Weighted Blankets - How effective are they??
Channel: Stroke Assaulter
Date: 02/08/2019

I recent have been given a 15 pound weighted blanket for my birthday

In this video we will explore both the safety and the efficacy of the use of weighted blankets.

There are currently very few studies that have relevant sample sizes over study periods over eight weeks.   So please do your research to see if a weighted blanket may be appropriate for your specific situation.

Sadly, there have been a few recorded deaths when a a weighted blanket has been used inappropriately.

So please take some of these recommendations in consideration.

Weighted products should not be used for children with: 

• Respiratory (breathing) problems 
• Cardiac (heart) problems 
• Epilepsy 
• Serious hypotonia (low tone)
 • Skin problems, including certain allergies; 
• Circulatory Problems 
• Physical, learning or other difficulties which mean the child is unable to remove the blanket independently
• The child’s head and neck must not be covered. 
• The child’s vital signs should be observable at all times.
 • The child must not be rolled in the blanket; it should be placed over them. If in a bed it should not be draped over the sides of the bed 
• The child must be able to remove the blanket or get free of the blanket by themselves. When trying out a weighted blanket for the first time, ensure clients are able to physically manoeuvre the blanket with confidence. Remind the child using the blanket that they can take it off at any time, if it feels uncomfortable, too hot or heavy etc.

Guidance on the use of Weighted and Compressing Products

https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Sensory-Weighted-Product-Advice.pdf



If you notice the signs and symptoms of a stroke in your or someone around you

Balance / Co-ordination / Confusion
Eye and Vision Problems
Facial Droop
Slurred Speech
Stuttering
Inappropriate Word Usage for situation or context
Inability to stand
General Weakness or Weakness to one Body Side
Inability to properly and evenly Smile

Please Immediately place that person in a position of comfort and Dial 911

www.heartandstroke.ca/FAST

#IWillAgain   #UpAgainAfterStroke  #StrokeSurvivor #Strokeunder50 #FightStroke #StrokeAwareness

You can contact me in the following methods

strokeassaulter@gmail.com

https://twitter.com/AssaulterStroke

Here are the articles I used to research this video:

Do Weighted Blankets Really Ease Sleeplessness?

https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/minding-the-body/201808/do-weighted-blankets-really-ease-sleeplessness

Use of Ball Blanket in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder sleeping problems.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20662681

Weighted Blankets and Sleep in Autistic Children—A Randomized Controlled Trial

https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/134/2/298.long

Positive Effects of a Weighted Blanket on Insomnia

https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/7b52/514a1b040f0b631168d98cfa9730cfc5a9dd.pdf

Exploring the Safety & Effectiveness of the Use of Weighted Blankets with Adult Populations

https://www.nasmhpd.org/sites/default/files/V_2_B_ChampaignWeightedBlanket.pdf

Weighted Blankets – Avoid a Tragic Mistake

https://childrensmd.org/browse-by-age-group/newborn-infants/weighted-blankets-tragic-mistake/

Blanket suffocates autistic boy in Quebec

https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2008/06/20/blanket_suffocates_autistic_boy_in_quebec.html