What is a weighted blanket?

A weighted blanket isn’t always a blanket – it’s an item made of breathable cotton with even-sized pockets filled with small pellets that creates pressure that feels like a secure hug. Most commonly in full blanket form, these products can also take the form of body-wraps, neck hugs or lap blankets.

How does a weighted blanket work?

Weighted products are a non-medicated therapy to treat sleeplessness and anxiety or stress.

This therapy was first used by doctors in mental health facilities who found that heavy blankets would calm agitated patients, helping them to be more receptive to counselling. It was a logical step to treating anxiety in the autistic community with weighted blankets, simply because the product is a perfect application.

For many people on the autism spectrum, the need to withdraw from human affection is high – a weighted blanket brings all the benefits of a hug without any of the stress! The blanket tricks the brain into thinking your body is being hugged, releasing all the calm feelings that come with serotonin, dopamine and oxytocin.  The pleasure and connection promoted by these chemicals cancel out the cortisol and adrenaline released while in a state of stressed anxiety.