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Weighted blankets are popular in providing therapeutic help in relieving stress, anxiety and insomnia. The extra weight carried by the filling of weighted blankets creates a hug like effect. They work on principle of deep pressure therapy, which creates a soothing and relaxing impact. Weighted blankets have gained immense popularity in last few years. There is one group of adults that face unique challenges of insomnia, depression and some other related conditions: the elderly. So, do weighted blankets for elderly provide benefits? Are they safe?

Weighted blankets are generally considered safe for elderly and they may prove to be beneficial in therapeutic relief of certain conditions. The weighted blankets provide calming effect which can help elders in improving their quality of life. Following are the conditions in which weighted blankets can be helpful for the seniors in their golden years.

Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Elderly

Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Elderly with Insomnia

Aging brings with itself wisdom, valuable life experiences to be shared and a treasure of joyful memories to look back. But as people enter in the golden phase of their lives, they face many uncomfortable challenges. One such challenge is reduction in duration of sleeping hours. Quality of sleep also decreases in elder years.

One of the reasons of lack of proper sleep is changes in body’s internal clock. This internal clock of a body controls sleep-wake cycles and release of many hormones. These 24-hour cycles are called circadian rhythms. Many underlying health conditions in later years also cause a reduction in sleep duration. Many medicines have side effects that cause sleep reduction. Restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea can also cause reduction in sleep for elders.

Weighted blankets with Deep touch therapy act to sooth body and mind. They may help release of serotonin hormone. Serotonin is a hormone related to feelings of happiness and contentment. They also may help release of melatonin which is our sleep hormone. Thus, weighted blankets can be used as a tool for elders that can make them sleep better naturally without any medication.

Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Elderly with Stress and Anxiety

Stress and anxiety are common in elderly. Deteriorating health conditions, loss of independence and mobility, cost of living and not being as productive as in younger days can be some of the causes of stress and anxiety in seniors.

Weighted blankets tend to have a calming effect on mind and body. As use of weighted blankets can trigger release of Serotonin, which is related to feelings of happiness, these blankets can help to keep elders happy and less stressed

Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Elderly with Depression

Many elders remain in state of depression. Feeling of loss of purpose, feeling less productive, loss of loved ones , financial challenges, health issues and medication are some of the reasons of depression in elders. Weighted blankets mimic hug like effect and tend to make you snug and safe , they help in release of Serotonin and Melatonin hormones which help to keep you happy and contended. Thus, Weighted blankets for elders can be a tool to naturally deal with depression.

Benefits of Weighted blankets for Elderly with  Restless Legs

Restless legs Syndrome (RLS) is an extremely uneasy condition which restricts quality sleep in night. It is a sensation which urges the movement of legs when resting.  This makes sleeping uncomfortable and quality and duration of sleep is reduced. This condition also keeps you drained and fatigued all day. Many seniors experience RLS and the weighted blankets are known to help in this condition.

Weighted blankets create a hug like environment and are stress relievers which help in relief of restless legs. The sleep friendly environment created by weighted blankets results in better quality of sleep. For more on help of weighted blankets for restless legs check out our article.

Benefits of Weighted blankets for Elderly with Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder which causes disruptions in breathing while sleeping. This health condition is more prevalent in elders. Weighted blankets can be an additional help in dealing with sleep apnea. As the weighted blankets improve the overall sleeping experience, they make dealing with sleep apnea better. Their hug like effect created by weighted blankets is conducive to better quality of sleep with lesser stress levels.

Benefits of Weighted blankets for Elderly with Dementia and Alzheimer’s

Dementia and Alzheimer’s often causes confusion, mood swings and stress. Weighted blankets help to calm down and relax the body and mind which makes them a good help for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Weighted blankets provide help naturally by providing a hug like effect which translates into a feeling of love and care.

Are Weighted Blankets ok For Elderly? Are they Safe

Weighted blankets are generally considered safe to use for elderly and they bring many benefits. But for seniors- who are frail, have mobility issues, have some respiratory issues or some other serious medical condition- consultation must be done with a health care professional before the use of weighted blankets.

How heavy should a weighted blanket be for elderly?

Generally a weighted blanket should be around 10% of body weight. This weight guide should work for most elderly too but for elders that are extremely frail should reduce the weight according to the body comfort level.

Best Weighted Blankets for Elderly

We at SnugBloom test the products and share our recommendation based on our experiences. Our list of best weighted blankets for elderly is based on our testing and feedback from elderly.

Best Cotton Weighted Blanket with Cooling Bamboo Removable Cover

We just love this weighted blanket, it is made from 100% sustainably sourced breathable cotton. It comes with a removable bamboo duvet cover which is easily washable. The glass bead filling provides absolutely even weight distribution all over the body. This weighted blanket has a truly luxurious feel to it. It is super soft, snugly and is super useful in helping for a good night’s sleep. You can’t go wrong with this one!

Best Sherpa Fleece Warm Weighted Blanket For Elderly

This blanket is also among our favorite weighted blankets. We find this appropriate for use of seniors. Its high quality Sherpa fleece has luxurious feel and is warm, cozy and snuggly. It has extra layers and provides maximum protection against filling bead leakage. It is 15lb blanket which should usually be ok for most elders. Our testing and feedback from elders has found it quite helpful in stress free high quality sleep.

Best Cooling Bamboo Weighted Blanket for Elderly

This cooling bamboo blanket is perfect for hot sleeping elders who yearn for quality sleep time. It is also great for stress free summer sleep. Its’ super soft and silky texture is loveable and is snuggly. The weight distribution is even and the beads do not leak. It is available in different sizes and weights. We love this blanket and recommend it for seniors.

Summary

Weighted Blankets can be really helpful to seniors in enjoying a quality sleep time. It creates a hug like effect which brings a sense of security and contentment. These blankets are known to bring ease in cases of stress, anxiety , depression, insomnia, dementia etc. Weighted blankets for elderly are generally considered safe to use, however for elders who are frail and have some serious medical conditions it is advisable to consult a health care professional before use.