The best weighted blankets of 2024, tried and tested, for a soothing night's sleep
When it's been a long day, relaxing back into a sumptuous sofa with a cup of tea is always a sure win, but have you considered using one of the best weighted blankets to help you unwind? A weighted blanket works by applying gentle pressure to your body and can simulate the feel of a warm hug so you feel more relaxed.
Once seen as specialist therapy equipment, weighted blankets are now a staple in many home shopping aisles, with prices ranging anywhere between £20 to £130 depending on size and finish.
Weighted blankets are often used to soothe adults suffering from stress and children with special educational needs such as Autism or ADHD. But there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that a weighted blanket can be beneficial to anyone keen to calm their nerves, melt away anxiety and induce sleep.
Also known as a 'wellbeing' or 'anxiety blanket,' a weighted blanket is designed to provide deep pressure stimulation – using weight and touch to mimic the benefits you'd get from stroking, hugging or holding. While there is limited evidence to prove their benefits, studies from the likes of the
We've tested a range of weighted blankets and you can read our reviews
What are the best weighted blankets for 2024? At a glance
Best weighted blanket overall
-
Best value weighted blanket
-
Best weighted blanket for adults
-
Best weighted blanket for anxiety
-
Best weighted blanket for kids
-
How does a weighted blanket work?
'The 'deep pressure therapy' weighted blankets can create is believed to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation and reducing stress – much like the effect of a massage,' says Dr Lindsay Browning, sleep expert and psychologist at
'A number of
'A 2020
thinks
they slept, but not necessarily objective measures like those obtained from sleep trackers or polysomnography.'
Why you can trust Telegraph Recommended
Our thorough, real-world tests will always help you find the best product at the best price. No manufacturer ever sees copy before publication and we do not accept payment in exchange for favourable reviews. Visit our
How we tested the best weighted blankets
I picked out a selection of the most popular weighted blankets and tested each one myself. I assessed each blanket on design and performance, noting how comfortable each one felt to snuggle underneath, how breathable the material was and whether it was easy to clean. For the weighted blankets suitable for kids, I asked my children (aged seven and 10) to give them a try and provide feedback on how they made them feel.
1. Kamara Switch in Lavender
Best weighted blanket overall, 10/10
We like:
its pop of colour choices and its machine washable cover
We don't like:
you may want to try the cosier Kamara Snug in winter months, although we enjoyed the weight of the 6kg Switch
Sizes: Double and King Size
Weights: 6kg, 8kg, 10kg, 12kg
Material (outer and inner): organic cotton filled with micro glass beads
Kamara sells summer and winter weighted blankets for kids and adults and also weighted sleep masks, robes and soft toys that promote 'tranquillity and sensory stimulation'. I was instantly attracted to the fact that this blanket is hypoallergenic, made from organic cotton and has a replaceable double-sided cover. What's particularly good about the cover is that it can be easily zipped off and machine washed at 30C.
Kamara Switch blankets come in a range of colours to suit your bedroom interior, which I think makes a nice change from the standard grey finish many companies offer. There's vibrant ginger, attractive khaki, earthy rosewood and more.
I tried the 6kg double Switch blanket in lavender that is best suited to summer use due to its thinner form. I thought it felt a lot more manageable to carry than your average weighted blanket.
Available in two sizes, the Switch blanket is filled with micro glass beads and these feel nicely distributed across the blanket, which meant I never felt too claustrophobic underneath it. While Kamara also sells a specific kids collection adorned with fun covers including 'rainbow ponies' and 'space kitties', my 10-year-old took a shine to the 6kg lavender blanket, which she claimed as her own for snuggling up on the sofa watching repeats of Strictly.
Overall, the Switch has to be one of my favourites mainly due to its slim form feeling easy to wrap around me. I also think there's a lot to be said about how appealing its refreshing colour felt from the offset.
