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If you’ve ever wrapped yourself in a big cosy doona and felt instantly calmer, you already know the magic of gentle pressure on the body. Weighted blankets take that feeling one step further - and science is now showing just how powerful they can be for improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and bringing a sense of calm.

We wish to inform our valued customers, therapists, educators, and supporters that Nana’s Weighted Blankets is no longer able to offer weighted versions of Wild Republic toys.

We were so excited to support the Neurodiverse Universe Library Project at Aireys Inlet Primary School, a beautiful initiative that’s building an inclusive, sensory-friendly space for students of all abilities.

Living with chronic pain can feel like carrying a heavy burden - physically, emotionally, and socially. At Nana’s, we believe in the healing power of gentle, tactile comfort. That’s why today, we’re diving into how weighted blankets, with their soothing embrace of deep pressure, may offer real relief for those navigating chronic pain.

A Gentle Approach to Calming Minds, Easing Anxiety, and Promoting Wellbeing In the quiet hallways of nursing homes, a small but powerful change is taking place. You might notice it in the hands of a resident holding a soft, weighted toy. Or in a warm smile from someone peacefully wrapped under a weighted blanket during an afternoon rest. These comforting tools are doing more than just adding coziness—they’re playing a growing role in how we support the emotional and physical health of older adults, particularly those living with dementia. Weighted blankets and toys may look simple, but recent research shows they’re bringing significant benefits in aged care settings. By offering gentle, evenly distributed pressure and a comforting presence, they’re helping reduce anxiety, agitation, and even aggression in residents—especially those living with cognitive decline. Let’s take a closer look at how these tools are making life calmer and more connected for elderly people in long-term care. Why Weighted Blankets and Toys Matter in Aged Care As we age, our sensory and emotional needs often change. For residents living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or general age-related anxiety, the world can start to feel overwhelming or confusing. This can lead to restlessness, frustration, and feelings of distress—emotions that are hard to express and even harder to soothe. That’s where weighted products come in. They work by applying deep pressure stimulation, which has been shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system—the part of our body that helps us relax. It’s the same calming effect you feel after a long hug or being tucked into bed. In Eva Hjort Telhede’s study on nursing staff experiences with weighted blankets in nursing homes, staff described these products as creating a “cocooning” effect. Residents who were previously restless or agitated would often calm down when using a weighted blanket, with several staff reporting improvements in both sleep and mood. Real-Life Impact: What the Research Shows Telhede’s qualitative research highlighted some powerful feedback from nursing staff: Residents fell asleep faster and stayed asleep longer when using weighted blankets. Blankets helped reduce anxiety during transitions like bedtime, bathing, or medical checks. Some residents who were prone to wandering or agitation showed more settled behavior. One caregiver shared that residents “felt safe and secure,” describing the blankets as “like a warm hand that holds you.” That level of emotional comfort—especially in people who may struggle to communicate their needs—is incredibly valuable. These findings aren’t just theoretical. They’re being seen in action every day in aged care homes across the country. Weighted Toys: More Than Just Cute Blankets aren’t the only weighted item changing lives in nursing homes. Weighted toys—especially lifelike baby dolls and animals—are gaining popularity too. And while some may initially raise their eyebrows at adults cuddling dolls, the results speak for themselves. A study led by Wendy Moyle and colleagues at Griffith University explored how lifelike baby dolls affected residents with dementia in long-term care. The pilot trial found that doll therapy significantly reduced symptoms of anxiety, agitation, and even aggression. Residents who were given dolls to care for often displayed nurturing behavior, calm facial expressions, and improved mood. The researchers suggested that the dolls provide a sense of purpose, familiarity, and companionship. For people with dementia, who may be reliving earlier memories of parenting or caregiving, the weighted doll feels familiar and grounding. What Do These Tools Look Like in Practice? In many aged care facilities, weighted products are now part of daily life. Here’s how they’re often used: During rest time or sleep: A weighted lap or full-body blanket can be placed