Sliced Bread Weighted Blankets
4 snips
Oct 12, 2023 Kim Griffin, an independent occupational therapist, and Paul Greengrass, a pediatric sleep medicine professor, dive into the world of weighted blankets. They discuss how these popular products claim to enhance sleep and alleviate anxiety. Griffin explains the science behind 'deep touch' stimulation, while Greengrass shares insights from his research on children with autism. They tackle common concerns about safety and effectiveness, especially for youth, making the case for informed use in various demographics.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Origin of Weighted Blankets
- Dr. Temple Grandin, an animal behaviorist, found comfort in the compressive feeling of a cattle chute.
- This inspired her to create the "hug machine," a precursor to weighted blankets.
Deep Touch Pressure and the Nervous System
- Deep touch pressure may activate the parasympathetic nervous system.
- This system promotes relaxation and rest, counteracting the fight-or-flight response.
Choosing the Right Weight
- Choose a weighted blanket that is approximately 10% of your body weight.
- This ensures it's heavy enough to be effective but not too heavy to restrict movement or breathing.