2. Kudd.ly Weighted Blanket
Best value weighted blanket, 9/10
We like:
its temperature-regulating cosy fleece shell
We don't like:
the 7kg version is hand-wash only
Size: 60 x 80cm
Weights: 4.7kg, 7kg
Material (outer and inner): organic cotton filled with micro glass beads
Available in navy and grey finishes, this weighted blanket has an ultra-soft fleece that looks and feels luxurious. I tried the 7kg navy version, which felt great when it was wrapped up around me on the sofa. I also enjoyed using it when I was sitting at my desk and needed something snug around me to keep me warm.
What I like about this blanket is that the micro glass beads that make it weighted aren't so obvious inside the pockets of the blanket. The blanket has a layer of anti-rustle microbeads inside that is designed to mould around the body and help provide deep pressure stimulation. The blanket felt good around me and not too heavy and awkward.
It's also reassuring to know that the fabric used here is OEKO-TEX certified and made with no harmful chemicals and synthetics, which makes it a good option if you have sensitive skin. For convenience, the 4.7kg version of this blanket can be machine washed on a gentle cycle to keep it clean, although the 7kg version should unfortunately be hand washed only.
To get round this you can put the blanket inside a duvet cover so there's less need for washing. While I've yet to tackle the inevitable task of hand washing the blanket (in the bathtub no doubt), for now I'm happy to reap the benefits its soft and snuggly finish provides.
3. Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket
Best weighted blanket for adults, 9/10
We like:
its washable cotton cover and smooth finish
We don't like:
it only comes in a single size
Size: Single (135 x 200cm)
Weights: 6.8kg
Material (outer and inner): Cotton cover with a cushion layer and glass nano-beads
One of the more attractive grey designs I clocked in this test, the Simba Orbit weighted blanket feels sleek to touch and comes with a removable and washable cover.
If you're ok with a grey finish – as opposed to something more vibrant in colour – I think this sophisticated deep grey design makes a subtly stylish addition to your room. You will need to iron the outer cover after washing just like you would a duvet cover as I did find it got quite creased after a wash.
Inside the blanket, the pressure-applying glass nano-beads have been stitched into each quilted pocket to create a smooth and even feel. There were times when I needed to shake the outer cover into place – much like you do when your duvet gets all ravelled up in one corner – but the sleek fabric here made that process straightforward. Like most weighted blankets you do need a bit of elbow grease to shake, however, as they can feel heavy.
I was surprised to see Simba only offers one single size weighted blanket, but I felt like a single was more than enough to wrap around me on the sofa. A smooth and tactile blanket, it also covered my side of my king size bed without encroaching on my partner's side, which made me see the benefit of choosing a single size like this that doesn't feel intrusive.
4. The Mela Weighted Blanket
Best weighted blanket for anxiety, 9/10
We like:
the tactile cotton finish and attention to detail in packaging and design
We don't like:
there's currently no 7kg option for heavier frames
Sizes: standard
Weights: 4kg, 5.5kg, 7kg
Material (outer and inner): Cotton shell with anti-rustle glass pellets inside
There's something very reassuring about this blanket from the offset. The moment it arrived I could tell that Aeyla has put a lot of thought into how it is presented and crafted, which instantly made it stand out from the crowd.
It was the only weighted blanket to come vacuum-packed to make it more compact in travel. It comes presented in a cardboard box that bears the slogan 'The blanket that hugs you back', which makes it look like a great gift.
The blanket is also embossed with an Aeyla logo that says '
The art of slowing down,'
which gives it a designer boutique-type touch. There's also a comprehensive instruction booklet inside that gives you care instructions and information on best use practice.
I was slightly concerned upon opening the vacuum packaging that there would be some off-gassing to contend with, which is that new factory smell you can sometimes get when something has been wrapped in plastic. But this wasn't the case here.
I tried a 5.5kg blanket and found the shape, size and weight worked perfectly. Unlike some of the heavier weighted blankets I've used, I could wrap this blanket around my shoulders comfortably so I got that reassuring sense of grounding without feeling too weighed down.
