Weighted blankets are a popular Christmas present this year and have also been described by Time Magazine as one of the best inventions of 2018 (Source: Choice Magazine.) Gravity weighted blankets have sold over $18 US million dollars worth of weighted blankets yet many experts say that there is no evidence that they work. .

I must admit I am getting a little tired of ‘experts’ being interviewed who state that there is no evidence for weighed blankets. I wonder if they do a recent google search or if they are going on something that they read years ago when the research trials were just beginning.

It would be more accurate to describe that there is strong evidence in some areas and limited evidence in other areas. In research groups, strong and limited evidence is described according to levels of evidence. This table describes the categories of level of evidence.

I have been reading about using paper bags for hyperventilation that is occurring for panic. An article written by M Tavel and published in an internal medicine journal (2017 ) has recommended paper bags or breath-holding. There is no mention of any of the other breathing techniques that are commonly used in mental health practice.

There is growing evidence that balance, movement and proprioception (the sense or awareness of our body in space) can play an important role with managing anxiety.

At Sensory Modulation Brisbane, we have clinicians who often identify topics for research, but who are unable to research them due to time or logistical restraints. We are very aware of the need for further research on Sensory Modulation, so we are going to list ideas through blogs when we have them.