Weighted Blankets for Dementia Improve Sleep and Reduce Anxiety

Common side effects among older adults suffering from Alzheimer’s or dementia include anxiety, agitation, and disturbed sleep. One simple, non-drug solution that can help with all three symptoms is a weighted blanket or lap pad. It can be used day or night to provide comfort, reduce anxiety, promote deep sleep, and calm nerves.

Though it may seem far-fetched that a weighted blanket could have all these incredible attributes, its benefits (particularly its ability to relieve anxiety) have been scientifically proven. Here’s how it works: the heaviness of the blanket provides deep pressure therapy. When the body feels the gentle pressure, it produces more serotonin, which in turn improves mood and induces calmness.

Weighted blankets have proven to be a safe and effective therapy for improving numerous maladies, including improving sleep during dementia, decreasing anxiety, improving both sleep and wellbeing among nursing home residents, and reducing chronic pain. They can be used both day and night, for different reasons. Using a compact weighted lap pad during the day can provide a calming, soothing effect for older adults struggling with anxiety or agitation during their waking hours. Using a full-body weighted blanket at night has been effective with helping older adults who wake often to relax and get better quality sleep.

One important caveat to note is that seniors with circulatory, respiratory, or temperature regulation problems should be cautious about using a weighted blanket or lap pad. Those recovering from surgery should also be careful using one. It’s best to ask a doctor if a weighted blanket is safe to use for any older adults with serious medical conditions.

Weighted blankets come in varying weights. When deciding how heavy your older adult’s weighted blanket should be, consider his or her weight and physical condition. The general guideline is that the blanket should be about 5-10% of your senior’s body weight. Most seniors are comfortable with a blanket weighing between 10 to 30 pounds. Be extra cautious with frail individuals and use a lower weight. Lap pads cover a much smaller area and typically weigh between two to five pounds.

Note that weighted blankets are sized to fit the user, not the bed. (Get size guidelines here.) Weighted blanket options vary widely in both cost and style. The most affordable options range from $24 to $39. A Google search will turn up various brands, but a few recommended ones include Hug Bud Weighted Blankets, YnM Weighted Blanket, and Hypnoser Adult Weighted Blanket. Moving up the price range, SensaCalm weighted blankets and lap pads run from $25 – $500, and Sommerfly weighted blankets cost between $38 – $296. (Sommerfly offers a waterproof, wipe-clean version that can be helpful for someone living with incontinence.)

Additionally, those who enjoy crafting or sewing can easily make a DIY weighted blanket or lap pad. Free online tutorials walk you through the process, offering a general guideline while allowing you to customize the size, weight, filler, and fabric to be suitable for your particular senior’s needs. Be sure to divide the filler weight evenly across the entire blanket, and use a removable outer cover if you use rice or beans for the filling, so you can wash it. (If you use plastic pellets for the filler, the whole blanket will be washable, but pellets are a pricier option.)

Here are a few tutorial options:

No-sew weighted lap pad with a sequined cover
No-sew weighted lap pad or blanket with a flexible size
Simple weighted lap pad or blanket (sewing required)

You can either follow the tutorial directions exactly, or make customizations such as no stuffing for a flatter blanket, or adding weight to every pocket.

Whether you purchase a weighted blanket or lap pad, or make one, your older adult will benefit greatly from the deep pressure therapy it provides.