We all know the power of a proper hug, the warming sensation creates a sense of safety and security, reducing feelings of loneliness. Weighted blankets create the same feeling. They first started as something to help autistic individuals feel stronger while they sleep but they’re now seen as more like a therapeutic device for adults and older children, too, just before bed.
Weighted blankets are literally just bed coverings made of denser material to provide gentle pressure on your body, mimicking the comforting sensation of a hug. But the benefits extend beyond feeling snuggled. These blankets utilize the concept of deep pressure stimulation (DPS) to provide a calming effect and facilitate better sleep.
If you are curious about how these blankets can improve your wellbeing, here are 10 good reasons to try.
Deeper, More Restful Sleep
A good night’s sleep is better for your physical and well-being but if you struggle to fall asleep and stay asleep just like 4 in 10 of adults and half of children, a weighted blanket can be a game changer.
The extra weight, usually spread out evenly across the surface of the blanket, provides a soothing hugging sensation reducing restlessness and promoting deeper sleep.
Most studies agree that the blanket should be somewhere from 10 to 20 percent of your actual body weight. If you live in hot weather conditions, consider the ones made with an “open weave”, so you enjoy the benefits of the weight minus heat buildup.
Reduced Anxiety and Stress
The soothing weight of a weighted blanket can act as a natural stress reliever. These blankets utilize the proprioception idea where the mechanical receptors under the skin sense the blanket’s weight and signal the muscles to relax because they are being supported.
This would then decrease cortisol, a stress hormone and stimulate oxytocin aka love hormone facilitating the natural sleep process. It’s the reason they are sometimes called anti-anxiety blankets.
Improved Mood
Weighted blankets benefit more than just sleep. By reducing stress and anxiety, weighted blankets can be considered therapeutic devices for stimulating positive moods in individuals.
Serotonin release due to deep pressure stimulation can make individuals feel happier and more content making these blankets useful for depression management.
Relief from Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless leg syndrome aka RLS is characterized by a strong urge to move one’s legs, and while experts are still mulling the real cause, studies suggest sufferers could benefit from the deep pressure provided by weighted blankets. The proprioceptive input can help calm the nerves and reduce the desire to move, leading to a more restful sleep.
Sensory Processing Support
Sensory processing disorder particularly hypersensitivity can lead to sleeping issues, where even the slightest noise disturbs sleep leading to tossing and turning.
By producing a deep pressure massaging-like effect, weighted blankets can create feelings of safety and security, reducing restlessness and improving focus in hypersensitive individuals.
Pain Management
The deep pressure massage-like action provided by a weighted blanket can be beneficial for individuals suffering from various kinds of pain. It improves blood circulation and reduces inflammation and hurting. Studies have shown heartwarming pain relief in people with chronic pain, arthritis, and muscle tension.
Improved Focus and Concentration
The calming effects of weighted blankets aren’t limited to bedtime. If you experience difficulty focusing on tasks due to ADHD or anxiety, studies show that using weighted blankets during the day can help you keep your head in the game by calming the nerves and triggering serotonin release.
Increased Feeling of Security
A weighted bed covering is like a security blanket for people who experience difficulty feeling safe and secure due to conditions like anxiety and PTSD. The gentle pressure makes one feel as if wrapped in a cocoon and very safe, reducing feelings of isolation.
Improved Body Awareness
The DPS effect of weighted blankets can make muscles more sensitive to stimulation and improve body awareness in individuals who struggle with proprioception issues, such as diminished sensitivity or autism.
Enhanced Relaxation Ritual
You can make your relaxation routine even more soothing by throwing a weighted blanket in the mix. Snuggling in one of these therapeutic tools after a long day can create feelings of tranquility and improve your mood, getting you ready for a more restful night.
Alright, wellness enthusiasts, these are just some of the most compelling reasons to snatch yourself a weighted blanket and snuggle. However, remember that the blanket should be 10% of your body weight if not slightly more and incorporated into a wholesome wellness plan such as regular exercise, consistent sleep patterns, limited caffeine, and reduction in alcohol to get proper sleep.
Many children and adults suffering from various ailments do extremely well adding our weighted blankets to their nighttime routine for when they want to catch some zzz during the daytime.
Check our collection to find something lovely for yourself or a gift for a loved one. If you have questions or concerns, speak to our experts for guidance.
