Summary & Highlights
1. Weighted blankets can help stroke patients manage their pain and discomfort, as well as reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.1
2. Weighted blankets should be selected and used carefully, as they can become too heavy, may cause an increased risk of falls, and cause additional discomfort for some patients.2
3. Weighted blankets should be used only under the care of a healthcare professional and in conjunction with other treatments, such as physical therapy, to maximize their effectiveness and provide the best possible outcomes for stroke patients.3
Stroke patients often complain that they experience significant stress and can’t sleep at night. Apart from medicines, one thing that you can try is a weighted blanket.
Most weighted blankets come with a technology called deep-touch pressure that gently distributes the weight of the blanket throughout your body. It seems as if someone is hugging you as you sleep. This makes you drift off to deep slumber, and soon you will find yourself snoring.
Weighted blankets have a calming effect on stroke patients and hence are ideal instead of regular blankets. These blankets are incredible for stroke patients and work like magic for those with anxiety, autism, and ADHD.
They calm down your body, help you get a good night’s sleep, and reduce feelings of anxiety which can improve overall mental health.
Recommended Weighted Blankets For People Who’ve Had a Stroke
Remember, these weighted blankets are not just suitable for stroke patients; others can also use these blankets if they want, provided they check the weight first.
Bearaby Napper Weighted Blanket
This weighted blanket has a thick, chunky knitted pattern instead of beads. It looks like one of those carpets that you keep outside your bathroom but works differently on your bed. But it looks aesthetically pleasing.
The weighted material doesn’t seem too heavy. It just feels as if someone is snuggling you as you fall asleep. It comes in various sizes and weights. The breathable cotton makes the blanket soft.
The best part about this blanket is it doesn’t contain plastic pellets or tiny glass beads. This is unlike any other weighted blanket. The organic cotton cover stays in place, and the even weight distribution ensures that the blanket doesn’t slide off when you turn to your side while sleeping.
This blanket is for those who don’t care about the design but wants to sleep comfortably.
ZonLi Cooling Bamboo Weighted Blanket
This soft and breathable weighted blanket has small squares that distribute the glass beads inside. They ensure that the beads don’t slide off and make your sleep uncomfortable. The outer material comes in ultra-smooth natural bamboo viscose to prevent overheating.
Stroke patients often say that they sweat when they use heavy blankets. This won’t overheat. It keeps you nice and cozy during winter.
Also, remember the thumb rule: stroke patients should choose a weighted blanket that’s just less than 10% of their body weight. With an even weight distribution and soft outer cover, this weighted blanket feels like someone is hugging you from the top when you are in bed.
Another plus point about the ZonLi Weighted Blanket is its price. It isn’t too expensive nor too cheap, making it affordable for people of the majority of income groups.
If you feel restless under an ordinary blanket, switch to a Mosaic Weighted Blanket. It helps you fall asleep faster, thanks to the equal weight distribution of the FDA-approved plastic microbeads.
According to the makers, your nervous system responds to the blanket’s weight by allowing you to sleep peacefully.
The size of each blanket fits a single person. This makes sense because your partner may not require the same blanket weight as you do.
Therefore, check the size and weight before buying.
Baloo Weighted Blanket Throw Size
The Baloo Weighted Blanket looks like a parachute. It is fluffy and extremely soft. Although it is one of the premium blankets around, it maintains a minimalistic look. The breathability of the fabric is excellent.
Stroke patients say that they feel uncomfortable and suffocated under heavy blankets because of how their nervous system has changed. But this one will change your mindset forever. It feels like you are covering yourself with a big cotton ball. Moreover, even weight distribution ensures you don’t feel heavy only in certain areas.
Baloo uses high-quality, chemical-free glass beads to provide weight to the blanket. The neat stitching of the blanket keeps the beads quiet. They also provide the much-needed deep pressure so that you drift off to sleep soon.
Most weighted blankets seem thick because of the weight they need to carry. But the Baloo Weighted Blanket is different. It is quite thin so that you don’t feel suffocated or wake up sweating, interrupting your night’s sleep.
From glass beads to the outer cover, SensaCalm will personalize everything according to what you ask for. It offers a wide range of sizes, fabrics, and weights.
In fact, you can even get waterproof water blankets if you accidentally leak out during your sleep. You can add polyfill if you want to make your blanket fluffier or use less for a flatter looking quilt.
Although customized weighted blankets eventually cost more, you won’t regret spending big money on them. They are unique because they are tailor-made just for you. If you weigh under 100 pounds, you may find it hard to come across a high-quality weighted blanket.
But SensaCalm can make you a custom blanket that’s 5% to 10% of your body weight.
WONAP Bamboo Cooling Weighted Blanket
There are 13 different sizes and weight choices of this blanket. Each one of them has a breathable fabric that makes sleeping comfortable.
Its cool-to-touch bamboo construction gives the weighted blanket a cooling effect and enables you to use it all year round. Stroke patients who have already used this blanket say that it’s the best thing to happen to them after the disaster.
Some weighted blankets will make you feel hot, but this one is more comfortable. In fact, you will enjoy the warmth during chilly winter nights.
Luna Adult Weighted Blanket
If you don’t want to invest in an expensive weighted blanket immediately, you should consider Luna Weighted Blanket. It is one of the cheapest when comparing its prices with its competitors.
Luna uses organic cotton and a multi-layer design to make the blanket thinner and provide more comfort than other similar blankets. The sturdy design ensures proper weight distribution. Although it’s not so stylish, you should get it because of its premium quality and low price.
This is an ideal starter blanket. You will know how weighted blankets work after using this. It has various sizes and weights, but color availability is scarce. You may have to compromise on this part as they are only available in a couple of colors.
How to Choose a Weighted Blanket
Keep a few things in mind before buying a weighted blanket: first, as a general rule of thumb, always pick a blanket that’s 5 to 10% of your body weight.
But stroke patients should focus on the 5 to 8% zone because heavier blankets may cause suffocation because of nervous system damage. Therefore, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should search for weighted blankets that range between 8 to 12 pounds.
When buying a weighted blanket for someone who has had a stroke, take into account their sensory differences due to nervous system damage. Are there fabrics that make them itch and make their skin tingle? How about softer, silkier fabrics? Do they find those more soothing? Consider too how they “feel” the weight of a standard blanket.
Another factor you should remember is that the blanket should fit snugly into your bed. Don’t buy a king-size blanket for a single bed. The blanket’s weight might make it slide off the bed as you move while sleeping.
Check the size and compare it with your bed’s size. Also, if your partner doesn’t use the same weighted blanket, get a smaller blanket size for just you.
Wrapping Up
It is hard to find weighted blankets specifically designed for stroke patients. But you can get one if you compare the features closely.
The abovementioned ones are ideal for stroke patients and would put you to sleep in no time. Most importantly, they come within most people’s budget, so you can buy one without considering the price tag.
Sources:
- https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/caregiving/caring-for-someone-with-stroke/weighted-blankets-for-stroke-patients
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6330067/
- https://www.stroke.org/en/life-after-stroke/caregiving/caring-for-someone-with-stroke/weighted-blankets-for-stroke-patients