Benefits of weighted therapy
Weighted blankets are often used for individuals with sensory processing difficulties. These blankets apply gentle, even pressure across the body, providing deep touch pressure. This sensory input can help calm the nervous system, making it easier for individuals to regulate their emotions and behaviors.
1. Promote Calmness and Reduces Anxiety
It can impact on our ‘rest and digest’ system, providing a calming effect thats particularly useful for individuals who experience heightened anxiety or stress from overstimulation. The pressure from the blanket promotes the release of serotonin and dopamine, both of which are neurotransmitters linked to feelings of relaxation and happiness.
2. Improve Focus and Attention
Weighted blankets can help improve focus by reducing sensory overload. The deep touch pressure helps calm an overactive nervous system, allowing the individual to concentrate better on tasks.
3. Increase Body Awareness (Proprioception)
Weighted blankets provide proprioceptive input, which helps individuals understand where their body is in space. For individuals with sensory under-responsivity, this added sensory input can help improve body awareness and coordination, making it easier for them to engage in daily activities with better balance and control.
4. Help with Emotional Regulation
The calming effect of weighted blankets can help those with sensory processing disorders to regulate their emotions more effectively, especially during times of sensory overload or heightened arousal.
Weight Limit and Guidelines
Precautions should always be taken:
• Ensure the individual can move freely under the blanket
• Monitor breathing
• Avoid using weighted blankets for infants or very young children
• Don’t use if the individual struggles with temperature regulation
• Check for allergies and sensitivities
Always ensure the individual is comfortable with the weight and can remove if required
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