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The Benefits of Weighted Blankets for People with Dementia

Introduction

Dementia is a disease that causes progressive cognitive impairment in seniors and the elderly. As this impairment progresses, persons with dementia may become anxious and agitated, making it difficult for them to rest and sleep.

As a caregiver to a person with dementia, you want your patient or loved one to get a good night’s sleep – but how?

Often, patients are prescribed medications to combat agitation and anxiety and help facilitate sleep. However, these medications don’t always work effectively or can have serious side effects. Luckily, another option is available: the weighted blanket.

In this article, we’ll explain how the weighted blanket works to calm persons with dementia and help you choose the blanket that best suits your patient or loved one.

How Weighted Blankets Work

While using a weighted blanket to treat agitation and anxiety in persons with dementia may sound unconventional, this recommendation is backed by science.

The weighted blanket works by what is called “pressure therapy.” First, the blanket exerts pressure on the user’s body. Then, the user’s brain, sensing this pressure, secrete serotonin.

This release of serotonin improves the user’s mood, making them feel calm.

Choosing a Weighted Blanket

If your patient or loved one suffers from agitation and anxiety due to dementia and has difficulty sleeping, a weighted blanket is essential.

To help you choose the one that suits them best, we’ve compiled a list of four top-rated blankets based on intensive product testing and customer reviews.

DH Beacon Weighted Lap Blanket

Price excl. shipping / Last update on 2024-03-28 at 07:52 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Designed to fit the user’s body perfectly, the DH Beacon is sure to make your patient or loved one feel comfortable and calm so that they can sleep soundly throughout the night.

This blanket exerts gentle pressure when wrapped around the user, producing a warm holding sensation that feels much like a hug. Plastic pellets lend this blanket comfortable heft, while its high-quality, poly-cotton exterior makes it incredibly soft and easy to clean.

This blanket is machine washable and comes in two colors, brown and aqua, to suit your patient or loved one’s taste.   

YnM Weighted Blanket

SAVE $9.19

Price excl. shipping / Last update on 2024-03-28 at 07:52 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

On the hunt for a premium-grade blanket for your patient or loved one? Look no further than the YnM.

Designed with a unique seven-layer system backed by extensive research and customer feedback, this 100% cotton blanket is both breathable and easy to clean.

Filled with glass beads, it molds comfortably to the user’s body, promoting relaxation and improved sleep. Its small compartments allow for even bead distribution, while durable stitching ensures zero bead leakage.

It also comes with a three-year warranty that covers free mending if the product gets damaged. Available in a variety of weights, colors, sizes, and patterns, you’ll be sure to find the YnM blanket that suits your patient or loved one best. 

Weighted Idea Soft Blanket

Price excl. shipping / Last update on 2024-03-28 at 07:52 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

First released in 2016, the Weighted Idea blanket has helped over 200,000 seniors calm their anxiety and improve the quality of their sleep.

Its soft duvet cover, which offers much-needed warmth during the winter months, is removable, making this blanket perfect for year-round use.

Made of premium materials and available in a variety of weights and patterns, this blanket is sure to please your patient or loved one.

ZonLi Cooling Weighted Blanket

SAVE $10.00

Price excl. shipping / Last update on 2024-03-28 at 07:52 / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API / As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

At 6-10% of the user’s body weight, the ZonLi is heavier than normal weighted blankets, helping your patient or loved one feel calm and fall asleep fast.

This durable, 100% cotton blanket is breathable and machine washable. It features high-density sewing technology and two-layer microfiber to prevent beads from leaking.

With a three-month return and replacement policy and free lifetime customer service, the ZonLi weighted blanket is an all-around stellar choice.

Conclusion

As a caregiver to a person with dementia, it can be hard to watch your patient or loved one struggle with agitation and anxiety.

By using a weighted blanket, you can quell these feelings naturally so that your patient or loved one can get a good night’s sleep.

In doing so, you’ll help restore their energy levels so that they can be optimally alert and engaged throughout the day.

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