In discussions with colleagues, we considered whether there are ways to additionally stimulate or down-regulate our patients on a somatic level, as a supplement or support to our cognitive work. This led us to these truly practical therapy blankets.

When doing relaxation and imagination exercises, I find it very helpful to be able to offer patients a weighted blanket. Due to the pleasant pressure on the body, patients who are often overstimulated can down-regulate more quickly. I find it particularly helpful in my work with trauma, ADHD, or sensory integration disorder. Down-regulating the autonomic nervous system, because it is permanently overstimulated, is a primary goal of therapy, especially in stabilization work. Here, the blankets also provide support through their feel and pleasant warmth, creating a feeling of safety and security.
Weighted blankets and collars can also be used outside the medical field, for example, in kindergartens during circle time to increase concentration in class, and for any form of sleep problems due to restlessness.

It is important that the weighted blanket feels individually suitable for the patient. In my experience, if it is too heavy or too light, it can increase physical restlessness or lead to an uncomfortable feeling of pressure. It is simply wonderful to see how quickly the patient's motor restlessness subsides after a short time. Experience shows that a training effect occurs: the more frequently the blankets are used, the faster the body calms down. Children, in particular, demand the blanket themselves after repeated use, when they need it. It is wonderful to see how intuitively even the youngest patients (2-5 years old) use weighted blankets, or reject them on days when they don't need them.