It's made from temperature-regulating cotton, with a soft quilted minky top that felt very luxurious on my skin. I was pleased to read that the blanket can be easily washed on a gentle 30 degrees cycle too, which secured its place as a great buy all round.
5. OHS Kids Teddy Fleece Space Weighted Blanket
Best weighted blanket for kids, 8/10
We like:
its novelty space pattern
We don't like:
It is hand wash only
Size: 100 x 150cm
Weights: 3kg
Material (outer and inner): Polyester with micro glass beads inside
There's a wide range of novelty weighted blankets to be found online that are just the right size and weight – and design – for kids over five. My seven-year-old took an instant shine to this space-printed design which contains micro glass beads within the five inch pockets of the padded fabric.
It's made from polyester which isn't my first choice for a blanket as I prefer more breathable cotton finishes, but as this design is 3kg in weight it has a nice lightness to it that doesn't feel too overpowering. My son enjoyed the feel of its inner fleece cover on his skin and he was able to carry it from room to room without too much effort.
The blanket will need hand washing and air drying, but as it measures just 100 x 150cm I think this is more manageable to care for than some adult weighted blankets that need the same treatment.
Online Home Shop sells a wide range of weighted blankets for kids and adults all at a very reasonable price. If my son had seen the Play Station Player design or the Pokemon designs, I think he would have had a hard job deciding which blanket to choose.
6. Weighted Blanket in Grey Faux Fur
Best faux fur weighted blanket, 8/10
We like:
Its super tactile and stylish faux fur finish
We don't like:
It might feel too heavy for some
Size: L 150 x W200cm
Weights:
4.5kg, 6.5kg, 9kg, 11.5kg options
Material (outer and inner): Polyester and recycled polyester.
The grey faux fur finish on this weighted blanket is super smooth and tactile and caught my eye as it's different to the majority of quilted finishes you can find online. The blanket comes in four sizes and I tried the 9kg version, which I found a little too heavy for my petite frame. But my partner who is 6ft and 82kgs found it much more amiable. The 9kg version was too heavy for the kids, but Next does sell a 4.5kg version that would be good for kids who love the soft feel of fur.
The blanket is made from polyester and recycled polyester, which wouldn't be my first choice of material as it's not as breathable as cotton. It's recommended that you shouldn't share a weighted blanket in bed, but if you're going to place this 150 x 200cm faux fur design on your bed I think it's going to take up quite a bit of room as it's quite fluffy – and that won't be leaving your partner much space to sleep.
I think the nature of this faux fur finish makes the blanket an excellent choice for the sofa – particularly when things start to get cold and feel festive. It would look great draped over a three-seater, creating a warm and enticing space for sitting and relaxing. I breathed a sigh of relief when I read that the cover is removable and machine washable too, which means wash day won't be a faff.
7. Silentnight Weighted Blanket
Best calming weighted blanket, 8/10
We like:
its washable cotton cover and smooth finish
We don't like:
its king size frame may be too large for some
Size: King size (150cm x 200cm)
Weights: 3kg, 6.8kg, 9kg
Material (outer and inner): Microfibre with glass beads inside
When I typed 'weighted blanket' into Amazon, this was the sponsored choice. I've also seen Silentnight's weighted blankets stocked in M&S and John Lewis, so I was keen to give it a try.
The grey colourway on this blanket may be nothing to shout about, but I do like its quilted finish. It's made from a soft quilted microfibre and with glass beads inside that are well disguised inside the pockets. The fabric feels soft to touch and it's good to know that it is hypoallergenic and can be machine washed.
I found this blanket a little easier to navigate than some of the fluffier designs I've tried as its smooth fabric made it easy to fold up. It comes in a see-through carry case to you can store it neatly when not in use too.
While it's heavy, the weight of this blanket suited my frame and I didn't feel too hot or too stuck underneath it. Silentnight does sell a heavier 9kg version and a kids version at 3kg too if you like the idea of this fabric and finish. They are all king size versions, however, and I think the size can be quite daunting for more petite frames – especially if you're sharing a bed and your partner doesn't want the weighted blanket on their side. Overall I can't really fault this weighted blanket as it ticks all the boxes in terms of comfort, breathability, machine washing and price.
