A weighted blanket for ADHD helps reduce restlessness, improve focus, and support better sleep by applying gentle, even pressure across the body. It is one of the simplest, most accessible tools families and schools use today to help children and adults with ADHD feel more grounded and calm.

What Is a Weighted Blanket for ADHD?

A weighted blanket for ADHD is a specially designed blanket filled with glass beads or plastic pellets. It is heavier than a regular blanket — usually between 1 kg and 12 kg — and works by mimicking the feeling of a firm hug.

This gentle pressure is known as Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS). It signals the nervous system to slow down, which can help people with ADHD feel less overwhelmed, less impulsive, and more ready to focus.

Gravity Blankets, available at gravity-deken.nl, are built with this science in mind — offering premium quality, even weight distribution, and thoughtful design for real-life everyday use.

How Does It Work?

• The blanket applies gentle, steady pressure across the body
• This pressure activates the parasympathetic nervous system (the "calm" side of the nervous system)
• The brain releases serotonin and melatonin — hormones that support calm and sleep
• Cortisol (the stress hormone) is reduced
• The result: less anxiety, less fidgeting, and better rest

Source: Sleep Foundation — Deep Pressure Stimulation and ADHD

Who Is It For?

A weighted blanket for kids or adults with ADHD can be helpful for:

• Children aged 5 and above who have trouble sitting still
• Adults with ADHD who experience anxiety, sensory overload, or poor sleep
• Children who are sensitive to sound, light, or touch
• Anyone who struggles to wind down at night

Gravity Blankets are popular with parents, therapists, and school counselors because they are easy to use, easy to wash, and built to last.

Who Should Avoid It?

A weighted blanket is not suitable for:

• Children under 2 years old (risk of suffocation)
• People with claustrophobia or breathing difficulties
• Anyone with circulatory issues or conditions that affect sensation in the limbs
• People recovering from certain surgeries — always check with a doctor first

Legal note: Weighted blankets are not classified as medical devices in most countries, including the Netherlands. They are wellness and comfort products. If your child has a diagnosed medical condition, consult a healthcare professional before use.

Can a Weighted Blanket for Kids Be Used at School?

Yes. Many schools and therapists use weighted blankets for kids in quiet corners, reading areas, or sensory rooms. They can:

• Help a child settle before class
• Be used during quiet reading or homework time
• Support transitions (e.g., moving from lunch back to learning)
• Reduce meltdowns in sensory-sensitive children

Always inform teachers or school staff and follow any school guidelines on sensory tools.

Is It Lab Tested and Safe?

Gravity Blankets are made with safety as the top priority:

• Tested for harmful substances (OEKO-TEX certified materials where applicable)
• Even weight distribution — no lumpy or uneven filling
• Breathable fabric to prevent overheating
• Washable covers for easy hygiene

Always follow the weight guide: the blanket should be approximately 10% of the user's body weight.

How to Use It at Home

For bedtime:

• Place the blanket over the child after they are in bed
• Start with 15–20 minutes if it is new
• Make it part of a calming bedtime routine

For homework or focus time:

• Drape it over the lap while sitting at a desk
• Pair with a quiet space and reduced screen time
• Use it consistently so the body learns the signal

For sensory breaks:

• Create a "calm corner" with the blanket, a pillow, and soft lighting
• Let the child choose when they need a break
• Keep it accessible throughout the day

FAQs

Q: What weight should I choose for my child? A: Choose a blanket that is roughly 10% of your child's body weight. Gravity Blankets are available in multiple weights to suit different ages and sizes.

Q: How long should a child use it at one time? A: There is no strict time limit. Many children use it for 20–30 minutes at a time. Stop use if the child feels uncomfortable or too warm.

Q: Can adults with ADHD use it too? A: Absolutely. A weighted blanket for ADHD is just as effective for adults, especially for nighttime anxiety and improving sleep quality.

Q: Is it a replacement for ADHD medication or therapy? A: No. It is a supportive comfort tool, not a medical treatment. It works best alongside other strategies recommended by a healthcare professional.

Q: How do I wash it? A: Most Gravity Blanket covers are machine washable. Always follow the care label instructions.

Q: Can a weighted blanket for kids be used in a stroller or car seat? A: No. Never use a weighted blanket in a stroller, car seat, or unsupervised sleeping environment for young children.

Quick Summary

• A weighted blanket for ADHD uses gentle pressure to calm the nervous system
• Works for children aged 5+ and adults with ADHD, anxiety, or sensory sensitivity
• Not suitable for children under 2 or those with breathing difficulties
• Choose a blanket that is ~10% of the user's body weight
• Safe for daily home and school use as a comfort and focus tool
• Not a medical device — consult a doctor if your child has a diagnosed condition
• Gravity Blankets are tested, breathable, washable, and built for real daily life

Looking Ahead: Comfort That Grows With You

The conversation around ADHD support is changing. More families, educators, and therapists are turning to sensory tools as a first step — not a last resort. A weighted blanket for kids is no longer just a bedroom item. It is becoming a part of how we design calmer homes, more supportive classrooms, and healthier routines.

At Gravity Blankets, the commitment is simple: build products that genuinely help people feel better. Every blanket is designed with care, backed by research, and made to last. Because everyone — whether they are 6 or 60 — deserves a place to feel safe, still, and truly rested.

Explore the full Gravity Blanket range at gravity-deken.nl and find the right fit for your family today.