Exploring the Safety and Therapeutic Effects of Deep Pressure Stimulation Using a Weighted Blanket

Maybe you could use these to reduce your anxiety about never getting back to 100% recovery. I bet this would also be good for extra sensation, An extra 8-10 hours of therapy where you do nothing but sleep and get weighted down.  I do wonder if these would stay in place as I try to change positions during the night? I have major trouble keeping my covers over my affected side as I move. This is commonly used for autistic kids. I bet it might work in PTSD. But don't do this dangerous therapy without your doctors prescription.This could easily become  a standard part of the enriched environment as talked about by Dr. Dale Corbett in 2011.

Exploring the Safety and Therapeutic Effects of Deep Pressure Stimulation Using a Weighted Blanket

Brian Mullen BS , Tina Champagne MEd, OTR/L , Sundar Krishnamurty PhD , Debra Dickson APRN, BC & Robert X. Gao PhD

Pages 65-89 | Received 03 May 2006, Accepted 08 Dec 2006, Published online: 08 Sep 2008

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• http://dx.doi.org/10.1300/J004v24n01_05

Abstract

This paper presents the results of a concurrent, nested, mixed methods exploratory study on the safety and effectiveness of the use of a 30 lb weighted blanket with a convenience sample of 32 adults. Safety is investigated measuring blood pressure, pulse rate, and pulse oximetry, and effectiveness by electrodermal activity (EDA), the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-10 and an exit survey. The results reveal that the use of the 30 lb weighted blanket, in the lying down position, is safe as evidenced by the vital sign metrics. Data obtained on effectiveness reveal 33% demonstrated lowering in EDA when using the weighted blanket, 63% reported lower anxiety after use, and 78% preferred the weighted blanket as a calming modality. The results of this study will be used to form the basis for subsequent research on the therapeutic influence of the weighted blanket with adults during an acute inpatient mental health admission.