8. Thumper Weighted Blanket Licensed
Best weighted blanket for teenagers, 9/10
We like:
its eye-catching novelty designs and plush finish
We don't like:
Its licensed designs may be too garish for some
Sizes: 198cm x 121cm
Weights: 4.5kg, 6.8kg, 9kg
Material (outer and inner): Minky plush fabric made from polyester with glass beads inside
Best known for its range of novelty sleep and loungewear, Oodie also sells a collection of blankets, cooling blankets and weighted blankets. While the range is a little limited and random, you can choose from plain colourways including sober grey, pink and black, to more memorable licenced designs from the likes of Star Wars, Winnie the Pooh and Looney Tunes – all to suit the big kid in you.
I tested the Thumper weighted blanket in a 6.8kg weight, which comes in a subtle baby finish and white finish. The blanket is made from polyester and while this wouldn't be my first choice of fabric finish, I did find its 'minky plush fabric' satisfyingly soft. It can be machine washed cold too, which is convenient, although hand wash is preferable.
It's quite large too with a generous 198cm length that made it easy to wrap around my body or share it with my two kids while sitting on the sofa. The beads inside aren't the most silent but they are evenly spread out so the blanket feels comfortable and balanced and is easy to fold.
9. Anacortes Weighted Blanket
Best compression weighted blanket, 8/10
We like:
It feels very comfortable to lay under without overheating
We don't like:
It can only be spot or wiped cleaned
Size: W125 x L180cm
Weight: 6kg, 8kg
Material (inner and outer) 100 per cent cotton cover with glass beads and polyester inside
This blanket reminds me in style to the Silentnight Weighted blanket (above). It comes with a similarly sophisticated grey finish, but feels a little more padded and sumptuous. Its overall feel is smooth and even a little silky, which makes it easy to wrap around yourself and get cosy.
I really enjoyed the feel of this blanket on top of me and while it's quite thick it never felt too overbearing or hot. It's reassuring to know that the fabric is made from 100 per cent cotton, although the blanket can't be washed in the machine. The instructions suggest you spot or wipe it clean and line dry or lay flat to dry. This makes me inclined to use it more as I would a quilt and cover it with a duvet cover to keep it box fresh.
10. Emma Hug weighted blanket
Best cooling blanket, 8/10
We like:
The gentle, comforting pressure
We don't like:
Lack of options
Size: 150x200cm
Weight: 7kg
Material: cotton, two layers of microfibre and polyester pad with fine glass beads
Reviewed by Flora Bowen
As someone who is prone to worrying before bedtime
–
and often in the daytime as well
–
I was excited to try the Emma Hug weighted blanket for its promise as a 'stress-reliever' even if my inner cynic also doubted this could be achieved with a blanket. A few nights later, however, I can say I feel noticeably calmer, and very well-rested.
Using tiny Silica glass beads spread through 10cm pockets to ensure even weight distribution, the blanket exerts a gentle, pleasant pressure, which is comforting and snug, and aided a very good night's sleep for me. After getting out of bed blanket-less on the first morning of testing, I immediately missed the comforting sensation and went back after five minutes to bring it to my sofa.
The fabric is a smooth, cotton material, which feels breathable and almost silky. Its cooling sensation is particularly impressive: using the blanket on a mild Autumn week, I layered a thick duvet on top, and yet never felt too warm. The beads are extra-fine, and with seven layers of material, they are only detectable if you pinch the blanket tight.
One downside is that the blanket only comes at a 7kg weight. As Emma recommends this should be 8-10 per cent of your body weight, both my partner and I were outside the suggested range, at different ends, so it would have been useful to have had more options. Similarly, the only colour on offer is grey, so not particularly stylish.
