Kenny Redondo's experience with therapy blankets
"Good and healthy sleep is one of the most important components of recovery as a competitive athlete.”
How did you come across the therapy blanket concept?
Before I became a dad, I had enough time to sleep. With two children, every minute of sleep is worth gold, and I have dealt more with the topic of sleep. That's how I came across therapy blankets and read several articles about them and decided to try the therapy blankets because good and healthy sleep is one of the most important components of recovery as a competitive athlete. Of course, I also exchanged ideas with player colleagues who already had experience with therapy blankets, and their feedback was consistently positive.
How do you personally experience using a weighted blanket?
At first, the weight is very unusual, especially if you frequently (because of the children) at night have to get up. However, it didn't take two weeks and the therapy blanket replaced my old sleeping blanket!
I feel very relaxed due to the weight and the pressure it creates, and it calms me down. Since then, I also sleep more peacefully and probably more deeply because you don't move as much. Also, I feel like I don't need as long to fall asleep anymore.
In your opinion, is the use of therapy blankets in sports sensible?
In my opinion, every athlete should have the therapy blanket in their bedroom. I think far too few athletes use a therapy blanket.
I think you don't have to use it daily but especially after game days or strenuous training sessions.
Where are you already successfully using therapy blankets? And where do you still see potential?
For good recovery, it is indispensable for me, so I currently use it daily. It's a pity that therapy blankets are not yet widespread in the sports field.
Your personal conclusion
I am glad I took the step and tried the therapy blanket. I have been using it daily since then and definitely fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, and feel good and rested in the morning. I don't want to give it up anymore.
Above all from a sporting perspective, it has helped me progress and I feel fresher and more rested in the mornings.