Can Weighted Blankets Help with ADHD?

Oct 12, 2022 • Luna Blanket

If anxiety and sleep issues are some of your major concerns, you may benefit from trying a weighted blanket for ADHD relief and management. Whether you’re curious for yourself or a loved one, you probably know those with ADHD often have trouble self-regulating or calming down, since hyperactivity can create restlessness and make it hard to relax the mind and body. Did you know these are some of the very things that Luna weighted blankets were designed to help alleviate? Read on below to learn more about how weighted blankets can help with ADHD. 

What is ADHD? 

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, or ADHD, is a chronic condition mainly characterized by hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsive behavior. Most people are diagnosed with ADHD as children; however, ADHD symptoms can continue through adolescence and adulthood. With proper treatment and the right tools and modalities, both children and adults with ADHD can live productive and successful lives.

It’s important to note that while ADD is another term often associated with or mistakenly used for ADHD, they are not the same. ADD— Attention Deficit Disorder — refers to those who have trouble focusing but don’t experience the hyperactivity. 

ADHD Symptoms and Characteristics

ADHD mostly manifests as hyperactivity and the inability to focus, yet there are other symptoms associated with this condition. For example, many adults and children with ADHD suffer with additional symptoms like:

  •   Issues with time management
  •   Irregular sleep schedule 
  •   Emotional sensitivity
  •   Trouble regulating emotions
  •   Restless leg syndrome
  •   Minimal tolerance for boredom

Are Weighted Blankets Good for ADHD?

Given the prior symptoms and characteristics of ADHD, you may be very interested to know how a weighted blanket can help alleviate and mitigate the main symptoms. While the challenges created by living ADHD may make it hard for children and adults to relax or focus, a weighted blanket is a great tool to help self-regulate. 
Luna weighted blankets were designed based on a therapy modality called Deep Pressure Stimulation, which is used to calm patients by applying firm, even pressure to the body. Therapists have been using this method in clinics for a long time, and now even recommend their patients keep a weighted blanket at home to reap the therapeutic benefits should they experience an overwhelming bout of anxiety or need to unwind before bed.
Deep Pressure Stimulation from a weighted blanket draped over the body actually signals the brain to produce both serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin is responsible for feelings of calmness and happiness, while melatonin is the hormone that tells your body it’s time for sleep. These effects really help those with ADHD in the following two ways: 
  • Reduces Anxiety: We like to describe the benefits of a Luna weighted blanket like being wrapped in a warm hug. Those fuzzy, happy feelings help the mind and body calm down. Whether it’s before bed or during a an overwhelming part of the day, wrapping yourself weighted blanket help alleviate anxiety and its racing thoughts.
  • Promotes Better Sleep: A weighted blanket also promotes a better, deeper night of sleep when used before and/or during bedtime. Especially for those with ADHD and its hyperactivity, unwinding at the end of the day can be a challenge. Laying under the weighted blanket induces the production of the aforementioned hormones and helps the brain and body slow down and relax more effectively. 

Order Your Luna Weighted Blanket Today

Now that you've discovered the benefits of weighted blankets, you can see how they are a fantastic tool to have on hand for managing and alleviating ADHD. If you or a loved one suffer from ADHD symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, poor sleep, hyperactivity and more, try a Luna weighted blanket today and join our many happy Luna customers who have found relief under these cozy, sleep-science based blankets. Not sure where to start? Try our bestseller, the Classic Cotton Weighted Blanket. Enjoy the relaxation and sleep tight!
Editor's Note: The content on this website is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider before undertaking any type of therapy or treatment.

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