gently over residents to support relaxation and sleep. In calming corners or quiet rooms: Residents who are distressed or overstimulated can take a break in a soft, low-light space with a blanket or toy. As part of dementia therapy: Weighted dolls or animals are given to residents who benefit from tactile stimulation and nurturing interaction. During transitions: Whether it’s getting dressed, moved, or bathed, a weighted item can offer calming pressure to reduce distress. These tools are also non-invasive and drug-free, making them a great addition to aged care plans that aim to reduce reliance on sedatives or restraints. Staff and Family Observations: Small Tools, Big Results Nursing staff consistently report feeling empowered when they have access to weighted products. According to Telhede’s research, staff appreciated how the blankets provided a non-verbal method of care. For residents who struggled to express their needs, these tools spoke louder than words. Families have noticed the difference too. Seeing a loved one more at ease—less anxious, more content, and more able to rest—brings comfort and relief to those who visit. Some family members have even chosen to purchase similar items for home visits or hospital stays. Not One-Size-Fits-All—but Close It’s important to remember that while many elderly residents benefit from weighted products, they’re not a perfect fit for everyone. Some residents may feel too confined by a heavy blanket, or have conditions like circulatory problems or severe arthritis that make them less suitable. That’s why aged care teams always need to take an individualised approach, checking for: Appropriate blanket/toy weight (typically around 10% of body weight for blankets) Resident comfort and consent Ability to remove the blanket easily Ongoing staff monitoring With the right fit and care plan, weighted products can be introduced safely and effectively. The Takeaway: Comfort, Dignity, and a Sense of Calm In a world where aged care is often rushed, clinical, and over-medicalised, weighted blankets and toys are a reminder of something much simpler: the power of comfort. They don’t beep, flash, or buzz. They don’t need to be plugged in. But what they offer is something deeply human—a sense of being held, soothed, and understood. In a time of life when confusion, loneliness, and discomfort are all too common, that kind of comfort is priceless. As more aged care facilities adopt sensory-friendly approaches to support their residents, weighted products are quickly becoming essential tools—not just for those living with dementia, but for anyone seeking a little more peace. Interested in bringing warmth and calm into your aged care setting?Explore our range of weighted blankets, lap pads, and lifelike weighted toys—handmade in Australia with love and care. Designed for dignity, built for comfort.

Supporting Sensory Needs in Education with Calm, Comfort, and Care School can be a hectic place. Think about the noise, the movement, the expectations, and the constant switching between tasks. For most students, this is manageable (even if not always enjoyable). But for children with sensory sensitivities, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or developmental disabilities, this environment can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where weighted blankets and toys come in - quietly transforming classrooms and support spaces into calmer, more focused environments. In recent years, educators, occupational therapists, and researchers have started to better understand the role of sensory supports in education. Let’s take a closer look at how weighted products are being used in schools, what the science says, and how they’re helping students thrive. The Science of Pressure: Why Weight Helps Weighted blankets and toys aren’t just cozy - they’re designed based on a concept called deep pressure stimulation. This gentle, evenly distributed weight has been shown to calm the nervous system, much like a firm hug or being gently swaddled. Research, including the Outcome Measures in Evaluation of Weighted Blankets: A Scoping Review by Maria Lönn and Ellen Odéus, shows growing evidence that weighted blankets and similar tools can help reduce anxiety, promote relaxation, and support better regulation of emotions and attention. In the context of education, this matters a lot. Students who struggle with sensory processing or emotional regulation may find it difficult to participate in classroom routines, focus on tasks, or manage transitions. Weighted tools provide a non-verbal, non-invasive way to support those needs. Calm in the Classroom: How Schools Are Using Weighted Tools More and more schools across Australia (and around the world) are incorporating sensory resources into classrooms, therapy rooms, and quiet spaces. Here’s how: Lap Blankets During Desk Work: Weighted lap blankets are a subtle way to offer calming pressure while students are seated. They're especially helpful during writing, reading, or testing, when focus