Study (2015): Safety and effectiveness of weighted blankets for people with mental illnesses
This exploratory pilot study examined the safety and effectiveness of the standardized application of a nearly 14 kg weighted blanket in 30 adults with mental illnesses. Blood pressure, pulse rate, and pulse oximetry were monitored without and with weighted blankets to ensure participant safety. The effectiveness of anxiety reduction was measured using a self-assessed anxiety scale from 0-10 (STAI-10) and electrodermal activity measurements (EDA). Statistically, no differences were found between the study groups. However, participants' self-assessments suggest that 60% experienced a significant reduction in anxiety through the use of a weighted blanket.
This study confirms the results of previous studies that indicated the use of a weighted blanket was 100% safe and effective for 60% of participants. These results provide an initial basis for further investigation of safety and efficacy variables in the use of weighted blankets in the treatment of adults with mental illnesses.
Source:
Champagne, T.T., Mullen, B., Dickson, D.A., & Krishnamurty, S. (2015). Evaluating the Safety and Effectiveness of the Weighted Blanket With Adults During an Inpatient Mental Health Hospitalization. Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, 31, 211 - 233.