Do weighted blankets help reduce anxiety?
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The Efficacy of Weighted Blankets in Reducing Anxiety
Introduction to Weighted Blankets and Anxiety
Weighted blankets have gained popularity as a non-pharmacological intervention for managing anxiety. These blankets, which are filled with materials to add weight, provide deep pressure stimulation (DPS) that is believed to have a calming effect on the nervous system. This article synthesizes current research on the effectiveness of weighted blankets in reducing anxiety across various populations.
Weighted Blankets in Psychiatric Settings
Inpatient Mental Health Facilities
Several studies have explored the use of weighted blankets in psychiatric settings. One study conducted in an inpatient mental health facility found that patients who used weighted blankets experienced a significant reduction in anxiety, as measured by the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and pulse rates. Another study confirmed these findings, showing that 60% of patients had a significant reduction in anxiety when using a 30-pound weighted blanket, as indicated by the STAI-10 and self-rating scales. These results suggest that weighted blankets can be a safe and effective tool for managing anxiety in psychiatric patients.
Emergency Departments
A pilot study in an emergency department setting also demonstrated the potential benefits of weighted blankets. Patients with preexisting psychiatric diagnoses who used a 15-pound weighted blanket for 15 to 30 minutes showed a greater decrease in anxiety and anger scores compared to those who did not use the blanket. Although the sample size was small, the findings support the use of weighted blankets as a calming intervention in high-stress environments.
Weighted Blankets for Specific Patient Populations
Eating Disorders
A randomized controlled trial investigated the impact of weighted blankets on patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and avoidant-restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID). While the decrease in anxiety scores was not statistically significant, the study suggested that weighted blankets could be a beneficial non-pharmacological option when used alongside occupational therapy.
Chemotherapy Patients
Patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience high levels of anxiety. A study assessing the use of weighted blankets during chemotherapy infusions found that patients reported reduced anxiety when using the blankets. This suggests that weighted blankets can be a useful tool for alleviating anxiety in medical settings.
Trauma Patients
In a study involving trauma patients, those who used weighted blankets for five consecutive days reported less pain and anxiety compared to a control group. The intervention group also showed a significant reduction in opioid use, indicating that weighted blankets may help manage both pain and anxiety in trauma patients.
Mechanisms and Broader Implications
Hormonal Effects
Research has begun to explore the physiological mechanisms behind the anxiety-reducing effects of weighted blankets. One study found that using a weighted blanket at bedtime resulted in a significant increase in melatonin levels, a hormone associated with sleep and relaxation. This hormonal change may contribute to the calming effects of weighted blankets.
Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses
A systematic review of the literature on weighted blankets concluded that while there is potential for these blankets to reduce anxiety, more research is needed to establish clear guidelines for their use. The review highlighted the need for larger, more diverse studies to better understand the effectiveness and mechanisms of weighted blankets.
Conclusion
The current body of research suggests that weighted blankets can be an effective tool for reducing anxiety in various settings and populations. From psychiatric facilities to chemotherapy infusion centers, these blankets offer a non-pharmacological option for managing anxiety. However, further research is needed to fully understand their benefits and to develop standardized guidelines for their use.
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