is needed. Weighted Toys for Fidgeting or Regulation: Soft, weighted animals and plush toys offer dual benefits - they provide tactile comfort and deep pressure. Plus, they’re socially acceptable and easy to carry. Blankets During Rest Breaks: Some schools offer quiet sensory corners or “chill out” zones where students can rest under a weighted blanket when they’re overstimulated or anxious. Therapy Support Tools: Occupational therapists often use weighted items during one-on-one or group sessions to help students prepare for or recover from sensory-heavy tasks. What Educators and Parents Are Saying One of the most powerful insights from the scoping review by Lönn and Odéus is that even though more research is still needed to standardise outcomes, both educators and parents report positive impacts when weighted tools are used regularly. Some of the most common feedback includes: Students appear calmer and more focused Reduced need for external behavioural interventions Improvements in transitions between activities or environments Greater independence in emotional regulation In short, when students feel safe and regulated, they’re better able to learn. Sensory Overload Is Real—And It’s Preventable Let’s not forget how overwhelming school environments can be - especially for children with autism. A loud bell. Crowded hallways. Bright lights. Sudden transitions. These everyday elements can become barriers to learning and wellbeing. In the article Back to Basics: Practical Strategies to Reduce Sensory Overstimulation, researchers found that both adults and caregivers of children with ASD identified sensory overload as a major concern, not just in hospitals but in many public settings - including schools. They emphasized simple, proactive strategies like reducing noise and creating calm zones. Weighted blankets and toys align beautifully with this approach. They're portable, predictable, and require no batteries, screens, or setup - just access and consistency. Designing Spaces That Support Sensory Well-Being It’s not just about the tools - it’s also about the environment. The study Creating and Testing a Sensory Well–Being Hub for Adolescents with Developmental Disabilities by Park, Nanda, and Hoelting explored the creation of specially designed sensory spaces for students who needed more than a typical classroom could offer. Their findings showed that when students had access to sensory-friendly furniture, lighting, and calming tools like weighted items, they reported feeling safer, more in control, and more able to manage their emotions. One key takeaway from their work: sensory support should be an integrated part of school culture, not an afterthought or only used as a “last resort.” Making Weighted Tools Work in Schools If you’re an educator, parent, or support worker wondering how to bring weighted tools into a school setting, here are a few tips: Start Small: Begin with a few lap blankets or a weighted toy for individual use. Observe and document the impact. Train Staff: Ensure teachers and aides understand how and when to use the tools - especially that they are not punishment or reward, but a support strategy. Include the Student: Give the child ownership over when and how they use their blanket or toy. This promotes independence and self-regulation. Create a Sensory Toolkit: Combine weighted items with other sensory supports like noise-canceling headphones, fiddle tools, and visual schedules. Work With Occupational Therapists: OTs can help tailor weighted tools to individual needs and ensure they are used safely and effectively. Are There Any Risks? As with anything, weighted tools aren’t one-size-fits-all. For example: They shouldn’t be too heavy (the general guideline is around 10% of body weight for blankets). They should never restrict movement or breathing. They shouldn’t be forced on a student. Proper supervision and individualised use are key. But when used correctly, they’re a safe and low-tech way to make a big difference. The Takeaway: Weighted Tools Create Opportunities for Success Schools are beginning to recognise that regulation and learning go hand-in-hand. A calm child is a learning-ready child. Weighted blankets and toys may look simple, but they represent a powerful shift in how we support kids who learn and experience the world a little differently. They give students dignity, autonomy, and the comfort of knowing their needs are seen and supported - not just tolerated. Whether it’s a weighted dinosaur toy tucked under a desk or a lap blanket during morning circle time, these tools are becoming quiet heroes in classrooms across the country. And as the research continues to grow, so does the evidence that weighted supports are more than just a trend - they’re a smart, science-backed strategy for inclusive education. Interested in learning more or adding weighted tools to your classroom?Check out our full range of handmade, Australian-made weighted blankets and toys, designed specifically for sensory support in schools and beyond.

