Weighted Blankets for Dementia Improve Sleep and Reduce Anxiety

Weighted blankets for dementia promote calm

Alzheimer’s disease and dementia often cause older adults to feel agitated, anxious, or have disturbed sleep.

A weighted blanket or lap pad is a simple, non-drug option that can be used day or night.

They promote deep sleep, reduce anxiety, calm nerves, and provide comfort.

We explain how weighted blankets and lap pads help seniors with dementia, suggest weighted blankets to buy, and share DIY tutorials for making your own.

Why do weighted blankets for dementia work?

Weighted blankets for dementia may sound silly, but they’ve been scientifically proven to relieve anxiety.

The heaviness of the blanket provides something called deep pressure therapy.

When the body feels the gentle pressure, it produces serotonin. That improves mood and promotes calm.

Studies show that weighted blankets are a safe and effective therapy for decreasing anxiety, reducing chronic pain, improving sleep in dementia, and improving sleep and well-being among nursing home residents.

 

What many weighted blankets look like

 

Use a weighted blanket day or night

A weighted blanket for deep pressure therapy can be used anytime – day or night.

If your older adult wakes frequently during the night, consider a weighted blanket that covers their body. The blanket will help them relax and improve sleep quality.

If your older adult is anxious or agitated during the day, use a weighted lap pad for the same calming and soothing effect in a more convenient, compact size.

 

Certain health issues may make weighted blankets unsafe

Since many older adults have serious medical conditions, it’s important to ask their doctor if a weighted blanket is safe for them to use.

People with respiratory, circulatory, or temperature regulation problems may not be able to safely use a weighted blanket or lap pad.

They may also not be safe if your older adult is in recovery from surgery.

How heavy should the blanket be?

The weight of the blanket depends on your older adult’s weight and physical condition.

The usual guideline is that a blanket should be about 5 – 10% of your older adult’s body weight.

Many adults will be comfortable with a blanket weighing 10 to 30 pounds, depending on their size.

If they’re frail, you may want to be extra cautious and use a lower weight.

And since lap pads cover a smaller area, the typical weight is about 2 to 5 pounds.

 

Where to buy a weighted blanket or lap pad

Note: weighted blankets are sized to fit the user, not the bed. Get size guidelines here.

1. Affordable weighted blanket options

• $36 5lb Weighted Blanket – Cotton and Minky Dots – 5 lbs, 36 x 48 inches
• $42 Hug Bud Weighted Blanket – 12 lbs, 48 x 72 inches
• $25 (plus 10% off coupon) ZZZhen Weighted Blanket – 15 lbs, 48 x 72 inches
• $30 (plus 5% off coupon) YnM Weighted Blanket – 15 lbs, 48 x 72 inches
• $37 (plus $10 off coupon) Weighted Idea Cooling Weighted Blanket – 15 lbs, 48 x 72 inches
• $42 (plus $4 off coupon) Hypnoser Adult Weighted Blanket – 20 lbs, 60 x 80 inches
• $80 Weighted Blanket – 25 lbs, 60 x 80 inches

2. $25 – 500 SensaCalm weighted blankets and lap pads

• Blankets, lap pads, shoulder wraps, and other weighted products
• Weights from 1.5 – 40 pounds
• Prices from $25 – 500, based on size, weight, and fabric
• Choose from a variety of fabric colors, textures, and patterns
• Browse the SensaCalm website

3. $38 – 296 Sommerfly weighted blankets

• Blankets, lap pads, vests, shoulder wraps, and other weighted products
• Blankets have a curved cut-out at top for the neck
• Weights from 1 – 25 pounds
• Prices from $38 – 296, based on size and weight
• Customization available on the Sommerfly website
• This waterproof, wipe-clean weighted blanket might be helpful for someone living with incontinence

 

Make your own DIY weighted lap pad or blanket

If you enjoy crafts or sewing, you can easily make your own weighted lap pad or blanket. We’ve rounded up 3 helpful free online tutorials.

Use the tutorials as a guideline and customize the size, weight, filler material, and fabric to suit your older adult’s needs.

The most important thing to remember is to divide the filler weight evenly across the entire blanket.

If you use rice or beans for the filling instead of plastic pellets, make sure to have a removable outer cover so you can wash it.

Using plastic pellets as filler makes the whole blanket washable, but the pellets are more expensive than rice or beans.

Note: Weighted blankets are sized to fit the user, not the bed. See size guidelines here.

1. No-sew weighted lap pad
This is a good tutorial for an easy, no-sew weighted lap pad that has the added bonus of a sequined cover that provides additional sensory stimulation.

You could easily substitute a plain fabric pillow cover or attach fidget items to keep restless hands occupied. See the tutorial

2. No-sew weighted lap pad or blanket
This tutorial shows how to make a no-sew weighted lap pad or blanket. The size is flexible, make it as large or small as you like.

The tutorial uses rice to fill the bags, but you could use other filler materials like beans or plastic pellets. See the tutorial part 1 and part 2

3. Simple weighted lap pad or blanket (sewing required)
This video tutorial clearly walks through each step of sewing a weighted lap pad or blanket in whatever size that will work for your older adult.

We especially like that the video shares tips to help you avoid problems like broken needles, how to keep the heavy blanket supported as you sew, and more.

This woman chose to make her blanket with non-weighted pockets down the sides and with stuffing.

Feel free to customize your blanket to your older adult’s preference. You could follow her directions exactly, not use any stuffing for a flatter blanket, or add weight to every single pocket. See the tutorial

 

Recommended for you:

• 5 Tips to Improve Sleep in Dementia
• 7 Ways to Reduce Dementia Sundowning Symptoms
• Solve Challenging Alzheimer’s Behaviors with Expert Communication Tips

 

By DailyCaring Editorial Team

 

This article reflects prices at publication, but prices and availability may change. This article wasn’t sponsored, but does contain affiliate links. We never link to products or services for the sole purpose of making a commission. Recommendations are based on our honest opinions. For more information, see How We Make Money.

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