How Weighted Blankets Work for Autism

September 30, 2024

Discover the power of weighted blankets for autism, enhancing sleep and offering a comforting embrace.

Understanding Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets have gained popularity as a supportive tool for individuals with autism. They can provide deep pressure stimulation to promote a sense of calm and relaxation, making them an effective tool in managing the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism.

Benefits of Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets can offer numerous benefits to individuals with autism. The weight of the blanket is evenly distributed across the body, creating a gentle, comforting pressure that can help reduce anxiety and improve body awareness [1].

Scientific research supports their effectiveness, showing that deep pressure stimulation from these blankets can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and increase the production of oxytocin, known as the "love hormone". In addition, weighted blankets can provide sleep support or anxiety relief for some autistic individuals by providing constant, calming pressure through the night, which can be rewarding and comforting.

Weighted blankets may also benefit children and adults with sensory processing disorder, helping them to feel calmer and more relaxed. Research has shown that weighted blankets help reduce insomnia and ease pain.

How Weighted Blankets Work

Weighted blankets work through a sensory technique known as deep pressure stimulation (DPS), which involves applying gentle, even pressure to the body to have a calming effect on the nervous system. This technique can help regulate sensory processing and promote relaxation for individuals with autism.

Weighted blankets utilize the principles of DTP (Deep Touch Pressure) or DPS (Deep Pressure Stimulation) to boost relaxation. The deep-touch therapy creates a similar comfort when you swaddle a baby, creating deeper and better restful sleep, easing stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

Weighted blankets are believed to stimulate production of "happiness" hormones like dopamine and serotonin and reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, helping the user enter a more relaxed state conducive to sleep. However, these health claims are the subject of ongoing research.

In conclusion, weighted blankets can be a beneficial tool for managing anxiety and improving sleep quality in individuals with autism. However, it's important to choose the right weight and to use them safely. Consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating a weighted blanket into your or your child's routine. For more information about autism and related topics, check out our articles on states for autism, what is occupational therapy for autism?, and can autism affect emotions.

Effectiveness for Autism

When exploring the utility of weighted blankets for autism, it's important to understand the underlying mechanisms and the existing research supporting their use.

Deep Pressure Stimulation

Weighted blankets work through a sensory technique known as deep pressure stimulation (DPS). This technique involves applying gentle, even pressure to the body, which can have a calming effect on the nervous system. For individuals with autism, this pressure can help regulate sensory processing and promote relaxation.

The sensory integration theory suggests that deep pressure from weighted blankets can calm the nervous system of individuals with autism who are sensitive to touch. This can help ease hypersensitivity to touch, which is common in individuals with autism.

Research on Weighted Blankets

Scientific research on the effectiveness of weighted blankets for autism is somewhat mixed, but generally supports their potential benefits in certain areas.

Notably, deep pressure stimulation from these blankets can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and increase the production of oxytocin, known as the "love hormone" [1].

However, the body of research on the subject is limited. A 2020 systematic review of 8 studies found potential therapeutic benefits for anxiety reduction, while a 2014 study found no significant sleep improvements, although participants preferred the weighted blankets. Another study in 2021 demonstrated that weighted blankets improved time to fall asleep and morning mood, but the results were not significant enough to warrant a clinical recommendation.

Despite the lack of significant findings related to improving sleep quality among children with autism, some studies reported that parents or participants observed an improvement in next-day behaviors captured using a sleep diary. This suggests that weighted blankets may improve bedtime behaviors, leading to better behaviors the following day.

In conclusion, while weighted blankets may not universally enhance sleep quality for individuals with autism, they do offer potential benefits in reducing anxiety and improving next-day behaviors. More extensive research is needed to definitively establish their effectiveness. For more information on the impact of autism on emotions, check out our articles on autism and emotions and how autism can affect emotions.

Choosing the Right Weight

Selecting the appropriate weight is a crucial step in the process of implementing weighted blankets for autism. The weight of the blanket impacts both its effectiveness and the safety of the individual using it.

Weight Recommendations

A general rule of thumb for selecting the weight of a weighted blanket is 10 percent of the person's body weight. For children, it is recommended to use a blanket that is 10 percent of their body weight plus 1 to 2 additional pounds [7]. However, research and experience suggest that the appropriate weight for a weighted blanket is closer to 20% of a person's body weight, rather than the commonly recommended 10%. This is because individuals are not bearing the weight of the blanket while standing, unlike weighted vests and backpacks [8].

For adults, the weight of the blanket should be 10% of his or her body weight. If you have a smaller frame, go for a weighted blanket that's light. If you are someone who's bulkier and works out on a daily basis, go for a slightly heavy weighted blanket.

Safety Considerations

When using weighted blankets for individuals with autism, safety considerations are paramount. Children under the age of two should not use weighted blankets, and children should not use adult-size weighted blankets. It is essential for children to be able to manage the blanket on their own. Weighted blankets are generally considered safe for children aged 3 years and older who weigh at least 50 pounds. These blankets typically weigh between 3 and 12 pounds, and caution should be exercised when selecting the appropriate weight for children, potentially erring on the lower end of the recommended weight range.

Choosing the right weight for a weighted blanket is a crucial aspect in ensuring the blanket is both effective and safe. With the help of professionals such as Occupational Therapists, families of individuals with autism can make an informed decision about the best weighted blanket for their loved ones.