If you’ve ever found yourself tossing and turning at night because your legs just won’t stay still, you’re not alone. Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) and Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) affect millions of people, causing a frustrating and often sleep-disrupting need to move. But what if something as simple as a weighted blanket could help? While it may sound like a cozy gimmick, there’s growing research - and real-life stories -  suggesting that weighted blankets might be a calming, drug-free way to soothe those twitchy limbs and help you finally get a full night of sleep. So, What’s the Deal with Restless Legs? RLS is a neurological condition that creates an overwhelming urge to move your legs, especially when you're resting. It usually kicks in at night - just when you're trying to wind down. People describe it as tingling, crawling, or even aching sensations that are only relieved by moving. PLMD is closely related. It causes involuntary leg jerks or twitching during sleep, which you might not even notice, but they definitely interrupt your sleep cycle. Both conditions are exhausting - physically and mentally. Enter the Weighted Blanket A weighted blanket is exactly what it sounds like: a blanket filled with evenly distributed weight (usually poly pellets or glass beads). Most range from 2kg to over 10kg, and they’re designed to gently hug your body with firm, even pressure - a concept known as Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT). Think of it like a full-body hug or the comforting weight of a heavy doona on a chilly night. It’s soothing, grounding, and for many people - especially those with sensory issues, anxiety, or sleep struggles - surprisingly effective. Weighted Blankets and PLMD: One Case Makes a Big Impact A case study titled "Weighted Blanket Therapy for Periodic Limb Movement Disorder: A Case Report Highlighting Improved Sleep Quality and Reduced Symptoms" brought attention to a real-life example of someone with PLMD seeing significant relief after using a weighted blanket. The participant in the study experienced: Reduced leg movements during sleep Better sleep quality Less daytime fatigue Sure, it’s just one case, but it opens the door to a larger conversation about how calming physical pressure might regulate some of the neural mechanisms behind restless legs and movement disorders. A Review of the Evidence: Why It Might WorkMaria Lönn’s “Outcome Measures in Evaluation of Weighted Blankets: A Scoping Review” dives deeper into the broader effects of weighted blankets. While the review isn’t specific to RLS or PLMD, it points out how people across various populations - including those with anxiety, ADHD, autism, and sleep disorders - report feeling calmer and more relaxed under the blanket’s pressure. Some key takeaways from the review: People often report improved sleep quality There’s evidence of reduced nighttime awakenings Anxiety symptoms appear to decrease - a big deal since anxiety can trigger or worsen RLS symptoms The idea is that the blanket stimulates pressure points and proprioceptive input (your body’s sense of position and movement), which may encourage the brain to produce serotonin and melatonin - two hormones that help you relax and sleep. Anxiety, Mental Health, and the Sleep Connection In “Using Weighted Blankets in an Inpatient Mental Health Hospital to Decrease Anxiety,” Annette L. Becklund explores how weighted blankets helped reduce anxiety in hospital patients. While this study focused on mental health, it’s very relevant to RLS because anxiety is often a trigger or co-condition. If your mind is racing and your legs are twitching, a weighted blanket can offer a double whammy of relief: Soothing pressure helps your nervous system calm down Relaxation hormones like serotonin help both your mind and muscles chill out Weighted blankets aren’t a magic cure - but they’re low-risk and easy to try, especially compared to medications that might come with side effects. So, Who Can Benefit? While more research is still needed, many people with RLS and PLMD report feeling: Less urge to move their legs at night Fewer sudden leg jerks Deeper, more restful sleep Calmer mind at bedtime Weighted blankets may also help those dealing with general insomnia, anxiety, ADHD, autism, sensory processing issues, or even chronic pain. Choosing the Right Weighted Blanket If you’re thinking about trying one, here are a few tips: Weight: Choose a blanket that’s about 10% of your body weight. So if you weigh 70kg, a 7kg blanket is a good starting point. Material: Look for breathable cotton if you tend to sleep hot. Some blankets also come with removable covers for easier washing. Size: Make sure it covers your body but doesn’t hang over the edges of the bed — this helps the weight stay evenly distributed. Real Talk: What Do People Say? People who’ve used weighted blankets for restless legs say it’s like their body finally relaxes. The constant “need to move” slows down. The blanket acts like a physical anchor, giving them a sense of calm and stillness they hadn’t experienced in years. For others, it’s less dramatic but still helpful - like falling asleep faster or waking up less often. And while some folks may find the sensation uncomfortable at first (especially if they’re sensitive to pressure or get too warm), many warm up to it (literally and figuratively) after a few nights. A Final Note: It's Not a Cure, But It's a Comfort Let’s be clear - weighted blankets aren’t going to “fix” Restless Legs Syndrome or PLMD. These are complex neurological conditions, and they often need a multi-pronged treatment approach. But weighted blankets are a gentle, affordable, and non-invasive way to potentially reduce symptoms and improve sleep. And sometimes, when you’ve tried everything and you’re still tired, a little comfort can make a big difference. Want to try one out? Whether you’re struggling with restless legs or just looking for a better night’s sleep, a high-quality, well-made weighted blanket might be worth exploring. Always check with your doctor if you have circulation or respiratory issues - but for many people, it’s a simple solution that just feels right. Sweet dreams and still legs ahead