Heavy blankets, vests, collars, extra weights

Heavy blankets, throws, waistcoats, collars, and additional weights are aids for reducing anxiety, stress, and tension, stabilising the physical and emotional state and strengthening the muscles. Firm, deep pressure on the entire body calms the nervous system, slows the heart rate, and relaxes the muscles. In a state of calm, the brain releases chemical compounds called neurotransmitters — dopamine and serotonin — while the stress hormone cortisol decreases, providing a sense of security and improving sleep quality.

This is important for adults and children with autism spectrum disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Asperger's syndrome, Tourette's syndrome, restless legs syndrome (Willis-Ekbom disease), Parkinson's disease, insomnia, or other neurological disorders and mental illnesses. People with these disorders have difficulty controlling their emotions. In order to reduce excessive activity or reactions to certain external stimuli, additional physical stimulation is required to reduce physical and psychological tension. Heavy blankets have a calming effect on the nervous system in such situations, and help to control emotional states, concentrate, and continue interrupted activities. Weighted devices are used to improve rest and sleep, and waistcoats, collars, and pillows can also be useful in therapeutic activities.