Weighted Blanket

[Kefira]

I just finished a huge sewing project. Well, not huge, but it felt huge to me given where I've been at lately. I made two weighted items: an 8 pound 30x34 inch lap pad, and a 10 pound 16x60 inch shawl. I'm actually really proud of the shawl, which I laid out well and did nice edging on, plus it has a super soft plus backing and soft things are always good in my book.

These are commonly used for children who are on the autism spectrum, but a lot of people who have other disorders including PTSD find them useful. I've been wanting one for a long time, but they tend to be expensive so I finally decided to do it myself. I slept with the lap pad over my torso last night and used it on my check in call today and it was very helpful in both cases. I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow I'm dreading and hope it will help at least a little to have it along.

When I move in February and get settled I'm going to work on making a fullsize blanket at a full weight but these are good for more directed pressure.

Just thought I'd share in case someone else might benefit or have experience with these sorts of sensory tools.

 

[Friday]

I looooove sensory tools :) :) :)

I'm a hedonist as well as comorbid with a sensory involved disorder... So I may be a little overenthusiastic.

- Heavy blankets, if I can't borrow a person or three to sprawl over me
- Horses, dogs, & cats
- Buxum Lip Gloss (like blistex / menthol lip balm x1000)
- Sandalwood beads (smells good in addition to feeling good)
- Perfumes for different activities.
- Music for different activities
- Smoking (not a healthy one, but one I've gone back to)

I'll sometimes page through ASD & SPD catalogues just to see what's out and about at present. Haven't ordered anything recently, but they've often got great ideas.

 

[Lucycat]

I have a weighted blanket. I find it very helpful.

 

[Deleted member 1860]

I go more of the thunder jacket route as I need the pressure to sleep but MUST be able to move freely or I wake up exhausted.

 

[aka]

I love my weighted blanket!! I got it one a month ago and have been loving it ever since. It has been helping me sleep better and can make it so I can sit still when my medication is making me restless. I have also been using it when I get overwhelm by sensory information. It calms be down much faster then a regular blanket.

 

[Kefira]

@aka I thought it would mostly be helpful for sleep, but I didn't even realize how much I fidget and have nervous ticks until I started using it while I was working at my desk and noticed when the weight not only calmed me, but stopped me from moving about so much.

 

[Friday]

@Kefira Depending on your trauma, when things are too hot for a blanket things like compression-gear (Skinz in AU, UnderArmor HeatGear or ColdGear in the US), wrist cuffs, leg cuffs, choker style jewelry, head bands or hats, etc. can also be useful.

 

[Kefira]

@FridayJones that's a good thought. I use a compression top under my uniform for aikido and have noticed I stay present better on the mat with it vs a normal shirt. Hadn't thought to utilize that and see if it helps in other settings though.