Another small frustration is that the washable blanket cover is sold separately, which increases the cost in comparison to competitors – the blanket is designed to be machine washable, but its weight exceeds the household washing machine limit. Its design might not be perfect, but the blanket gave me a few great nights of sleep, and for that I am very grateful.
What is the best weight for a weighted blanket?
For safety reasons, a weighted blanket should be around 7 to 10 per cent of your body weight. So if you're 70kg, a 7kg weighted blanket is plenty. A weighted blanket should only be used by an individual who can move it off themselves freely, which is why special care should be taken if kids use a weighted blanket.
Weighted blankets aren't suitable for everyone – such as young children under 22.5kg or anyone pregnant or with strength and mobility issues. Those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, sleep apnoea, low blood pressure or circulation issues should also avoid weighted blankets. If you're unsure whether a weighted blanket is right for you or your family, consult your GP for advice.
Which weighted blanket should I choose?
Once you've chosen the ideal weight for your frame, you can decide on which colour, material and finish to go for. You can find options for winter and summer that have warming or cooling effects including those designed to regulate your body temperature. Choose from faux fur, velvet, knitted or quilted finishes in fabrics such as polyester, bamboo or organic materials. It might be a good idea to match your weighted blanket to your existing
'While
What is the best weighted blanket for adults?
Once you've chosen which size you need, next think about which material you prefer. While many of them are similar in style with sober grey finishes, you can find weighted blankets in varying sizes and weights and stylish colourways. In this test, the Kamara Switch came up top for me mainly due to its hypoallergenic organic cotton finish and washable cover, while I rate the Simba Orbit as a great value buy for its luxurious, balanced and even design. I'd also recommend the Aeyla Mela weighted blanket as a comfortable and breathable option.
What is the best weighted blanket for anxiety?
To experience deep pressure therapy from a weighted blanket and ensure you're using one safely, it's recommended that you choose a weighted blanket that is around 7 to 10 per cent of your bodyweight. Too light and you won't reap the benefits, but go too heavy and you may feel trapped.
How to choose the best weighted blanket?
Once you've established what weight you need, decide what you are using the blanket for – if it's for warmth when you're sitting on the sofa there are a lot of luxurious and fluffy designs to choose from – if it's to ground you as you sleep you may want to opt for a slimmer, less bulky design. For convenience, look for weighted blankets that come with removable covers, which makes them easy to wash – and breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics that are going to enhance your living space.
How heavy are weighted blankets?
Weighted blankets range in weight anywhere between 3kg to 12kg. You can also find them in single, double and king size versions. I found the majority of them quite cumbersome and hard to fold away and store. You should be able to lift the blanket yourself freely when using it and if not, then you should choose a lighter one.
'It's important not to go too heavy when choosing a weighted blanket as the wrong weight can restrict breathing or cause overheating, especially in young children or elderly who may struggle to remove the blanket,' says Dr Lindsay Browning.
Are weighted blankets different from duvets?
'Unlike duvets, which focus on comfort and temperature regulation by keeping the sleeper warm or cool through the night, weighted blankets are designed to provide gentle pressure,' says Dr Lindsay Browning.
Can I sleep with a weighted blanket?
