Weighted blanket at night

[Housesoftheholy]

Does anyone's dc use a weighted blanket at night and how do you use it? Have been given some money to buy a weighted blanket for my 5 year old Ds who has a seizure disorder and suspected asd, and have been advised that he should only have it on for limited times when falling asleep.

He wakes frequently through the night so I would be having to put it on him and then sit and wait for him to fall asleep to take it off before I try to go back to sleep myself.

How do other people use them?

I am not sure I would have left one on Dd3 all night at 5, she was still in a Gro bag then anyway!

She does have one all night now though but she is 12 and is always cold in bed so the extra layer comes in handy.

You could try using an empty duvet cover, round the wrong way (sideways) and tucked in tightly to see if your Ds likes the sensation of being pressed down on before you buy a weighted blanket.

Good luck

Thanks ,My original thinking was to use it when he wakes at 3.30 or 4am as that is the most problematic bit of the night.

He would sleep no later than 5 or 5.30am so do you think it would be ok for that couple of hrs?

I would be going for the lowest weight available appropriate to his body weight also.

Currently he is sleeping in my bed with me any way (not what I wanted but it's better than sitting in his bedroom all night when he's awake!) so he would be right next to me

I would have thought he would be fine, especially as he is next to you, if he had a seizure or got too hot you could take it off him again.

Also if you buy one with a cotton cover not fleece they are not so hot.

Good luck

Thanks Ineed He's having only non convulsive seizures that are disrupting his sleep but are thankfully not dangerous in themselves.

I shall give it a whirl, I think it's definately worth a try for those times.

There have been some very rare but real instances of horrific stories. you have to google, but I would be wary of putting it on all night.

Thanks both for your advice. Have had a Google and the only incidents I can see are where far too high weight has been used or there has been inappropriate use?

I wouldn't put it on all night that's why I was wondering if it will work for my purpose then.

Definitely wouldn't want to take any risks. Apart from anything else, I wouldn't get any more sleep that way as I'd lay awake worrying all night!

This is the trouble Polter, not under OT currently as the only way to access sensory OT in my area is through school (without going private) and we are still waiting.

I expect he will be seen before Xmas though, so I could wait until then so I'm sure. Have been given the money for it on a grant but I don't have to use it immediately.

I really appreciate all your advice

Should say have had a sensory assessment prior though at another clinic so am aware what some of ds sensory issues are. But cannot contact them for advice on blankets