtained on effectiveness reveal 33% demonstrated lowering in EDA (Electrodermal activity) when using the weighted blanket, 63% reported lower anxiety after use, and 78% preferred the weighted blanket as a calming modality. 

At PrettySpecial we have standard sizes and weights of our blankets, however we do customize according to your individual weight and size, and our newly updated range include prints which are trendy too :) We welcome all feedback and we encourage an open dialogue from our customers, so please feel free to contact us via our contact to order form or email us to info@prettyspecial.co.za 

We deliver straight to your doorstep, anywhere in South Africa.