Selection and Usage

Choosing the right weighted blanket involves considering factors such as fabric, texture, and safety precautions. Proper selection and usage can enhance the benefits provided by these blankets for individuals with autism.

Fabric and Texture

Weighted blankets come in a variety of sizes, colors, and fabrics [2]. The choice of fabric can impact the comfort and sensory experiences for the individual using it. Some individuals might prefer the softness of fleece, while others might find a smooth cotton cover more soothing.

Additionally, the blankets are typically comprised of several pockets filled with weighted objects like beads or pellets. These are sewn shut and stitched together to evenly distribute the weight over the body.

The texture of these fillers can also provide a sensory experience. For example, some individuals might find the small, uniform texture of beads calming, while others might prefer the bulkier feel of pellets.

Safety Precautions

While weighted blankets can provide relaxation and comfort, it's crucial to follow safety precautions.

Children under the age of two should not use weighted blankets, and children should not use adult-size weighted blankets. It's essential for children to be able to manage the blanket on their own [7].

Furthermore, weighted blankets may pose potential health and safety risks to individuals with conditions affecting breathing. It's recommended to consult a physician before using a weighted blanket, especially for individuals with breathing problems like asthma or sleep disorders like sleep apnea.

When considering a weighted blanket for a child or adult with autism, remember to take into account the individual's unique sensory needs and preferences. By selecting the appropriate fabric and texture, and following safety precautions, a weighted blanket can become a comforting tool for individuals with autism. For more information on other supportive strategies, read our articles on what is occupational therapy for autism? and autism and emotions.

Impact on Sleep

Understanding the implications of using weighted blankets for autism on sleep patterns and quality is essential for families seeking ways to enhance the rest of their loved ones with autism.

Improving Sleep Quality

Weighted blankets have been shown to contribute to improved sleep quality and increase the amount of time spent in deep sleep for individuals with autism. This can lead to improved mood, behavior, and overall health. The constant, calming pressure provided by these blankets throughout the night can be rewarding and comforting, offering sleep support or anxiety relief for some autistic individuals.

However, it's important to note that research on the effectiveness of weighted blankets for autism is limited and findings have been mixed. A 2020 systematic review of 8 studies found potential therapeutic benefits for anxiety reduction, while a 2014 study found no significant sleep improvements, but participants preferred the weighted blankets. Another study in 2021 showed that weighted blankets improved time to fall asleep and morning mood, but results were not significant enough for a clinical recommendation [2].

Effects on Sleep Patterns

In terms of sleep patterns, one study evaluated the effectiveness of weighted blankets in improving severe sleep problems for children with autism spectrum disorder. While participants enjoyed the blankets and felt comfortable, the blankets did not help them fall asleep or stay asleep during the night [5]. Despite the lack of significant findings related to improving sleep quality, studies have reported that parents/participants experienced an improvement in next-day behaviors captured using a sleep diary. Weighted blankets may have improved bedtime behaviors, leading to better next-day behaviors.

Weighted blankets may help children and adults with sensory processing disorder feel calmer and more relaxed. Research published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders indicates that the application of deep pressure, such as through weighted blankets, has been reported to produce a calming and relaxing effect in clinical conditions such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD), attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and pervasive developmental disorders. Deep pressure touch has been shown to be beneficial for children with high levels of anxiety or arousal and may alleviate anxiety [3].

In summary, while weighted blankets may not conclusively improve sleep patterns for individuals with autism, many users find them comforting and beneficial in improving next-day behavior and reducing anxiety. As always, it's important to consider the individual needs and preferences of the person with autism when selecting and using a weighted blanket. For more information on autism and emotions, you can read our articles on autism and emotions and can autism affect emotions.

Considerations for Children

When considering the use of weighted blankets for autism, special attention should be given to children. There are certain guidelines and considerations to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the blanket.

Weight Guidelines

Children under the age of two should not use weighted blankets, and children should not use adult-size weighted blankets. It's essential for children to be able to manage the blanket independently, ensuring that they can remove it if needed.

Weighted blankets are generally considered safe for children aged 3 years and older who weigh at least 50 pounds. These blankets typically weigh between 3 and 12 pounds. Caution should be exercised when selecting the appropriate weight for children, potentially erring on the lower end of the recommended weight range [5].

Age	Weight (lbs)	Blanket Weight (lbs)
3 years and older	50 and above	3 - 12

Special Considerations

Weighted blankets are used as an intervention strategy to improve sleep in children with autism who have sleep impairments. The underlying principle for weighted blanket use is to provide deep touch pressure stimuli, acting as a calming mediator by increasing parasympathetic activity.

Despite the lack of significant findings related to weighted blankets improving sleep quality among children with autism, studies have reported that parents/participants noticed an improvement in next-day behaviors. Weighted blankets may have improved bedtime behaviors, leading to better next-day behaviors.

Research estimates that 44% to 83% of individuals (adults and children) with autism experience sleep disturbances. Children with autism have impaired sleep patterns due to later bedtimes, earlier risings, and frequent wakings. Weighted blankets can provide sleep support or anxiety relief for some autistic individuals by providing constant, calming pressure through the night, which can be comforting.

It's important to note that while weighted blankets can be a beneficial tool, they are not a cure-all solution. They should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to managing autism symptoms, ideally under the guidance of a healthcare provider or occupational therapist. For more information on this, see our article on what is occupational therapy for autism?.

In summary, while weighted blankets can be beneficial for children with autism, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines and consult with a healthcare provider to ensure the blanket is used effectively and safely.