Autism weighted blanket: a feeling of calm by stimulating the proprioceptive sense Weighted blankets stand out from other models of blankets on sale in the trade because of their rather massive structure.
Indeed, they generally weigh between 5 and 25 kg; this is because of their composition of microbeads (plastic or glass).
This weight, far from being a disadvantage, is an asset that users use to sleep better on a daily basis. People with proprioception-related sensory disorders also particularly enjoy the heaviness of these duvets.
In this article, I tell you about the benefits of autism-weighted blankets.
Also, read: How to choose a weighted blanket?
Let’s go.
Autism Weighted Blanket: To Access Better Quality Sleep
According to the CDC, autism is diagnosed in around 1 in 36 children in the United States as of 2023.
In view of these figures, we can conclude that people suffering from autism constitute a significant part of the US population.
Autism is defined as a particular sensory and perceptual functioning system that induces serious behavioral problems in the person concerned.
These disorders are much more exacerbated in children who have no means of verbal communication to express their sensory difficulties.
If this particular mode of functioning manifests itself differently depending on the person and is expressed with varying intensities, we generally observe similarities at the time of diagnosis.
Indeed, most autistic people have an increased sensitivity, but also a vestibular system (associated with balance and the sensation of movement) and a proprioceptive system (perception of the body) different from so-called neurotypical people.
Thus, faced with stimulation (internal or external), an autistic person will tend to develop either hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity:
– to sound,
– in the light,
– touch.
Sleeping is, therefore, a real challenge for autistic people.
At the root of the sleep disorders recorded in a person suffering from autism, is an inability to concentrate on his physical sensations.
To combat this phenomenon, sleep specialists recommend that their patients use a weighted blanket.
What better than a heavy duvet to stimulate the proprioceptive sense?
Thanks to its soothing and calming properties, it is easily integrated into sensory integration therapies.
In use, the user benefits from maximum comfort; which allows him to access better quality sleep.
Benefits From Deep Pressure At Bedtime With Weighted Blankets For People With Autism
Deep Pressure Touch, Autistic Child
In fact, the thicker a blanket, the less likely one is to experience comfort.
But, in the case of a weighted blanket, it is quite common to establish a link between the comfort of use and the density of the weighted duvet.
Indeed, for an optimal grip, you must make sure you get a model that corresponds to 10% of your body mass.
By acquiring the ideal model, you can therefore be sure to enjoy all the benefits of the sensory duvet. Thus, health specialists recommend its use for patients with autism who also have sleep disorders.
The main purpose of the weighted duvet is to support the position of specialists and other therapists. Indeed, it was designed to exert deep pressure on the body of the sleeper.
To understand its manifestation, it is necessary to refer to the manufacturing technology that is used.
In fact, it is the microbeads, whether plastic or glass, contained in the duvet that prepare the body for falling asleep by subjecting it to special conditioning.
How does this translate into everyday life?
These microbeads provide additional proprioceptive information thanks to the pressure exerted on the muscles, tendons, joints, and all, sensory receptors.
This technique is called “Deep Touch Pressure”.
Through this activity, sensory-seeking behaviors are reduced. Thus, people who need full-body sensory stimulation will be completely comfortable in a weighted blanket because of the body awareness (or proprioception) it induces.
If the action of microbeads promotes sleep in hypersensitive patients, it also helps to reduce hyperactivity in hypersensitive people.
This allows them to concentrate better before completing a task.
Wakeup Serenity Weighted Blanket: Ideal For People With Autism?
In the trade, there are several brands of weighted blankets. If this variety can sometimes be a source of embarrassment, it still has the advantage of offering choices to the user.
He can thus opt for a given model according to his specific expectations. However, there is reason to be cautious.
Some models offer fewer warranties than others. We are simply less comfortable there; which has the effect of delaying sleep.
A weighted blanket made with higher-quality materials is likely to provide the sleeper with much more daily satisfaction.
Thus, people with autism, in search of sensory stimulation, have every interest in seeking high-end models.
The Wakeup Serenity is the weighted blanket you need to experience a different way of falling asleep. How does this weighted comforter stand out from the rest?
The difference with other models appears in the manufacturing process.
This is a “Made in USA” model.
The Wakeup Serenity duvet has two sides:
one in jersey (100% OEKO TEX cotton),
– the other in minky.
Thus, the sleeper is cool during hot weather and can just as well keep warm in winter.
Ultimately, sensory blankets provide the user with maximum sensation, unlike conventional duvets.
Thus, they are perfectly adapted for people with autism.
Conclusion
The latter, whatever their profile (child, teenager, or adult), will find the comfort they need and will be able to very quickly refocus on their physical sensations to achieve sleep.
I have an extended article stating: Study Shows That Weighted Blankets Can Reduce The Severity Of Insomnia