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Weighted blankets

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Fibromyalgia
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Posted 5/4/2017 1:42 AM (GMT 0)
I have been reading about the benefits of a weighted blanket. Have any of my fibro friends found this to be helpful?
HEART <3
Posted 5/4/2017 3:32 AM (GMT 0)
Hi ,

Not heard of this..what is the theory behind it?

I tend to try things, especially if it cannot hurt and may helpšŸ˜Š
Posted 5/11/2017 4:45 AM (GMT 0)
Iā€™m a recently retired special education teacher and have successfully utilized weighted blankets across laps and as wraparounds for my students on the autism spectrum. The theory for this population is that the consistent input and proprioceptive pressure assist an individual in regulating sensory integration issues. My fibromyalgia became so painful and debilitating, especially in my legs and feet, that I purchased a weighted blanket for myself thinking it would somehow help me sleep at night. I donā€™t know why, but It did help me considerably at night when used over my legs. I always ā€œguessedā€ it was the consistent pressure on the outside helping to override the pain on the inside.

If you do decide to purchase one, make sure you shop around as prices vary a great deal. Iā€™ve seen different types on etsy, Amazon and ebay as well as the company-specific brands that pop up on a Google search. Your doctor may be able to provide specific weight recommendations.

Wow, so long winded on my 1st post. I wish you well. smile
Posted 5/11/2017 12:17 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Blee, and welcome! Thank you for the very informative post. I've never heard of weighted blankets. Your post was especially important to me because I have a nephew who is autistic. He is 11 years old. I wrote my niece and told her what you said about these blankets successfully helping autistic children. Thanks!

Be sure to read Fibro 101...the first thread on the forum. There are links to good info about fibro and you will learn a lot there that could possibly help you.

I'm looking forward to getting to know you better. Don't hesitate to ask questions because we are here to help you. Hope to hear more from you soon.

Sherrine
Posted 9/20/2020 8:14 AM (GMT 0)
I saw a variety of weighted blankets at Walmart the other day...some with children designs and some for adults.

Sherrine
Posted 9/21/2020 10:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Sherrine: I received a weighted blanket for Christmas last year. I didn't know anything about them! But especially in the cooler months, it's a nice extra layer, though it seems I have to keep it on the upper part of my body; I tend to get spasms anywhere on my legs that it covers. My body is just too fussy, I guess!
. I do try to slowly "add" it to the middle part of me, but mostly if it's on my shoulder area, it feels great and does seem to help my sleep.

I am looking into adding a heated blanket, though (have a post about this). Hopefully I can order one soon. It just gets too cold here in the upper Midwest, so I need all the warm I can get! smile
Posted 9/25/2020 4:37 PM (GMT 0)
Iā€™m upset. A very informative post has been deleted and I did NOT delete it! I even referred my niece this morning to this thread so she could read that post. Itā€™s then that I saw it was missing. šŸ˜”. I didnā€™t want my fibro members to think I would take down such a helpful post.

Sherrine
Posted 10/31/2020 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, I pass by the weighted blankets in the store and cringe...I can't imagine using them! I have to have everything over my body as lightweight as possible, otherwise it makes my pain worse. It just never ceases to amaze me how things affect different people differently, even though we all suffer from Fibro.
Posted 11/5/2020 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
Debbie: I drape part of my weighted blanket over the upper part of my body. It seems to help me sleep more soundly.

Since I spasm so easily, I haven't attempted to use the blanket over my legs, at least not yet. I'm afraid I'll wake up and regret the pain. I guess I should experiment on that at a time I'm not sound asleep. Maybe that's a good excuse to take a nap during the day?? smile
Posted 11/10/2020 5:13 AM (GMT 0)
Sounds like a good plan, Luvs. Let us know how that goes!
Posted 11/12/2020 12:19 AM (GMT 0)
I see the weighted blankets in the stores, but I too, have to have everything lightweight. I layer my clothes a lot. For warmth in the winter I LOVE my waterbed, I bought it in 1986 and it's the best investment I've ever made. Nearly 60 years of arthritis and now fibro, lupus and all sorts of goodies. I did find a great chiropractor in the village where I live who has done wonders. The muscle spasms are horrific and hopefully I'll be able to get the sauna up and running again. For me it's heat that works instead of the cold. Good luck with each and every one of you as I know all of our bodies react differently to things.

Nana Monster
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