Dinah Berger's experience with therapy blankets
"While anxieties are alleviated, the deep pressure leads to 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 blankets 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 Therapy Blankets always held one of the leading positions. Because of my educational work on Instagram regarding mental illnesses, I was also interested in the study situation on the effects, which is publicly available on the website. The positive results, such as the reduction of anxiety or improvement of sleep quality, convinced me to test the therapy blanket.
How do you perceive using a weighted blanket?
At first, I found the therapy blanket very stiff and less elastic compared to my usual duvet. The blanket weight was also initially something I had to get 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, always 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, the use of therapy blankets is especially suitable for people with mental illnesses such as anxiety disorders, depression, or trauma-related disorders. While anxieties are alleviated, the deep pressure leads to a feeling of security, which is often missing in people with trauma and can cause 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. Due to my clinical work, I see great potential in using therapy blankets in inpatient settings, such as psychiatric clinics or residential youth care facilities. The therapy blankets could be a 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 or a substitute for psychotherapy, in my view they offer many benefits for people with mental illnesses or stresses. I gladly recommend the therapy blankets but also point out that their use should always be discussed with a doctor in case of pre-existing conditions. If there are no concerns, testing them is definitely worthwhile.