Novista’s fiber-weighted blankets are used in many areas of society to help people who suffer from sleep problems. Among other places, our products are used in the correctional system by individuals who, for various reasons, experience severe anxiety, restlessness, and mental health issues—which often result in serious sleep problems.
Delfina, a nurse for 16 years, has seen the positive effects of the weighted blanket firsthand. She has worked in child and adolescent psychiatry, in addiction treatment, at a juvenile detention center, and at a pretrial detention center. Today, she works as a specialist nurse in the Swedish Prison and Probation Service.
In her line of work, she has met people who have gone off the rails. The people she encounters in her work have committed various types of crimes. Most often, these involve theft, drug offenses, and assault. But even though their crimes differ, their backgrounds are almost identical. Nearly all of them had an unstable upbringing, with a childhood marked by difficult home circumstances and social exclusion. Often, there were elements of alcohol, violence, and drugs in their home environments. They fell into the wrong crowd at an early age and, as a result, developed drug problems and ended up on the wrong side of the law.
During her time at the juvenile detention center, Delfina met these young men. They are young people up to 22 years old. Some have ADHD, and others are hyperactive. Almost all of them suffer from severe anxiety, a great deal of worry, and remorse. As a result, many have developed serious sleep problems, which, along with their mental health issues, can also be traced back to drug use starting at an early age.
She remembers a young man in his 20s whom we can call “Oskar.”
“I met Oskar at the juvenile detention center. His background is pretty much the same as everyone else’s. He had an unstable upbringing, got mixed up with the wrong crowd at an early age, has been smoking cannabis since he was 13, and has committed crimes,” says Delfina.
There is a work requirement at the facility, which means that all inmates must work.
“Oskar couldn’t work because he was so tired. He suffered from severe anxiety and had therefore developed serious sleep problems. To be able to sleep, he had been taking sleeping pills every night since he was young. He first came to see me because he wanted sleeping pills. I felt that he was taking the pills reluctantly because he himself understood that it wasn’t good for him. I also knew that he had a history of substance abuse, she says.
Delfina herself had just been introduced to the fiber-filled comforter through Novista and had started testing it herself.
– I suggested that he try a weighted blanket for two weeks, on the condition that he do so without taking sleeping pills at the same time. After some persuasion, he agreed to try the blanket.
The result was surprisingly positive for both Delfina and Oskar.
– Oskar’s sleep quickly improved significantly, and he no longer needed to take pills to fall asleep. He said that the blanket made him feel wrapped up and safe. He moved around less at night. He also liked that it was quiet and soft, just like a regular blanket.
After that, things moved quickly. Word spread throughout the facility, and more people wanted to try the weighted blanket.
– I provided more blankets for the young people, and the results were surprisingly good. Once a person got used to the blanket, no one wanted to give it up. What was especially nice was that the doctor didn’t prescribe a single sleeping pill at the juvenile detention center. It was fantastic,” Delfina concludes.
Delfina’s experience shows how a simple tool like a weighted blanket can make a big difference for people with severe sleep problems. By creating a sense of security and reducing anxiety, a weighted blanket can be an effective alternative to sleeping pills and contribute to better recovery.
At Novista, we’re proud that our weighted blankets help people in vulnerable situations sleep better and feel better. Whether used in correctional facilities, healthcare settings, or at home, we hope to give more people the opportunity to enjoy calmer nights and have more energy during the day.
Would you like to learn more about how our fiber-filled comforter can help you or someone close to you? Learn more about our weighted blankets and weighted vests for healthcare and nursing here!
