(Just to be very open about things. There are a couple of affiliate links in this post about the weighted blanket. So, if you were to click on them and buy something, then I would earn a little something. Many thanks, if you happen to do that).
The discovery of using a weighted blanket as a soothing method for neurodivergent conditions like autism and ADHD grew out of the broader exploration called sensory integration therapy, a field that looks at how individuals respond to sensory stimuli and how that can have an effect their behavior and emotional well-being.
Origins Within Sensory Integration Therapy
Sensory integration therapy was first developed in the 1970s by occupational therapist Dr. A. Jean Ayres. She had a theory that some children, particularly those with autism or ADHD, were having difficulties processing sensory information, which would lead them to experience overstimulation or under-responsiveness. These could then manifest as anxiety, difficulty concentrating, or other behavioral issues. Dr. Ayres’ work laid the foundation for understanding how sensory experiences, such as touch, sound, and movement, can affect the nervous system.
Deep Pressure Stimulation and Its Effects
One of the key concepts that emerged from sensory integration therapy is deep pressure stimulation (DPS). DPS is all about applying firm but gentle pressure to someone’s body. This has been demonstrated to have a calming effect on a person’s nervous system.The belief is that this works by engaging the parasympathetic nervous system, which works against the fight-or-flight response, leading to better relaxation and a sense of security.
When they were first figuring out DPS, researchers tried various methods, including – would you believe it? – squeezing machines, massage therapy, and swaddling techniques, to deliver deep pressure. One notable early innovation was the “hug machine”, which sounds so lovely and wonderful, or “squeeze machine,” developed by Dr. Temple Grandin, a prominent scientist and autism advocate who herself is autistic. In fact Dr. Grandin created the squeeze machine to help alleviate her own anxiety by applying controlled pressure. Her invention clearly showed how deep pressure could reduce anxiety and improve focus, particularly for individuals with autism.
The Emergence of the Weighted Blanket
After all that was found out in the research for DPS, weighted blankets were introduced as a simpler, more accessible method for providing deep pressure. It’s not quite clear how the weighted blanket became a therapeutic tool, but it grew in popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s, especially among occupational therapists working with neurodivergent children.
Weighted blankets can be filled with materials like glass beads, ceramic beads or plastic pellets to make them heavier than regular blankets. When you drape them over your body, the blanket gives you an even pressure across your body, which can give you the feeling of being held or hugged, and what could be nicer than that? This sensation can indeed trigger the release of serotonin, which is the neurotransmitter that is all about feelings of well-being, and can also reduce your levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Because of all that, these wonderful weighted blankets can help calm your mind and body, improving your sleep, reducing your anxiety, and increasing your focus.
Scientific Studies and Broader Acceptance of the Weighted Blanket
As the anecdotal evidence of the benefits of weighted blankets grew bigger, researchers decided to study their effects properly. There have been many studies that have now shown that weighted blankets can help people with autism, ADHD, anxiety disorders, and even insomnia. For instance, a 2015 study published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders found out that participants using weighted blankets were having better sleep quality, and were feeling more refreshed in the morning, and had reduced anxiety levels.
While there will need to be more research to fully understand how the mechanisms work and optimal uses of weighted blankets, the acceptance is growing for them as a therapeutic tool. Today, they are widely used not only in therapeutic settings but also by the general public seeking natural methods to reduce their stress and improve their sleep.
Conclusion
Knowledge about the help and support that the weighted blanked can provide people, neurodivergent and otherwise has grown out of the principles of sensory integration therapy and the discovery of the calming effects of deep pressure stimulation. Over that time, the weighted blanket has become a popular and effective tool for helping individuals manage anxiety, improve focus, and achieve better sleep.