Weighted Blankets like "SensaCalm"

[rsacdoolittle]

Have any of you actually used a WEIGHTED BLANKET, such as those sold by "SensaCalm" in my hometown? I've read a few of their websites, and one claims that people with Parkinson's can benefit in these ways: Helps give comfort, security and anxiety relief; provides deep pressure touch stimulation to help relieve the discomfort from joint stiffness and muscle rigidity; induces the body to produce more serotonin...which can also turn into more melatonin. Another blanket site adds that depression and anxiety associated with PD can be treated by using a weighted blanket, since the deep pressure they provide stimulates hormone production. It also says they help with sensory perception, thus giving stabilization and a better sense of one's own body. It was our daughter who suggested researching the affect of weighed blankets on people with Parkinson's, since they provide help with so many disorders and illnesses. She is a psychology major, applying for her doctorate and is currently working with people with autism... who are some of those greatly aided by these blankets (as well as weighted stuffed animals). DO YOU OR A LOVED ONE WITH PD HAVE EXPERIENCE USING A WEIGHTED BLANKET? PLEASE SHARE! Thanks so much, Sandra........p.s. How do I add tags to my post, so more people can see this and respond?

[park_bear]

The site adds tags automatically, for better or worse.

[rsacdoolittle in reply to park_bear]

Okay, thank you Park_Bear!

[Juliegrace]

I have a hard time imagining a weighted blanket would help me. I have to sleep with a fairly light-weight down comforter that allows me to move easily. I struggle with heavier covers when we travel and have experimented with various combinations at home, always going back to my smooth cotton comforter without a top sheet.

[rsacdoolittle in reply to Juliegrace]

JulieGrace, that is why most PwP say they have not tried using one. It certainly makes sense, given what you described. Thanks for responding!

[aspergerian13 in reply to Juliegrace]

Juliegrace,

Ditto!

[Enidah in reply to Juliegrace]

I second that, Juliegrace. Also I seem to be so warm all the time. Don't think I would enjoy a weighted blanket.

[Joynb]

You need to be careful that the blanket does not weigh more than 10% if your body weight. OTs warn of dangers otherwise.

[sleezy]

Parkinson's causes me to have rapid swings in body temperature, so I only use a lightweight narrow blanket that I can throw off when a heat wave hits me. When I feel a chill, I can pull the blanket back on myself. I wouldn't care for the handicap of using a weighted blanket.

[falcon946]

I have used one at physical therapy and it helps calm the movements and thus relieves some stiffness and pain in legs and arms. I have not tried sleeping with one but I can imagine maybe a nap.

[CplParkinson]

I've heard all that also. I looked into it and bought one.. I believe it helped for a bit. Then my DBS got adjusted and it was off, I hated it then. I couldn't t roll over. Nothing.

Got DBS fixed, but by that time I had it packed to move. But over all, it depends on the person. Sometimes that can help.

[Islandhappy]

Made me claustrophobic

[NRyan]

As an OT, I would hesitate to suggest one as PD is very different from Autism. I agree a lightweight blanket is needed. Although a weighted blanket can sometimes help with anxiety overall, it may create more anxiety with PD. The feelings of not being in control (motorically) is not helped via a weighted blanket. It may lead to a feeling of being more trapped or limited. It is dependent upon how each person reacts, but overall, it would not be my first suggestion. I'm surprised the blanket is being touted as a tool for PD. It is very effective in other neurological conditions such as Autism. Keep an open mind and try what seems to call to you, but don't be disappointed if it isn't a good fit. PD is so different in everyone, there is going to be a lot of trial and error.

[Hikoi]

Suggest you do a search on this site. There are other threads on this topic

[sleezy]

The description of what that blanket can do is outrageous. I suspect that the only benefit linked to the blanket is the money the seller will make from it. Parkinson's causes me to have wide variations of body temperature and I use a narrow light weight blanket and have a light weight sweater for my upper torso, both of which I can remove easily when I get too warm. I would feel trapped in that blanket!

[Hidden]

My wife bought to try for her fibromyalgia. She hated it and regretted the spend. I tried it and thought I would be better off if I left the wgt blanket and just had someone hogtie me.