Do Weighted Blankets Actually work

Ever felt the warm embrace of a soft, comfortable blanket that cocoons you comfortably while you snooze? A weighted blanket is one that is full of discs, pellets, and beads and creates a therapeutic, soothing feeling. Today, adults and children suffer from insomnia.

Additionally, there are mental health issues, like depression, anxiety, ADHD, etc. A weighted blanket for anxiety and insomnia ensures you get a good night’s sleep.

Here are some of the benefits of weighted blankets.

1. Cure Insomnia

Millions of people around the world suffer from insomnia. It is the inability to sleep, no matter how hard you try. Well, research points to something called deep touch pressure stimulation. This helps in releasing serotonin in the brain, a chemical that helps regulate sleep. Weighted blankets have a firm, yet gentle pressure, which can ease you off into sleep, curing insomnia over time(1).

2. Helps with Anxiety

Do weighted blankets help with anxiety? Well, this is one of the most frequently asked questions. There are many ways to deal with anxiety.  Think of a weighted blanket as a firm, yet gentle hug. The beads inside the blanket roll over to form patterns that change while you move in your sleep, thereby helping with pressure stimulation, invariably helping with anxiety.

[Also Read: Weighted Blankets to Get Rid of Anxiety & Insomia]

3. Helps ADHD

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Characterized by a severe lack of focus, ADHD affects our mechanism of getting things done. It disturbs the focus and is quite a severe mental health issue. Once again, it is the deep touch pressure stimulation of the weighted blanket that comes to the rescue. It helps the ADHD person to feel calmer and more grounded.

[Read: 8 Home Remedies for ADHD Treatment]

4. Reduces Autism

While autism has no cure, its signs and symptoms might be managed through a range of treatments and therapies. Therapy weighted blankets provide a sense of touch that has immediate and long-term effects on our body’s biochemistry.

It reduces the stress hormone or cortisol levels in the body and increases the levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine, thus reducing the symptoms of autism(2).

5. Weighted Blankets for OCD

It is the deep touch pressure stimulation therapy of the weighted blankets that increases the serotonin levels in the brain. Low serotonin levels have been associated with increasing severity of OCD.

6. Eases Physical Discomfort

Why pop a pill every time you feel unwell? Well, a weighted blanket is an excellent alternative to prescription or non-prescription medications. The beads in the blankets provide a massage-like sensation to the limbs, thus easing pain.

7. Improvement of Sleep Quality

Sometimes, your sleep might be pleasant and restful, while at other times, you might wake up frequently and not sleep too well at night. Well, the former can be achieved by using a weighted blanket. The gentle sensation of the beads from within helps you fall into a deeper, better sleep, much faster.

[Read: Meditation for Sleep]

8. Eases Restlessness

Do you constantly shake your leg or do you feel a tingling sensation sometimes in your legs? Well, this can be quite a pain and can affect your sleep quality. Weighted blankets provide a decent amount of pressure that helps fight physical restlessness and twitching. A great alternative to compression clothing.

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9. Reduces Stress

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The deep pressure stimulation of the innumerable beads inside the weighted blanket gently massages the skin. The nerve endings in the skin get calmed, and this reduces the overall stress level for people(3).

10. Catalyst for Mood Improvement

Weighted blankets, thanks to their deep touch pressure stimulation, boost the levels of serotonin in the brain and reduce cortisol levels. This can bring about a dramatic shift in the mood and make you wake up feeling cheerful every morning.

[Read: 5 Foods That Help With Anxiety]

11. Help Combat PTSD

Usually associated with combat veterans, PTSD can severely affect anyone who has had a traumatic or stressful life event. It is the only therapy that eases the symptoms of PTSD, some of which include insomnia and depression. Weighted blankets aids in lowering blood pressure, bringing down pulse rates, thus making you feel less anxious.

12. Can Mimic a Hug

How many times have you wished you could just be held for a moment in a warm and loving embrace. A weighted blanket recreates a big, warm bear hug.

While weighted blankets for sleep issues are prevalent, one of the interesting aspects of these blankets is that it also provides peaceful feelings similar to a physical embrace. It is the boosting of serotonin and dopamine in the brain that makes you feel warm, fuzzy and loved.

[Read: Remarkable Herbs That Help You Fall Asleep]

How to Use a Weighted Blanket?

There isn’t any particular one way to use a blanket apart from simply throwing it on yourself, and snuggling into it when you please. Well, buy a weighted blanket and remember to keep it clean over the years so the material remains good and the beads inside retain their shape.

Cautions/Prevention’s

Being a regular blanket that you can use, there are no issues with using weighted blankets. However, care must be taken when using the blanket with infants as they might feel smothered due to the weight of these blankets.

Takeaway

A weighted blanket is a perfect companion for you if you want a full night of undisturbed, quality sleep every day of your life. The deep pressure stimulation from the fillings in the blankets contributes towards giving you an incredible sensation.

Snuggling under this blanket might make you feel that you are being hugged. So, get a weighted blanket for its soothing touch, something that’ll surely enhance your mood and keep you happy.


FAQs

1. Do Weighted Blankets Work for Anyone Who Has Sleeping Issues?

Yes. Filled with beads or beans, or some filling, weighted blankets depend on deep pressure stimulation to ensure better sleep. What’s more? These blankets can also reduce the symptoms of a whole range of mental health issues.

2. Do Weighted Blankets Make You Feel Hot?

These blankets are heavier, but they aren’t too hot. You can enjoy a weighted blanket even if you’re having hot flashes. Even if the temperature is warm outside, you can still be comfortable with a weighted blanket.