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Weighted blankets

Starbuck

I was wondering if anyone on the forums has used or currently uses a weighted blanket?

I have read that they can be very good for relieving anxiety and can even help to improve sleep, but I am a skeptic when it comes to the marketing hype.

I am interested to hear your experiences and whether you think they are worth the money as they don't come cheap!

The reason I am considering one is due to my anxiety levels being very high for a prolonged period of time now as well as having to deal with poor sleep.  I have tried medication and it hasn't agreed with me so I am getting desperate for a solution, especially as my health is starting to suffer and I am becoming very run down.

  • in reply to Starbuck

    You sound like you have a good GP :) Hope you find some relief for your anxiety to and hope you get over your virus to - it's not nice being ill for long periods of time. 

  • in reply to LimaMikeSquared

    Glad to hear you got your iron levels sorted as it can be such a simple thing to be overlooked as you found out.  I have had my bloods done recently and have had them done regularly in the past.  All levels are fine and if anything I seem to have very good folic acid levels which is apparently unusual of someone my age and gender, but there you go.

    I meditate as regularly as I can - albeit this last week was a bit hit and miss and I want to start yoga again, just need to get myself well again as I am fighting a nasty virus and infection at the moment, so not fit for much.  I have even challenged to doctor to check I am not suffering with any immunity disorders,  but everything is fine thankfully.

  • in reply to Starbuck

    I am glad it helps a little. I have also taken the 50mg nightol you get over the counter which helps me sleep I still get really groggy on it but nowhere near as bad as prescription tablets. Have you had your iron levels checked recently? I had chronic anxiety and turns out I was anemic and it was giving my heart palpitations. Not gone now my iron is normal but certainly a lot more under control. I hope you find some things that work. I find yoga with meditation good to. 

  • in reply to qwerty

    Thank you so much for this.  It's nice to know I can try one first if I reach the point where I am compelled to get one.

    I looked into making one myself as normally I am very DIY competent and will put my hand to anything - but see my previous post, sewing is just not meant for me.

  • in reply to LimaMikeSquared

    I have attempted sewing on a number of occasions and the results have been....well let's say interesting!  My partner wouldn't believe how bad I am at sewing until he witnessed my attempts first hand - his advice was to quit whilst I was ahead and I couldn't agree more!  

    I have tried Valerian root extract previously and it does help to relax me a bit if I am not too bad to start with, but I think I am a bit beyond that at the moment.  It's definitely better than medication though once the anxiety is not too bad.

  • This might be a helpful article. There are quite a few options there. And it seems that weighted blankets aren't just for kids with autism, but it can help a variety of people with anxiety and sleep problems. 

    https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/where-to-buy-weighted-blankets-for-adults-and-kids_us_5a456833e4b06d1621b7d526?guccounter=1

    I agree they are really expensive, so I haven't bought one. I quite like being under my winter duvet, and it helps relieve stress, but I can only use it when the weather isn't so hot....

    It is also possible to make one yourself, it will take more time, but it will be much less expensive. 

    Furthermore, I saw on this site that it is possible to hire one. So you can try it out for two weeks for a small price, and see how it feels before deciding whether you want to buy one or not.
    https://www.sensorydirect.com/weighted-blanket-hire-1820.html

  • I am not sure if I am allowed to post this. But if you can sew this book is on making weighted blankets and uses simple sewing techniques. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Weighted-Blankets-Vests-Scarves-Projects/dp/1940611466/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1532448992&sr=8-1&keywords=Weighted+blanket+book

    It is mainly child size projects but they can be scaled up for adults. 

    I also have badly reacted to medication, but have found valerian root extract to be useful in helping me get to sleep. 

  • in reply to Starbuck

    He is a long way from me now, but I am going to look into making one for myself. I really can not justify spending that much on one for myself.

  • in reply to Song

    Thanks Song.  I too would like to try one first to see how well they work for me due to the investment these blankets require.  Interesting that even though you found it beneficial, you still don't think it is worth the upfront cost to purchase one for yourself.  It's good that you can borrow one though should you need it. 

  • I have used a weighted blanket it helped me a lot, my nephew has one that I borrowed but as you said they cost a lot of money. I haven't spent the money for myself so I would have to say that to me it isn't worth the money even though it did help a lot.