Weighted blankets have soared in popularity over the past decade and they often promise better sleep. What exactly dose the evidence say and for what practical purposes can these products be useful? In this episode, we will:
- Review the nervous system pathways for perceiving touch and pressure
- Describe how pressure has a calming effect on the body via parasympathetic system activation
- Explore the origins of more widespread weighted blanket use in the autism and sensory integration communities
- Weigh the available research concerning weighted blankets and sleep/insomnia
- Discuss theories on why weighted blankets might exert their effects
- Touch upon other conditions that weighted blankets might help treat
Produced by: Maeve Winter
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Thanks for listening and sleep well!