'While weighted blankets can be very relaxing to use on the sofa or before bed, in many cases it is not advisable to sleep with a weighted blanket on all night,' says occupational therapist Kim Griffin of
'If children fall asleep with their blanket on, it should be removed by their caregiver once they are asleep. For adults, it is recommended that the blanket is only covering the bottom half of their body so they can breathe freely. While there are anecdotal reports that weighted blankets help with sleep, this is not supported by existing research evidence, therefore weighted blankets should be used with caution at night.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Looking After by Caroline Elton: Why I didn't tell my autistic brother he was dying
Looking After: a portrait of my autistic brother by Caroline Elton (Hutchinson Heinemann £18.99, 352pp) On her deathbed, Caroline Elton's mother extracts a solemn promise from her two daughters: that they will look after their brother Lionel. Only when they agree, can she utter her final words 'It's a deal,' and rest in peace. Elton and her sister Liz are then left to look after 68-year-old Lionel who has autism, and who – along with his exceptional musical talent and dedication to his work as a postroom clerk – can also be extremely difficult to cope with. This memoir will be welcomed by carers as it doesn't sugar-coat the struggles they can face – but also reveals the strength of family connection. Elton decided to write Lionel's story because autism is so often thought of as a childhood condition. 'I realised,' she writes, 'there has never yet been a cradle-to-grave account of an autistic person's life.' She also realised how the NHS often pays little attention to the needs of autistic patients facing a terminal illness. When Lionel was born in the 1950s, doctors suggested he should be institutionalised at the age of four. Elton's late mother, Marcia, was having none of it. She comes across as truly formidable – relentless in her desire to get him the best treatment. Through sheer persistence, she manages to get Lionel seen by the best in child development. These include Donald Winnicott (the originator of the phrase the 'good enough mother') and Michael Rutter, later known as the father ofchild psychiatry. Marcia looks after Lionel's housing, finances, health and holidays until she dies at the age of 94. And suddenly Elton and her sister Liz find themselves as their brother's carers – a man who retches at the smell of cheese, cannot bear uncertainty and stamps on his glasses or bites his hand when distressed. Elton is unsparing of herself, talking about the embarrassment she felt as a child of having a brother who would push her down the stairs or shout in restaurants. Coupled with this are the genuinely moving accounts of Lionel's happiness at going on holidays, or being invited round for a sabbath meal on Friday nights – and then his diagnosis with leukaemia only two years after his mother's death. As a veteran psychologist, Elton writes incisively about the difficulties of navigating the health service with a man whose condition makes him intolerant of any uncertainty. So what to do when it's clear his leukaemia is terminal? Elton and the medical team agree not to tell him – as to do so without being able to tell him the exact time and date of his death would rob him of any peace. In the last part of the book, the brief months that Lionel has left – too late to go on the trip to Texas to visit Buddy Holly's birthplace he has dreamed of – are full of poignancy. It charts how Elton and her sister, having dreaded the responsibility of caring for Lionel, come to an understanding. Elton reminds us that autism is not a 'Peter Pan' condition affecting those who remain children for ever. She writes a powerful and unusual book that pays tribute to her brother.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
Katie Price gives update on son Harvey's course of Ozempic-style weight-loss jabs after revealing he now weighs almost 30st
Katie Price has given an update on her son Harvey's weight loss treatment, as she revealed he was due to start a course of Ozempic -style jabs next week. The former glamour model, 47, previously revealed the 23-year-old son was going on the weight-loss injections in a bid to help improve his life, after his weight reached almost 30 stone. Harvey is blind, autistic, has septo-optic dysplasia, and is one of the 2,000 people in the UK with Prader-Willi syndrome, a genetic disorder. A recognised symptom of his Prader-Willi syndrome is constant hunger, leaving Katie fearful for Harvey's health without further intervention, after already trying a number of different weight loss strategies over the years. Speaking on her podcast, The Katie Price Show, with her sister Sophie, the mother-of-five gave fans an update on her eldest child. