Weighted blankets for children
The stressful times and numerous impressions we are constantly exposed to can have a great impact on our children. Many children find it difficult to relax, feel insecure, and struggle with nightmares and difficulty sleeping. A weighted blanket can help them achieve better relaxation, more calm, and improved sleep quality.
What does a weighted blanket do?
The unique design of the weighted blanket molds itself to the child's body – no matter how much they toss and turn. This pressure utilizes the "Deep Pressure Stimulation" technique, which works by stimulating the senses in such a way that the child experiences increased security. This feeling of security is crucial when trying to relax. During relaxation, the brain naturally releases the body's own anti-stress hormone, "oxytocin", which can help lower blood pressure and cortisol levels. All of this contributes to better relaxation, so you can experience improved sleep quality.
A solution used by many
The technique behind weighted blankets has long been used, successfully, to help people who, for example, suffer from anxiety, ADHD, depression, stress, or similar mental challenges. The blanket helps them calm down when it's bedtime. These people often have difficulty controlling their many thoughts when trying to relax, which is why the blanket has proven useful. However, sleep problems are not limited to people with mental challenges – in fact, about 50% of the population struggles with insomnia, and the numbers continue to rise. This makes insomnia the second most common reason people visit a doctor – second only to pain.
Fortunately, the general public is also becoming more aware of this, as studies repeatedly point out how critical good sleep is for overall health. We are proud that the ScandinavianRest Weighted Blanket has already helped thousands of people struggling with poor sleep. Your sleep is crucial for your general well-being and daily effectiveness – without adequate sleep quality, both your physical and mental health are at stake. It has been proven that learning ability and general cognitive processes are reduced when people suffer from poor sleep – just as it negatively affects the immune system and blood pressure.
Research on the effect of weighted blankets on children
There is a wealth of research on both weighted blankets and the "Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation" (DPTS) technique. Here we have highlighted some of the studies that conclude the positive effect of weighted blankets on both adults and children.
- The Swedish sleep researcher Gaby Badre researched the use of weighted blankets with the aim of reducing insomnia. This study broadly concluded that weighted blankets had a positive effect on participants' sleep. Participants especially experienced that they found it easier to fall asleep, and the study indicates that everyone had sleep with less movement and more relaxation. (Source)
- A master's thesis from Denmark concluded evidence for the effect of weighted blankets on children with sensory integration problems. The study concludes that a weighted blanket can contribute to better nighttime sleep, mood, and concentration. (Source)
- In 2010, a study was published on the use of weighted blankets to treat sleep problems. The study concludes that the use of weighted blankets is particularly relevant and effective when it comes to falling asleep faster. In children with ADHD, the study concludes that the 20% of participants who previously took over 30 minutes to fall asleep were reduced to 0%. This means all children with ADHD fell asleep in under 30 minutes using a weighted blanket. (Source)
- A 2008 study investigated the therapeutic effect of deep pressure touch stimulation using a weighted blanket. The study found that among the 32 adult participants, 33% had less EDA when using it, 63% experienced less anxiety when using it, and 78% preferred the weighted blanket as a means to relax. (Source)
Choose the right weight for your child
When buying a weighted blanket for your child, it is important that they can remove the blanket themselves (especially if they are under 3 years old). We always recommend checking this before the child uses the weighted blanket on their own.
For children, we recommend using this weight chart:
0-20 kg: 3 kg children's blanket
20-55 kg: 5 kg blanket
55-80 kg: 7 kg blanket
Machine wash
All our blankets can be machine washed at 60 degrees, so you can achieve optimal hygiene during use.
Weighted blankets and pregnancy
Many women experience increased sleep problems during pregnancy. Some have difficulty relaxing early in pregnancy, and others experience poor sleep towards the end. In these cases, you can benefit from using a Scandinavian weighted blanket, as it can provide improved relaxation and sleep.
There are no known risks associated with using weighted blankets during pregnancy.