Therapy blankets for dementia - Improvement of sleep and reduction of anxiety through weighted blankets

Weighted blankets can reduce anxiety and inner restlessness in people with dementia and improve sleep quality. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia. One of the first symptoms of dementia is a decline in cognitive functions. Currently, there are no treatment options to slow down or stop the progression of dementia diseases. Both Alzheimer's disease and dementia cause affected adults to feel anxious and restless or suffer from sleep disorders. A weighted blanket can reduce anxiety and restlessness in affected persons in the long term. 

Weighted blankets for dementia relieve tension and promote inner calm 

Alzheimer's and dementia, in addition to the loss of language and cognitive functions, very often come with persistent anxiety, inner restlessness, and stress. Purchasing a weighted blanket or a weighted sleep mask is a simple, non-medication option that can be used day and night and can have a positive effect on sleep and anxiety. Therapy blankets promote deep sleep with adjusted weight, reduce anxiety, and calm the nerves. The weight of the blankets is noticeable when placed on the body through relaxation. The deep pressure created conveys the same signal to the brain as a loving hug. 

How do weighted blankets work for people with dementia?

A weighted blanket is a non-medication, scientifically proven alternative that can relieve anxiety through the applied weight. The heaviness of the blanket causes a so-called deep pressure therapy. When the body feels the gentle pressure, it produces serotonin. This improves mood, promotes calm, and facilitates relaxation of the body and mind. An initial American study from 2008 shows that weighted blankets are a safe and effective therapy to reduce anxiety. These results were confirmed in a later study from 2015, which found that weighted blankets can successfully reduce feelings of anxiety.

Therapy blankets for dementia

People who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's disease more often struggle with falling asleep and staying asleep than other elderly people. The disease is characterized especially in early stages by persistent inner restlessness, nervousness, and anxiety, which make everyday life difficult for those affected. A weighted blanket can help people with dementia to calm down faster and relax more easily. Additionally, sleep can be improved by a weighted sleep mask. The facial muscles are relaxed by the pleasant pressure of the mask. This effect is especially helpful when falling asleep, as muscles relax and accumulated stress can dissipate. 

How heavy should the blanket be?

The weight of the blanket depends on the weight and physical condition of the elderly person. It is recommended that the weighted blanket should be about 10% of the body weight. However, for elderly people, the blanket can also be chosen somewhat lighter. It is important that the weight is perceived as pleasant when the blanket is placed on the body. A weighted blanket serves as a cozy retreat that conveys a feeling of calm and security, which is especially important for people suffering from a disease like dementia.