To think weighted blankets are restricting and uncomfortable

[Mossim]

So I jumped on the fad and got a weighted blanket. One of those filled with glass beads. I got the heaviest one I could find. However I don’t understand the rave reviews they receive. It’s like being crushed as you sleep! am I doing something wrong? Is it meant to be comfortable??

DS has low functioning autism and often gets really manic. His weighted blanket calms him down significantly.

What would Be the right weight for a teen who weighs about 8 stone.

My DCs like them (one has ASD)
I find it soothing if my legs are tired.

Not being very thermal, sometimes it's nice to have the bulk without the additonal insulation.

It entirely depends on what you like. I'm autistic, I despise them. But I knew I would, I hate being touched.

I think a good way to know if it's for you is by working out how you like your clothes and bedding. When you're in bed do you wrap yourself tightly in your quilt. Do you like padded close fitting clothes and coats. Or do you like loose clothing, hate padded coats and like the quilt to lightly rest on top of you?

I wear loose clothes and cannot stand them Michelin man coats. I actually take the quilt out of some hotel duvet covers because they're too heavy. I hate feeling like I can't move.

Maximum of around 10 pounds in weight but again that’s from a recommended safe use perspective rather than effective weight.

This

So you got one because it was trendy, without doing any research or thinking why you might want one? 😂
Do you have a house full of discarded Amazon impulse buys? A Peleton?

You shouldn't use one if you have asthma or sleep apnoea. I was going to get one for my husband but read that on the John Lewis site so didn't.

I got one because I'm a terrible sleeper and heard they can help people with ASD (which I am, along with ADHD). I hated it. My body wanted to fight it off. My anxiety went through the roof. Now it lives at the bottom of my bed and just covers my feet when I'm lying on top of the bed so the monsters don't bite my toes off.

I wouldn't like one. I hate having any weight on me when I am sleeping/trying to sleep. But as some pps have said, people have them for a reason, and some people get on with them. YABU to state they are restrictive and uncomfortable for everyone @Mossim

I have ADHD and loads of sensory issues plus sleep issues so bought one to try. It's fine but I don't find it relaxing or calming particularly and it didn't help me sleep. So it was relegated to the blanket box. I may dig it out and give it one more try....

YANBU to not like something. How bizarre to think you are. Or were you just trying to get the post in AIBU?
I don't like bananas. That's neither reasonable nor unreasonable. Its just my personal dislike.

However YABU to have "jumped on the fad". They aren't a fashion accessory. Did you have trouble sleeping before? Did you actually research them?

I love mine. Well I did until DS1 pinched it. I might have to buy him his own for Christmas. It makes me feel so much calmer and I sleep so much better. But not everyone likes them. And that's fine!

It all depends on your sensory profile. If you are a seeker of deep proprioception they work. If you are not, they don't.

They are a sensory aid that's become popular without people understanding the reasons behind their use.

Proprioception is very interesting. It actually is the 6th sense. I wish we knew more about it.

The weighted blanket thing is interesting. Why people with no sensory differences think they need one? Can we make clothes with no labels, seams, weird bits or bumps of any kind cool? That would really help DD. TIA.

I don’t have any sensory issues at all, and I love mine

I love mine. It makes me feel so settled and relaxed.

I'm the same. I can tolerate a sheet or a light duvet but add a blanket and I feel trapped.

I don't have autism and I hate being touched. I got one a few years back after a week of particularly bad insomnia, I did lots of research which recommended them for sleep issues, nowhere did it say they are only for people with sensory issues so I apologise MrsTerryPratchett for my terrible faux pas.

The first few nights were uncomfortable but when I got used to it... It's amazing. Not cured my insomnia but sometimes I can be asleep within minutes - before, I never dreamt (no pun intended) that I'd ever be able to get to sleep in less than an hour.

But if you don't like it then you don't like it. Horses for courses innit.

I wish they would make one that purrs.

Everyone has a sensory system that integrates and modulates sensory input. We all have sensory “needs” to an extent but some people have more difficulty than others.
true that weighted blankets were designed with people with sensory dysfunction in mind but doesn’t mean others can’t find them useful.

Its a shame they’ve become a fad without information on how they work but certainly not “only” useful for people with sensory processing disorders.

I'm autistic and I love mine. I don't use it all the time though, only if I'm feeling especially overwhelmed and anxious.

I have cptsd and I was in two minds. I thought the weight on me might be triggering. But actually like another poster says, I feel grounded instead. I love mine. But I don’t sleep under it.

DD loves hers.
DH felt panicky having it draped over his legs!
They're very 'marmite'

They're very 'marmite'

I think it's this - I got the right weight for weight but it's been a mixed response from kids and DH.

They should be between 5% and 12% of your body weight. We worked with my adult son’s Occupational Therapist and figured out 5% worked best for him. He sleeps better with it. He also has a weighted pillow which he has on his lap when sitting which really helps. Before we bought it he’d sleep in a sleeping bag that he stuffed with anything he could find, pillows, cuddly toys etc.