Content:
1. Weighted blanket - what is it?
2. Weighted blanket - properties and work.
3. Weighted blanket - exercises for sensory integration.
4. The right choice of a weighted blanket for a child.
Weighted blanket - what is it?
A weighted blanket, also known as a sensory blanket, is visually no different than any other blanket. You can see, or rather feel, the difference when you hold the blanket in your hand. Unlike an ordinary down blanket, this sensory one is filled with glass granules or natural oval-shaped gravel that has been washed and burned several times. The filler is imperceptible to the touch, and the fabric that covers it is pleasant and soft, usually smooth cotton, silk or fabric with a mixture of linen. The weight of a properly selected down blanket is evenly distributed and creates soft pressure on the body - pressure with a wonderful effect.
Weighted blanket - properties and work
With gentle pressure, the sensory blanket affects the proprioceptive system * , increasing control over one's body, reactions and thoughts. A weighted blanket stimulates body receptors responsible for awareness of the body's position in space, as well as body parts in relation to each other. The weight that the blanket gives us provides better coordination and a more effective response to stimuli. It also plays a role in the secretion of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for the well-being and functioning of the mind. By affecting the activity of the nervous system, the sensory blanket provides a sense of inner peace and security, makes it easier to fall asleep, and also provides a calm, deep sleep - so important for children who are constantly growing.
Weighted blankets are an excellent addition to rehabilitation and physical therapy, recommended especially in the treatment of ADHD, hyperactivity syndrome, Down syndrome, Asperger's, autism, in the therapy of coordination disorders or excessive sensitivity of children to external stimuli.
Weighted blanket - sensory integration exercises
The sensory blanket affects the deep sensory system, the receptors of which are located in the muscles, joints, tendons, ears and eyes to transmit information to the brain. The deep sensory system responds to our awareness of our own body, regardless of whether we are sitting, lying down, or standing. It is also responsible for precise movements, even without the intervention of vision, thanks to which we correctly locate ourselves and function in space.
Sensory awareness develops in children up to 7 years of age, when the process of brain plasticity is greatest. Unfortunately, many young people have sensory integration disorders, which in later years leads to difficulties in functioning among people and a subsequent lack of self-acceptance and self-satisfaction.
A weighted blanket stimulates a deep sensation, in therapy it is used in many exercises.
One of them is the so-called pancake game, in which the child is wrapped in a blanket for the therapist to apply pressure by placing a ball on top of the child for the child to absorb this pressure, used around the shoulder, hip and knee joints.
A sensory blanket can also help to focus, for example, while doing homework - the folded blanket should be placed on the lap, then the child can put a book or notebook on it.
A weighted blanket also has a relieving effect on chronic pain - its weight spreads locally attacking pain over a larger area of the body, making the unpleasant sensation much less intense and easier to bear.
The blanket is extremely useful for depressive disorders, mania and anxiety neuroses or generalized anxiety disorder. The blanket helps calm the trembling body, relax tense muscles, calm negative thoughts, inner anxiety and reduce the level of imaginary anxiety.
Choosing the right weighted blanket for a child
A sensory blanket for a child should be selected with the help of a specialist.
An incorrectly selected product will not fulfill its role and will cause discomfort to a small user. In order for the sensory blanket to be effective, it should be selected correctly according to the weight and height of the child - its weight should be about 10-15% of the body weight and it should be about 20 cm longer than the height of the child. Too light a blanket will not bring the expected effect, and too heavy can stimulate the receptors too intensively.
The sensory blanket supports the proper functioning of the child, is extremely effective in the development of sensory integration, supports therapy, eliminates anxiety, provides a sense of security and inner peace.
You can buy a weighted blanket for a child in our online store.
Weighting blanket for a child, help in therapy.
A complete set of products for sensory integration can be found in the Mental.ua online store
* proprioceptive system - in other words, the system of deep feeling, responsible for the feeling of one's own body and its position in space.
