Dentists Find Relief with Weighted Blankets
It’s estimated that approximately one-third of Americans avoid dental visits due to dental anxiety. However, dentists have discovered a surprising solution to help calm their anxious patients – weighted blankets. Initially, dentists noticed that patients reported feeling more at ease while lying under the heavy X-ray protector drape. This led them to explore the potential benefits of using weighted blankets to create a sense of calm in their patients.
A study conducted in 2016 further supported the positive effects of weighted blankets in dental settings. The research found that individuals who wore a weighted blanket during wisdom tooth extractions experienced significantly reduced levels of stress and anxiety. This discovery has opened up new possibilities for dentists to alleviate the fear and discomfort associated with dental procedures.
Weighted Blanket Research
While scientific evidence supporting the benefits of weighted blankets is limited, there have been a few small studies that have discovered some science-based benefits. However, it is important to note that most of these studies do not include control groups. One study conducted in 2012 found that weighted blankets were effective in reducing distress and anxiety in psychiatric patients. Another study in 2014 compared a blanket with beads to a weighted blanket in children with autism and their ability to fall asleep. The results showed no significant differences in the blankets’ ability to improve sleep patterns. It is worth mentioning that companies often make claims about their weighted blankets that lack scientific support, so it is important to approach these claims with caution.