What are weighted blankets? What are the benefits of using these blankets? If you are looking for answers to these questions, then you are at the right place since this is the topic we will be exploring in the following sections.
What are weighted blankets?
Weighted blankets usually have plastic pellets or glass beads filled in them with the aim of adding weight, which could be in the four-to-twenty-five-pound range.
A weighted blanket's heaviness can be picked up on the basis of the weight of the person. Generally, the weight of the blanket should not be more than ten percent of your body weight. However, you should consult your physician or occupational therapist to know what would be ideal weight for the blanket, that will comfortable as well as effective for you.
Benefits of Weighted Blankets
In a study it was found that thirty-one people who had moderate insomnia reported better and calmer sleep at night after they used these weight blankets for two weeks and there were fewer movements while they were sleeping. These people experienced sleep of higher quality due to these blankets.
Another study involved thirty-two people and a thirty-pound weighted blanket was used for the study. Out of the study participants, sixty-three percent of people mentioned lower anxiety levels and seventy-eight percent mentioned that the weight blankets helped them in calming down.
Similarly, adults and children with attention disorders such as ADHD and ADD tend to get better sleep, calm down, and gain better focus on tasks they do when using weighted blankets.
Researchers believe that these blankets provide stimulation using deep pressure, which feels like a swaddling, a massage, or a firm hug. Such stimulation is known to calm children as well as adults suffering from attention difficulties, autism, and anxiety.
Grounding or Earthing Effect
Weighted blankets push you downwards, which is called as grounding or earthing and provides a calming effect. These also result in simulation of what is known as deep pressure touch, which is a form of therapy where hand pressure is utilized for reducing anxiety and chronic stress.
Studies reveal that such earthing has a calming effect and may well help in reducing levels of stress hormone cortisol during night. Such reduction in stress helps to improve our immune system, reduce levels of blood sugar, and improve digestive system.
Selecting a Blanket
Ideally, you should look for a weight blanket which is made using any of the natural fibers like cotton. It is also worth mentioning here that polyester as well as similar other synthetic fabrics tend to be hotter, and it is better to avoid blankets made using such fabrics.
A Final Note
To summarize we can say that weighted blankets are simple yet effective means of getting a good night’s sleep and getting up in the morning feeling refreshed.