Weighted Blankets for People with Tardive Dyskinesia
This article offers an in-depth look into how weighted blankets can be used to assist individuals with Tardive Dyskinesia (TD), exploring their potential therapeutic benefits, considerations for selection, and real-world applications.
Understanding Tardive Dyskinesia
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD) is a neurological condition characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements of the face, neck, and extremities. It’s often a side effect of long-term use of certain medications, particularly antipsychotics. People living with TD experience involuntary jerking or writhing movements, which can be distressing and impact daily activities.
The Role of Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets that are typically filled with materials like plastic pellets or glass beads to add extra weight. The concept behind their use is that the additional weight provides deep touch pressure (DTP), which can have a calming effect on the body’s nervous system.
How Weighted Blankets May Help with TD
For those with Tardive Dyskinesia, a weighted blanket may potentially offer comfort and relief by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which is significant given that stress can often exacerbate the symptoms of TD.
Choosing the Right Weighted Blanket
It is essential to choose a weighted blanket that is roughly 10% of the user’s body weight to ensure safety and comfort. It might also be useful to consult with a healthcare professional prior to use.
Real-Life Usage of Weighted Blankets for TD
Anecdotal evidence suggests that some individuals with TD find that using a weighted blanket can help in reducing the involuntary movements, especially during rest or sleep.
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