Weighted Blankets – the best weight on your shoulders?
Weighted blankets have become a trendy home accessory over the last few years. These wraps, which typically range from 5 to 30 pounds, apply gentle pressure to mimic deep pressure stimulation. They can be used standalone for a quick catnap or as inserts for your duvet while you sleep, but do weighted blankets really work? We asked Dr. Philip Alapat, assistant professor of medicine in the section of pulmonary, critical care and sleep medicine, what people should know about these throws.
Question: How do you know what the best weight for you is?
Answer: Trial and response. Some people may find heavier weighted blankets contribute to a sense of suffocation, but others find them beneficial when applied to the torso and legs. Young children should not use weighted blankets because of the risk of suffocation – definitely avoid for children under 3 years old and close monitoring for 3- to 5-year-olds. Also, if your child is underweight (below 20% of the average for age), close monitoring is necessary to ensure they are OK. A rough guide of 10% of your body weight can be used to determine an initial weight for the blanket, but don’t use anything over 25 pounds, as that will likely be too heavy for most.
Q: Are weighted blankets dangerous for certain age groups (children, the elderly), or for those with health conditions?
A: Generally, if anyone cannot remove the blanket easily on their own, they should not be using it. Young children should not use weighted blankets because of the risk of suffocation.
Q: Does using a weighted blanket have any impact on how you sleep?
A: Some patients find significant benefit, while others report no benefit and even discomfort. Some patients with insomnia may feel better using a weighted blanket and may experience improvement in their insomnia. Others report no difference.
Q: Is it safe to sleep with a weighted blanket during a nap? Overnight?
A: Yes, it is safe to use a weighted blanket, but only if you can easily remove the blanket.
Q: Are there other ways to mimic the benefits of a weighted blanket without using one?
A: Weighted socks are also available.
By Anna Kiappes
