If you know firsthand what it's like to live daily with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), then you know how difficult this condition can be.

While ADHD symptoms vary from person to person, those with the disorder often struggle to concentrate and remember important information as they find themselves in a state of hyperarousal and disorganization. This can make it infinitely more difficult to perform critical tasks, such as completing schoolwork, paying bills on time, or keeping your job.

In recent years, an increasing number of people with ADHD have been using gravity blankets as a complementary approach to their standard treatment. These therapeutic blankets are designed to apply even pressure across the body, thereby relaxing the nervous system and helping ADHD sufferers (and others) get a much-needed night’s sleep.

If you are interested in learning about the benefits of a gravity blanket for ADHD, in this article we will take a closer look at how a gravity blanket can improve ADHD symptoms and help you or a loved one live a healthier and happier life.

Why is sleep important for people with ADHD?

Good and adequate sleep is undoubtedly essential for the health and well-being of all people, but it is especially important for those suffering from ADHD. However, according to one study , sleep disorders are very common in people with ADHD. In fact, 75% of children and adults suffering from ADHD experience sleep problems.

More specifically, the most common sleep disorders in people with ADHD are the following:

• Sleep-disordered breathing
• Restless legs syndrome
• Circadian rhythm disorder
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy

Sleep disorders can also worsen ADHD symptoms, leading to a negative cycle between ADHD and sleep that can be difficult to break. Therefore, it is very important to find solutions that will improve the sleep of a person with ADHD.

[Read: The Solution to Restless Legs Syndrome ]

What are gravity blankets?

Gravity blankets are one of the most popular therapeutic tools that occupational therapists often recommend to children and adults with ADHD. But what exactly are gravity blankets?

Simply put, gravity blankets are heavy blankets that usually weigh from 3 to 14 kilos and contain very small beads stored in cells inside to gain weight. At Prosleep, we use glass beads in the form of sand which are non-toxic and hypoallergenic.

This pressure exerted on the body by the gravity blanket mimics a therapeutic stress-fighting technique called Deep Tactile Pressure , which is used by the medical community to help the user relax and fall asleep.

[Read: What is a Gravity Blanket and How It Helps Treat Insomnia and Stress]

How can a gravity blanket help ADHD?

So how can the soothing pressure of a gravity blanket help someone who is "struggling" with ADHD?

Here are some ways these special blankets can make life with ADHD a little easier:

1. Improves sleep

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of a gravity blanket for ADHD is its ability to help the user fall asleep. Gravity blankets are designed to apply constant, controlled pressure to the body, which scientists say triggers the production of serotonin (the happy hormone) and, by extension, its derivative, melatonin (the sleep hormone). Together, these hormones help you get a good night's sleep, which is key to keeping ADHD symptoms under control.

2. Relaxes the body

The soothing pressure of a weighted blanket helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system. An overactive nervous system can lead to hyperactivity, restlessness, insomnia, and an inability to relax, all of which are issues associated with ADHD. Therefore, using a weighted blanket can improve some of the most common behavioral problems associated with ADHD.

3. Helps stabilize mood

Mood swings are quite common in people with ADHD, especially in adults. One way a weighted blanket can help through the gentle, steady pressure it exerts on the body is by increasing the production of feel-good hormones, such as oxytocin and serotonin, while simultaneously reducing cortisol levels, which is responsible for the intense stress and anxiety that a person with ADHD may feel.

4. It can improve concentration

We all struggle to concentrate sometimes, but for people with ADHD, focusing on certain tasks can seem downright impossible. While gravity blankets are not used to treat attention deficit disorder, they can help reduce the nervousness and underlying anxiety that hinder your ability to focus on a task at hand.

What do the studies say?

There are few studies on the use of gravity blankets for ADHD. However, one study found that gravity blankets could improve insomnia symptoms in people with psychiatric disorders, including ADHD.

Similarly, other studies suggest that Deep Tactile Pressure (the main mechanism utilized by gravity blankets) may help people with ADHD. In a study published in 2005 by Temple University in the US , researchers found that sensory intervention therapy—such as Deep Tactile Pressure —significantly improved behavioral problems in children with ADHD.

[Read: The Benefits of a Weighted Blanket for Children ]

Another study examined the effects of wearing a weighted vest on ADHD symptoms. The results of the study showed significant improvements in behavioral problems at work experienced by children with ADHD, including inattention and hyperactivity.

Conclusion

While not a sole treatment for ADHD, a gravity blanket can help relieve some of the most common symptoms of ADHD and serve as a wonderful complement to conventional treatment.

So, if you are looking for a completely natural way to combat fatigue, insomnia and restless thoughts at night, try the Prosleep Gravity gravity blanket or the cold Prosleep Gravity Ice which is ideal for all seasons of the year. They are the only gravity blankets in Greece that have been scientifically proven to improve sleep quality.