What a neuropsychologist sees happening under a weighted blanket
Neuropsychologist Jolanda Snel treats people in her practice who have difficulty processing sensory stimuli. The weighted blanket is one of the aids she uses for this purpose. Brabants Dagblad spoke to her about it, and her story closely matches what we hear from customers every day.
Below, we explain what happens in the body, who it works for and how to choose the right weight. You can read the full interview at the source: Brabants Dagblad.
From practice
“You see them relax when you place a blanket like that over them.”
Jolanda Snel, neuropsychologist — in Brabants DagbladIn that interview, Snel describes how she sees the effect in older people with dementia, whose sensory processing can become disrupted. They seek pressure themselves by tensing their muscles, which leaves them tense in bed. The even pressure of a blanket takes over that search.
She uses the term neurodiversity: brains that function differently from average. Think ADHD, autism, anxiety and sleep disorders. Exactly the groups for which deep pressure is being studied most extensively.
What happens in your body?
The mechanism of action is called deep pressure stimulation. The blanket distributes weight evenly across your body, similar to a firm, sustained hug. Your nervous system interprets that signal as safety.
Serotonin increases
The hormone that promotes calm and a stable mood.
Melatonin increases
The sleep hormone that signals to your body that it is time to fall asleep.
Cortisol decreases
Less stress hormone means less restlessness and less worrying at the wrong time.
Why it literally makes you feel better in your own skin
Alongside the hormonal effects, proprioception plays a role: the sensory system that registers where your body parts are and how much force and pressure is applied to them. This sense is crucial for your balance and motor skills. If it works less effectively, your body can feel vague and difficult to grasp.
Deep pressure gives that sensory system clear, constant information. It is the same reason children sometimes press themselves against something hard or crawl under the couch: they seek pressure to calm down. A weighted blanket provides that pressure in a controlled way.
What weight do you choose?
The rule of thumb is 10 to 15% of your body weight. Too light and you will barely feel the effect; too heavy and the blanket becomes oppressive instead of calming. More important than the size of your bed: the blanket should cover your body, not hang over the edge, and you should be able to get out from under it yourself.
For children
2.4 – 3.6 kg2.4 kg for a body weight of 15 to 25 kg, 3.6 kg for 25 to 40 kg. We recommend weighted blankets for children from age 3 (approximately 15 kg), so your child can remove the blanket themselves.
For adults
5 – 9 kgAvailable in 5, 7 and 9 kg, in 135 x 200 and 150 x 200 cm. Choose based on body weight, not bed size.
When should you use it?
A weighted blanket is not just for nighttime. If you come home from work with a busy mind, twenty minutes on the sofa can already help. In the evening in bed, the effect is strongest when you lie on your back: this also allows your balance system to calm down.
For the best results, use the weighted blanket on its own rather than on top of your duvet. Also read our articles about weighted blankets for autism and ADHD.
Frequently asked questions
What does neuropsychologist Jolanda Snel say about weighted blankets?
She uses them in her practice with people experiencing stress, sensory overload, sleep problems and neurodiversity such as ADHD and autism. According to her, the deep pressure provides a feeling of comfort and safety.
How does a weighted blanket work psychologically?
The blanket activates the proprioceptive sense, which regulates body awareness, balance and motor skills. At the same time, the stress hormone cortisol decreases and the production of serotonin and melatonin increases.
Who is a weighted blanket suitable for?
For children and adults with sensory processing issues, anxiety, insomnia or autism, and for anyone who finds it difficult to unwind in the evening.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
Allow for 10 to 15% of body weight. For children, this means 2.4 kg for a body weight of 15 to 25 kg and 3.6 kg for 25 to 40 kg.
When is the best time to use a weighted blanket?
During the day to recover from a busy day, or in the evening in bed. Using it while lying down has the strongest effect on relaxation and sleep quality.
Want to experience what deep pressure can do for yourself?
Free shipping and 30 nights to try it out.
A weighted blanket is not a substitute for professional help. For children under 5, or in cases of physical limitations, consult an occupational therapist or paediatrician. The interview with Jolanda Snel appeared in Brabants Dagblad.