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. She explained that she set to perform at Portsmouth Pride this week and that Harvey was joining her on the trip. While Katie then added: 'Hopefully Harvey starts his Mounjaro this week, but we'll talk about that next week and I'll go through all of what's happening about that.' Mounjaro is the brand name for the drug tirzepatide, and has been hailed as the 'King Kong' of slimming jabs - more effective for shifting the pounds than similar drugs like Ozempic. In April, Katie said she was 'heartbroken' by Harvey's weight increase, as she explained how it had left him struggling to walk and at risk of a heart attack. She took to her Snapchat to explain how she wanted him to start Mounjaro as soon as possible, to improve his quality of life. She said: 'I'm so heartbroken and gutted that his weight is just going up. I just googled it in stones, 188kg is just a few kg of being 30 stone. 'It's so bad now, I'm still waiting for the doctors to get back to me starting on the Mounjaro and his journey to a healthy life.' She went on to say how difficult it was watching Harvey's ongoing fight, but vowed she would get him through it. Katie said: 'It's so sad his quality of life at the moment where he's so big, he just can't really do much. 'It's just another thing I have to deal with because he's at high risk of having a heart attack, he struggles to put his trainers or struggles to walk anywhere but I love him and I'm going to help him through this. 'So sad, obesity and his condition is sad, it's sad to see someone go through it and he doesn't understand.' Katie first revealed her intention to for Harvey to start using weight loss jabs in February, after consulting with his doctors. Speaking to The Sun to raise awareness, she explained that his medical professionals advised he may be taking the jabs for up to two years. She said: 'It's really, really serious and life-changing for Harvey. He's at risk of a heart attack, and because of his condition, he's not getting any smaller. 'He's putting on weight. It doesn't matter what we do. So the doctors are doing it to give him a better, longer life, and for his health.' The TV personality added: 'The good thing about starting him on the drug is, if it has any effect, you can stop it because you do it weekly. We've tried food, he's had dieticians, it's just the way he is. 'They want to try him on it for at least one or two years, which is a long time, but they'll control what level he needs then up it as they assess it.' It comes only a week after Katie shared a loving tribute to Harvey to mark his 23rd birthday, with series of throwback snaps of them together. Among them was a smiling selfie of her and Harvey together on the beach and another picture of her son planting a kiss on her cheek. In a caption, she gushed over her 'forever love' for her son and shared her excitement over spending Harvey's birthday with him. Harvey's biological father is former footballer Dwight York, who briefly dated Katie in 2001, breaking up soon after Katie fell pregnant with her eldest child. The ex premier league star denied he was the father, until a DNA test proved his paternity. Katie previously claimed that Dwight has barely seen Harvey since he was born, saying: 'I think he's seen Harvey about nine times in his life.' She claimed: 'I don't think he liked it that I was with Pete [Andre] before adding: 'I don't know whether it's because he couldn't have me or Harv, to this day I don't know. 'I've tried to send him pictures of Harvey on Instagram, Harvey playing the piano, he just ignores everything. He doesn't want to know. But the door is always open, always.' WHAT IS PRADER-WILLI SYNDROME? Prader-Willi syndrome is a rare genetic condition that causes problems including constant urges to eat food, restricted growth and reduced muscle tone. Other potential issues include learning difficulties, lack of sexual development and behavioral problems such as tantrums or stubbornness. The rare condition, which affects one in every 15,000 children born in England, is caused by a defect on chromosome number 15 - and happens by chance. Because there is no cure, treatment aims to manage the symptoms – with parents of sufferers urged to get their children to stick to a healthy, balanced diet. Children with the syndrome can eat up to six times more than children of the same age – and still feel hungry. It was first described in 1956 by Swiss doctors A Prader, A Labhart and H Willi.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE My entire body went numb and I couldn't walk after taking common ADHD drug prescribed to millions
Hannah Schweickert never thought a common medication for ADHD would leave her numb from her face to her toes, at times unable to walk. Schweickert, from Indiana, has had attention deficit hyperactivity disorder since she was young. Doctors had prescribed her the popular drug Adderall, a stimulant taken by 16million Americans known to improve focus, attention, and impulse control. She started on a low dose, standard practice doctors follow to minimize side effects, which can include insomnia, increased heart rate, anxiety, mood swings, and jitteriness. When she showed no improvement, doctors increased the dosage, first to 15mg, then to 20mg, 30mg, and, finally, 40mg, her highest dose. Schweickert, 25, took a 40mg tablet every day for about two months with little incident. But when she went on a family vacation, she began experiencing troubling symptoms she didn't immediately connect to the prescription stimulant. 