Night shifters- try a weighted blanket

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

Just my personal experience, obviously not medical advice since we don't give that here.

I was wandering through Walmart recently and saw a weighted blanket for around $40. I've heard all about them and while I don't have sensory disorders (that I know of), I know that since I went to night shift over two years ago I have had trouble sleeping during the day. I have no trouble falling asleep, (anywhere, any time) but I would wake up every hour or two and sometimes be up for hours in between short naps. I have not been willing to invest $100+ dollars for the ones on the internet, but $40 seemed worth a try.

Life changing! I've read some articles that say it's because the weight is making my body produce more serotonin or melatonin-like chemicals. Whatever it is, I am now getting a solid 5-6 hours some days which is awesome. I don't know whether I'll be able to use it when summer comes back around because it will for sure be a little warm, but sometimes I'm okay with my "thermometer foot" hanging out from under the covers.

I have no personal gain in posting, not really meant as an advertisement, but from one night shifter trying to get through life, to any others that are struggling, I hope this might help you. I've recommended it to all my coworkers and a couple have had similar positive results, but another one didn't really care for it. People that sleep with dogs seem to like it better, maybe since we're used to be smothered by our dogs. ? Hope this might help someone else.

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Specializes in OB.

Another weighted blanket fan here! I started having really bad anxiety/insomnia before every period before I got pregnant, and that was one of the things that helped me out so much. I got a cheaper one off of Amazon in case I didn't like it, but so far I'm happy with it.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

In my casual readings, the weighted blankets read "spot cleaning only". Like no washing machine. Maybe machine is OK for some.

I know I like to be weighted down with MULTIPLE comforters/quilts. I like that 'heavy' snuggle down feeling.

Maybe I'll check them out seriously.

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Specializes in Mental Health.

The weighted blanket I have has a removable cover so you can wash it. I think the washing machine would explode if I put the whole thing in haha

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Lmao @ "thermometer foot." Is that what it's called? I have one too! ?

The idea of a weighted blanket freaks me out a little, but I have a fear of suffocation and I think it might trigger my claustrophobia. But I can see how it's like a hug or a snuggle!

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My D's boyfriend bought her one because he read that they can help with anxiety.

She loves hers and claims it helps a little.

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Thermometer foot??

priceless

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I wish I could use one! I tried one once, and I loved the sensation as I was falling asleep. Unfortunately, I sleep on my side/stomach and I turn from side to side during the night, so I tend to get tangled up in the covers. Somehow, I got the weighted blanket twisted around my trunk several times, and I woke up feeling as though I was literally being suffocated by a python. Such a shame, because I love the weight as I'm drifting off to sleep.

Glad you found something that works for you! ?

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Specializes in NICU.

I know that after i got rid of my thick down blanket,I could not sleep,missing that snuggle feeling,therefore I ended up getting another one,very nice.

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Specializes in critical care.

Are weighted blankets hot? One of the issues that I have, especially where I live, is that it gets hot during the summer. The uncomfortable heat is what keeps me up more than anything else, I think (and I'm too cheap to run the air conditioner).

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Specializes in PMHNP-BC.

I have restless leg (and hands) syndrome. My sister uses a weighted blanket and claims is helps her (she’s got RLS too). I’ve been meaning to try one for ages but can’t fathom spending so much for something I might hate. I’ll check out amazon or Walmart though...

I'm wondering... Would this also be helpful for dementia patients who have trouble sleeping at night? Or would it been “Mis”- interpreted as a restraint? ?

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

hoiboy, I got mine after August and I have turned on my room fan a few days. I do wonder whether it will be too much next summer. I've searched cooling weighted blankets, which supposedly exist in case mine gets to be too much. I have woken up one night overheated, but only once to far and I usually tend to get too warm. (I think I couldn't get my thermometer foot out because of the combination of my blanket, dog and cat. )

thanksforthedonuts, I have wondered about dementia units and whether it would be considered safe and appropriate. I think it would be up to the facility, although if I had a loved one there as a patient, I might try supplying one to see if it helps them. As long as it was the kind with a washable cover.

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