Weighted Blankets for Postsurgical Pain

Description

The strongest psychological predictor of persistent pain after surgery is anxiety before surgery. The weight of blanket a person uses overnight may alter both anxiety and pain levels. The proposed study will determine whether a heavier or lighter blanket alters presurgical anxiety or postsurgical pain in individuals undergoing a breast surgery. We will also study whether any blanket-induced changes in postsurgical pain are related to reductions in anxiety before surgery induced by the blanket. Finally, we will examine clinical and psychological factors that might explain differences in how surgical patients respond to blanket weight. This research will improve our understanding of whether blanket weight can alter anxiety before a surgery or pain after a surgery.

Conditions

Pain, Postsurgical

Study Overview

Study Details

Study overview

The strongest psychological predictor of persistent pain after surgery is anxiety before surgery. The weight of blanket a person uses overnight may alter both anxiety and pain levels. The proposed study will determine whether a heavier or lighter blanket alters presurgical anxiety or postsurgical pain in individuals undergoing a breast surgery. We will also study whether any blanket-induced changes in postsurgical pain are related to reductions in anxiety before surgery induced by the blanket. Finally, we will examine clinical and psychological factors that might explain differences in how surgical patients respond to blanket weight. This research will improve our understanding of whether blanket weight can alter anxiety before a surgery or pain after a surgery.

Effect of Weighted Blankets on Perioperative Anxiety and Postsurgical Pain

Weighted Blankets for Postsurgical Pain

Condition
Pain, Postsurgical
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

La Jolla

Actri, Ucsd, La Jolla, California, United States, 92093

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Fluent in English
  • * Undergoing breast surgery
  • * Willing to sleep with a weighted blanket for up to 3 months
  • * BMI of at least 18.5 and able to safely lift up to 15lb
  • * Willing and able to use their personal smartphone for the ecological momentary assessment app to submit ratings using personal data plan
  • * Pregnancy
  • * Chronic high-dose opioid use
  • * Current or previous use of a weighted blanket
  • * Claustrophobia
  • * Incarceration

Ages Eligible for Study

18 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of California, San Diego,

Study Record Dates

2026-05