4 Reasons You Should Be Using A Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets have become the go-to solution for people with insomnia, sleeping problems, anxiety, ADHD, autism, and stress. The blankets are heavier than the ordinary blankets. They help to make the user relax since they simulate the ‘being hugged’ feeling making one sleep better and fall asleep fast.
Weighted blankets are heavier than ordinary blankets since their lining pockets are filled with pellets which add up to 20 pounds. The blankets can weigh as much as 30 pounds. However, you should get a weighted blanket that is 5 to 10 percent of your body weight. Nevertheless, for kids, you should add 1 to 2 pounds.
The blankets are said to work by exerting even pressure across the body, which is like being held or hugged. The pressure helps to relieve anxiety and stress.
So, what are the benefits of using a weighted blanket?
1. Better Sleep
Weighted blankets help people to relax so they can have a deep and better sleep. The blankets push the body downwards as you sleep, in what is known as ‘grounding’, which has a calming effect. The relaxation causes you to have better sleep.
The blankets also have a soothing effect and they mimic the feeling of being held. This will make you feel warm, safe and the body will relax easily and therefore, you will fall asleep more easily.
2. Helps to reduce anxiety, depression, and stress
Weighted blankets have ‘grounding’ effect and they simulate Deep Pressure Touch (DPT) therapy, all which can help you to relax.
Based on studies, ‘grounding’ can reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This results to better sleep as well as reduced pain, insomnia and stress. High levels of the cortisol hormone are known to cause complications such as anxiety, depression, weight gain, and insomnia.
The deep pressure touch can help you to relax and it may also trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine, which are hormones that fight against depression, anxiety, and stress. This way, you can relax and get good quality sleep.
In a study of how effectively weighted blankets measuring 30 pounds were, two-thirds of those who took part reported that they had lower anxiety levels after using the blanket.
The weighted blankets are also known to calm down the nervous system. The effect is reduced restlessness and you physically calm down.
3. Wake up refreshed
Nothing is better than waking up feeling refreshed after a good night sleep. A weighted blanket helps to reduce anxiety and as a result, gives you better sleep. Therefore, when you lie down to sleep, not only will you fall asleep fast, but you will sleep for longer and get deep sleep with fewer movements.
4. They are soft and warm!
With the advance in technology, the weighted blankets are made soft, warm and comfortable while the weight is distributed evenly. The comfort is enough to make you relax and sleep better. The gravity blanket feels like a warm, secure hug that takes away all your worries. No wonder you can fall asleep fast since you have less stress and less anxiety.
So what are you waiting for? Will you take the plunge and get a weighted blanket? Tell us in the comments!