Dinah Berger's experience with therapy blankets
"While anxieties are alleviated, the deep pressure creates a feeling of security, which is often missing in people with trauma and can lead to difficulties falling and staying asleep."
How did you come across the therapy blanket concept?
I first came across therapy blankets by chance due to depression and sleep disorders and initially read many reviews about weighted blankets, in which the therapy blankets from Therapiedecken.de consistently ranked among the top. Because of my educational work on Instagram regarding mental illnesses, I was also interested in the studies on the effects, which are publicly available on the website. The positive results, such as the reduction of anxiety or improvement in sleep quality, convinced me to try the therapy blanket.
How do you find using a weighted blanket?
At first, I found the therapy blanket very stiff and less elastic compared to my regular duvet. The weight of the blanket also took some getting used to. But after just a few days, my body adjusted to the therapy blanket. I felt more comfortable and secure when falling asleep, and my sleep duration noticeably increased. Thanks to the balancing technique, there is no rustling, and the deep pressure is evenly distributed over the entire body, which I find very pleasant. Today, I regularly sleep with the therapy blanket, alternating with short breaks to enhance the effect.
In which medical fields do you think the use of therapy blankets is sensible?
In my opinion, therapy blankets are especially suitable for people with mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, depression, or trauma-related disorders. While anxieties are alleviated, the deep pressure creates a feeling of security, which is often missing in people with trauma and can lead to difficulties falling and staying asleep. Through my Instagram account @erklaerungsnot, where I occasionally recommend therapy blankets, I regularly receive personal feedback from affected individuals confirming these positive effects. Based on my clinical work, I see great potential in using therapy blankets in inpatient settings, such as psychiatric clinics or residential youth care facilities. Therapy blankets could provide valuable support for stabilization during challenging therapy periods.
Your conclusion from a personal or medical perspective
Although therapy blankets are not a natural problem solver and not a substitute for psychotherapy, in my view they offer many benefits for people with mental illnesses or stress. I gladly recommend therapy blankets but also point out that their use should always be discussed with a doctor beforehand if there is a pre-existing condition. If there are no concerns, testing them is definitely worthwhile.