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Original poster

Weighted Blanket

30 replies

Aginplease · 04/05/2020 08:45

I am suffering with anxiety, well at least I think it is, my shoulders are aching, clenching my jaw and headaches.
I've tried sertraline before and although it worked, I'm keen to try something more natural.
Has anyone used a weighted Blanket?
Do they help? I keep seeing that they say good for anxiety etc... Thanks

OP posts:
GeraltOfRivia · 04/05/2020 08:57

We bought one for my daughter as she's been struggling with lockdown and anxiety. It's stopped her sobbing every night. I wouldn't say it's a cure all, she's still struggling with sleep, but she's calmer and more relaxed.

Original poster
Aginplease · 04/05/2020 09:13

@GeraltOfRivia thank you

OP posts:
UserDeleted · 04/05/2020 12:37

I got a weighted blanket just yesterday! I don’t know if it was the placebo effect or if it really is that good but I fell asleep within a couple of minutes. I haven’t done that in the past 20 years!

My 12 year old tried it out during the day, he doesn’t have a need for one, but still found it very comforting and nows wants one of his own.

SquashedFlyBiscuit · 04/05/2020 12:39

I really want one (for me and one for my asd daughter) but they're so different and so expensive I dont want to get it "wrong."

AgnesNaismith · 04/05/2020 12:41

Yes, I love mine. I was going to buy one for daytime sofa naps but DH expressed an interest so we got one for the bed. It’s definitely made a difference.

I’d also say magnesium (not Epsom) salt baths and listening to podcasts before bed instead of the tv has helped. Hope you feel better soon.

Tableclothing · 04/05/2020 12:42

It helped me sleep when the anxiety was bad. Sometimes I'd lie in bed not being sure which way was up and feeling like I might drift loose from the planet (3 a.m. brain) and the blanket anchors you. I guess it's basically a swaddle for grownups.

PintOfBovril · 04/05/2020 12:44

I have one for anxiety and it also helps my restless leg syndrome. There’s a deal on groupon at the moment for the same one I have and I paid double!

Tableclothing · 04/05/2020 12:45

I really want one (for me and one for my asd daughter) but they're so different and so expensive I dont want to get it "wrong."

You need a washable cover on it, and one where the beads are sewn into fairly small pockets. Although mine did help, the pockets were pretty big (8-9 inches square, maybe?) and some of the beads would effectively slide off me, which was annoying.

SquashedFlyBiscuit · 04/05/2020 12:50

Ooh pint is yours good?

There's a way to work out the weight too isnt there, and Im obese so worried mine would be too heavy. And my duaghters one not heavy wnough if she grows i may be overthinking this, but we are low income its a lot of money. And scared to get it wrong.

UserDeleted · 04/05/2020 13:37

I couldn’t afford anything but the cheapest ones so I got this one. It links to Amazon.

The reviews were good so I took a chance and was glad I did. Its excellent quality. Doesn't feel cheap, its stitched together perfectly, and feels nice against skin. No cover but at that price I wasn’t expecting one. It's such a gamble buying brands you've never heard of but this one is great.

I'll probably make a cover for it myself.

UserDeleted · 04/05/2020 13:41

Those Groupon ones are so cheap! Is there any way to see reviews? Or do you just have to take a chance?

Bluewavescrashing · 04/05/2020 13:42

I wanted one of these but decided against it as I have chronic pain. Some people have reported increased pain when using the weighted blankets.

In the end I bought a heated throw instead which is great. Very comforting, I have terrible circulation and it's lovely to snuggle under.

Original poster
Aginplease · 04/05/2020 14:23

@AgnesNaismith thanks, I've been thinking of magnesium tablets, to help with headaches, so will try some in the bath too. I always read at bedtime, never have a problem sleeping. I just wake up with a bad neck and sore jaw and head, which then lasts all day, I don't want to rely on painrelief.

Thanks everyone, I'm tempted with the blankets after your replies.

OP posts:
nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut · 04/05/2020 14:45

Do you side sleep and if you do, have you tried packing your neck with a beanbag? I have those symptoms and often I find relief from getting this little microwave hot water bottle filled with beans, rolling it into a sausage shape and wedging it between my neck and shoulder on the side I'm lying on. It supports my neck and applies pressure to the muscles that are aching and under my jawline, feels quite nice.

Original poster
Aginplease · 04/05/2020 14:56

@nothingcanhurtmewithmyeyesshut, i do side sleep and sleep on my stomach. I have some heat patches here, I'll try one later, I have a wheat pillow (somewhere) I think, i will give that a go. Thanks

OP posts:
PilatesPeach · 04/05/2020 15:00

I got one from QVC at Xmas - it had a 30 day returns policy - I couldn't get on with it at all felt like it was too heavy and I was being smothered and held down. It was only 7kg - plenty are heavier but it was too much for me.

mommybear1 · 04/05/2020 15:13

We got one yesterday from Kalm Koala for my DS who is a terrible sleeper you can put in your weight and it will tell you the best weight for you and it has a size guide. We only used it last night but DS finally managed more than 3 hours sleep! It remains to be seen if this is a one off!!

littlemeitslyn · 04/05/2020 15:18

Anyone nearby can have mine (Perth)

Newjobnewstart · 04/05/2020 15:22

Ive been looking at these for a while. Im a terrible sleeper, no problem staying asleep but seem to wake up between 2 & 3 a d thats me for hours - nit sure if they would help?
If anyone has had reviews on groupon ones would love to hear

oohnicevase · 04/05/2020 15:25

I bought one for my dd but she said it was too heavy and my husband had it now . He has always struggled with sleep but is asleep before me every night now !! It's so weird ! But they do work!

AgnesNaismith · 04/05/2020 16:05

@Aginplease that’s good - watching tv before bed was and is still a bad habit of mine.

The magnesium flakes apparently absorb better than the tablets. I can definitely feel a difference even in just my digestive system, which is always a bit odd.

If your jaw is hurting do you think it’s because you’re grinding your teeth?

Original poster
Aginplease · 04/05/2020 16:16

I'll have a look for flakes tomorrow. I know I'm clenching my jaw/grinding my teeth, that makes my neck hurt and then a headache! It just goes round in a circle. The antidepressants helped, but they were making me gain weight 😰

OP posts:
mommybear1 · 04/05/2020 21:02

@Aginplease have a look at a tooth guard for grinding they not the most comfortable to start with but you get used to them I find they help stop the jaw ache etc the next day (not to mention my teeth are not so battered!). I am a bad grinder and tend to go through these quite quickly I have one every 8 weeks Grin. I'd try the cheaper ones to start as you don't want to waste a lot of money if it doesn't work for you/suit you.

PorpentiaScamander · 04/05/2020 21:10

I love mine. It was just over £100 but was the only one I found that had a monthly payment plan and I couldn't afford one outright.
I agree with the PP who said you need one with smallish individual pockets and a removable cover. Mine is also single bed sized so I can actually use any spare single duvet cover. (Lots of them seemed to be non standard sizes so you have to buy their covers).
They are meant to be 10% of your weight as a rough guide. Mine is just over that and it's a struggle to lift. Although I use it to 'weight lift' with my legs Grin

oohnicevase · 04/05/2020 21:27

Mine was from amazon and about £40!