'I was scratching my neck and I couldn't feel anything. My neck had no feeling,' she said. That numbness spread from her neck to her fingertips, and a week later, to her cheeks, eventually taking over her whole body. Back at college one night, alone in her room and unable to feel her bed underneath her, she panicked. 'I thought I was dying,' she said, describing a destabilizing panic attack. 'I immediately shot up, couldn't breathe, my heart was beating out of my chest. 'I didn't know what a panic attack was, but that's definitely what was happening.' Schweickert laid in a state of panic for an hour before a friend was able to get to her. She calmed herself, but it was far from the last panic attack that would strike. She said in a TikTok: 'Then that started happening every day. The worst one probably lasted about two hours. 'I couldn't walk. My friends had to carry me to pee.' She went on to say she had gone to the emergency room for her panic attacks, a common response people have to the sense of chest-tightening panic that mimics a heart attack, four times over the next few months, but doctors were stumped. Her mom then suggested something that had not occurred to Schweikert previously: stop taking Adderall. 'At this point, I had no feeling in my entire body,' Schweickert said. 'It had been 22 days with no feeling. So all my nerves, something was wrong with them.' Doctors would test her ability to feel touch on her arms, head, and legs, and according to them, everything seemed normal. She said they were not concerned and let her leave without any answers. So she took it upon herself to figure out what was going on. Schweickert stopped taking her Adderall for a week, something doctors do not generally recommend because the withdrawal symptoms can be intense, causing depression, anxiety, headaches, muscle aches, and sleep disruptions. But some of her numbness subsided in that time. She continued her research, having seen a study that found rats given Adderall at high doses experienced considerable changes in their brains. The 2017 study, published in the journal Neuroscience Letters, studied rats given 10mg of amphetamine (a key component of Adderall) and an antidepressant called desipramine, which extends the stimulant's effects. The rats' dopamine levels plummeted and stayed low for seven days after a single dose. In addition to producing feelings of motivation and reward, dopamine can regulate pain and sensory signals. But the researchers also found evidence of other neurotoxic effects in rats that could potentially explain Schweickert's reaction. The medicine starved the rats' brain cells of their energy source within an hour, making it impossible for nerve cells to send signals. This could lead to Schweiker's initial feelings of having a dead limb or tingling. The medicine then overstimulated their brain cells by flooding the brain with glutamate, a chemical that can be toxic in high amounts. In humans, this could lead to hyperexcited nerves burning out, causing paralysis or numbness. The drug also caused a chemical 'explosion' in the brain that wiped out the brain's natural defenses against antioxidants. In humans, the destruction of the chemical in the brain that acts as a fire extinguisher against harmful substances called free radicals can cause nerve pain and numbness, particularly in the arms and legs. 'That's the only thing that I found on the internet in a study that I was like, actually this could be what's happening to me,' she said. She said she had never heard of someone having 'allergic or neurotoxic effects' from Adderall, but added, 'there must be someone in the world who's also experienced this.' The feeling in Schweickert's body did not return completely, even after six months without taking the medication. '[I got] really nervous that my feeling would never return,' she said. 'Now I can say that it has.' There are few studies that delve into the potential brain-poisoning effects of stimulants, including Adderall and Ritalin. Maria Ingalla, an Arizona-based nurse practitioner of psychiatry, told if Schweikert had taken other drugs recreationally, their effects could have compounded Adderall's tendency to constrict blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow and causing numbness. Ingalla said: 'If she tried this med recently after a psychedelic or other drugs, it wouldn't be an unusual reaction because of additive effects those drugs can have on vasoconstriction and the sensory systems of the brain.' Schweickert did not say in the video whether she had been taking any other medication or drug at that time. Figures for the number of children taking Adderall or other ADHD medications are hard to pin down due to differences in prescription databases, changing trends over time (due to the Adderall shortage in 2022, for instance), state-by-state variations in reporting, and the rise of telehealth prescriptions. But current estimates say that around 10 percent of American children, aged two to 17, have been diagnosed with ADHD, and 62 percent of them are being treated with medications, translating to about 4.5 million children.
