Weighted Blanket

[Crow]

I started using a 25lb weighted blanket at night last Fall. For the first time in memory I have been getting good regular sleep. I still have swings where the paranoia keeps me awake for a few days but over all I'm sleeping great.

Why I am posting is because I discovered something new. When I have prolonged anxiety, I get sick ie upper respiratory usually leading to pneumonia. This time around I on a hunch climbed under my blanket and the coughing and drainage disappeared. Totally weird but proof of what my psychiatrist had said that the getting sick was a nervous system thing. So what usually is a three week battle is going away after four days.

I highly recommend weighted blankets for everyone.

 

[PTSDbegone]

Great suggestion. I have used one for years. I also have a small lap weighted blanket I use while at work. Sometimes I think it helps me stay grounded. I find I can't sleep at all without the blanket now.

Even during my therapy sessions my therapist has been placing a cushion on my lap. Helps provide a sense of safety somehow I think.

 

[sun seeker]

I started using a 25lb weighted blanket at night last Fall.

Can you share where you got your blanket, or did you make it? I've toyed with this idea. Glad it's working for you!

 

[Lucycat]

I love my weighted blanket. I have had it for years. And were did I get it? Well online from Canada of course

 

[Friday]

My Korea Blanket (40lb of flattened double sided stuffed animal / plushy/ inches deep of furry awesomeness) is too hot for summer :( No air conditioning.

So I went a size down in my compression UnderArmor HeatGear (Skinz, for those not stateside, is another brand). The pressure isn't quite as nice as the weight, but it helps.

 

[Kefira]

I love my weighted items. I got 25 pounds of fill beads for pretty cheap and made a lap pad and a shawl, still working on getting together the motivation to do the full size bed blanket. And like @FridayJones I use compression gear when it's too hot or when I can't really take a blanket with me but know I'll be in a stressful environment.

I've been looking into the vests that have an inflation system in them. Cost prohibitive but they look like they would be really nice.

 

[StellaBlue]

My son has always had problems sleeping through the night...which then disrupted my sleep because he would wake me up. We bought a weighted blanket about 6 months ago (I bought it on Etsy by a woman that makes them). It has been a miracle cure. I actually steal it from him when I take a nap - it's wonderful. I really don't like things on top of me while I sleep - but the blanket feels so safe. I'm thinking of getting myself one (although it's been in the 90's here, so it's not so practical right now).

 

[katybug]

I've heard of those, and I want one so bad! The more blankets, the safer I feel, and the less nightmares I have.....it's weird, I know.

 

[Chava]

Is the 25 lb one really hot? @FridayJones ...sounds great, but that's too many animals in one blanket. I like heavy blankets but not hot.

I do like compression or weight when anxious and also when trying to sleep (after some med help too). I liken it more to being "contained" in my nervous system then "trapped." Somehow my animals know this...and even if I tend to ignore them when I'm really out of it, they just come and sandwich me in and lean heavily against my legs. They just get it.

 

[Sammyiam]

I just got given one to try by my peer support lady they use them where she works , haven't used it yet but it feels ok

 

[Crow]

Is the 25 lb one really hot?

Not hot at all. During the summer I just use the weighted blanket and in colder months I use a comforter and the blanket. Glass beads are the key. Don't get plastic. And of course the materials vary but I have a jersey cotton and amazingly it's not hot at all.

The science behind the weighted blanket is incredible.

 

[Kefira]

@CrowFeather That's interesting- most of the makers I've seen use plastic pellets, so that's what I used in mine. Do you know what sort of glass beads were used in yours?