What Is A Weighted Blanket?
You have probably seen ads for weighted blankets all over social media. You can also find them at big box stores and on Etsy. But what is a weighted blanket exactly? First of all, they are not intended to be used by babies. You must know how to handle one properly. This article will cover the basics of weighted blankets and how to determine the right one for you.
The benefits of a weighted blanket are well-known, and they’re not limited to those with mental health conditions. Those with a poor night’s sleep experience several problems. Not only does it lower their productivity levels the next day, but it also affects their moods. A weighted blanket can help you sleep better and feel more relaxed. If you suffer from insomnia, you may want to invest in a weighted blanket for your bed.
Many people find that weighted blankets provide therapeutic benefits for anxiety and sleep disorders. They can help reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and anxiety. As a result, they may help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. What’s more, the deep-touch pressure of a weighted blanket increases serotonin levels, which is the feel-good hormone.
Besides being beneficial for people with sleep disorders, weighted blankets have other benefits as well. It can help improve your sleep schedule by reducing anxiety, blood pressure, and heart rate. It can also help you fall asleep faster. A weighted blanket has many benefits, but it’s worth a try to see what it can do for you.
The Benefits Of A Weighted Blanket
The benefits of a weighted blanket are numerous. In addition to helping you relax and sleep better, it may even have therapeutic benefits for people who suffer from certain sleeping disorders. Here are some of these benefits:
Helps With Insomnia
People with insomnia can benefit from using a weighted blanket to get a better night’s sleep. They can relax before bed and experience fewer interruptions during sleep. People who suffer from chronic pain or anxiety may find a weighted blanket beneficial, especially if they have trouble sleeping. These benefits are not just limited to those who suffer from insomnia, however. People with anxiety, depression, or trouble falling asleep can all benefit from the use of a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets are a great way to fix your sleep schedule.
Reduces Anxiety And Stress
A weighted blanket has been shown to reduce anxiety and stress, which is often a result of lack of sleep. The weight of a heavy blanket stimulates the production of serotonin, a hormone responsible for relaxation. Serotonin helps people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, leaving them feeling more rested the next day. These chemicals in the brain are crucial for our health, and a lack of them can lead to mood disorders and fatigue.
An Excessive Bedding Accessory
A weighted blanket is an expensive bedding accessory, but it has many other benefits that go beyond simply improving sleep. Some people say it makes them feel calmer, but these benefits cannot be quantified. It is best to try a weighted blanket for yourself to find out how effective it is. Even if you use a blanket only a few times a week, it’s worth investing in one.
Provides Long Sleep
Weighted blankets reduce anxiety and stress. Studies have shown that adults who use a weighted blanket report sleeping longer and waking up less. They also release oxytocin in the brain, which lowers heart rate and reduces stress hormones. While many people may use weighted blankets to help them relax and sleep better, the benefits can be significant. And don’t forget about its therapeutic properties.
How Do Weighted Blankets Work?
These blankets create a deep feeling of comfort and relaxation by providing Deep Touch Pressure. This type of pressure triggers chemical reactions in the body that release serotonin, or the “happy hormone.” This effect is remarkably similar to that felt by swaddling a baby.
The main benefit of weighted blankets is to lower blood pressure and promote a relaxing state of mind. The blankets work by triggering the release of serotonin and dopamine, chemical precursors of melatonin. Serotonin, in turn, reduces stress levels and promotes relaxation. The blankets have been proven to reduce anxiety, improve sleep, and even alleviate some symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Do Weighted Blankets Help With Insomnia And Anxiety?
While there are no definitive studies, there are some promising results from research on weighted blankets for insomnia. These blankets work by applying deep pressure that simulates a gentle but firm squeeze. Deep pressure stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, which has a calming effect. This resulted in a reduced level of cortisol, the stress hormone.
The researchers concluded that weighted blankets for sleep helped patients to improve their sleep and reduce their symptoms of depression and anxiety. Their results also showed reductions in insomnia severity index scores. Overall, the participants in the study showed more than a 50% reduction in the severity index scores compared to the control group. However, the researchers noted that they had no conflicts of interest. Furthermore, the research was supported by the Swedish Region’s grants.
Lastly
The benefits of using a weighted blanket are numerous, and they include a plethora of psychological benefits. However, if you are considering purchasing one of these products, you should know how to choose the right weight. The therapeutic benefits are largely dependent on the weight of the blanket, which acts as a kind of gentle squeezing of the body.