5 Benefits of Sleeping with a Weighted Blanket

(GoHealthier.com) – Everything from worries about life issues to a chronic health condition might cause us to lay awake at night. While sleep remedies are plenty, one option available to us is a weighted blanket.

So, how can wrapping ourselves up at night with this sleep aid lead to a better night’s rest? Let’s look at five ways.

Quick Read:
There are several potential benefits to sleeping with a weighted blanket, including stress reduction, help for insomnia and lower blood pressure. They may also help restless leg syndrome sufferers cope and may calm children, especially those diagnosed with autism or ADHD. The light sense of pressure and warmth and sensory inputs may naturally generate feelings of security and reduce anxiety, allowing us to doze off easier and maintain a peaceful slumber longer. If anything is getting in the way of your restful night, this therapeutic aid may help. Here’s why.

Explore Five Benefits of Weighted Blankets.

What is a Weighted Blanket?

Most of us have heard the term weighted blanket tossed around. So, what is it exactly? It’s a type of therapeutic blanket that weighs anywhere between 5 and 25 pounds. Filled with glass or plastic particles, the blanket is meant to apply pressure in specific areas and mimics deep pressure stimulation or (DPS) once it’s wrapped around the body. It feels like getting a big hug. This feeling may combat loneliness or convey a sense of comfort to some.

What Are the Benefits?

DPS from weighted blankets may boost serotonin production, generating a relaxing effect on the brain and body. In addition to that, a weighted blanket may provide the following benefits:

They might help with restless leg syndrome (RLS). A weighted blanket at night may override the crawling sensation often caused by RLS, making it easier to get comfortable and stay still. By reducing tossing and turning, the body slips into a more relaxed state.
They may reduce insomnia. Using a weighted blanket may help trigger melatonin production by getting the body into a relaxed state. Melatonin helps promote a good night’s rest and regulates the body’s internal circadian rhythm or sleep cycle.
They reduce anxiety and stress. DPS is a way of applying pressure to the body to reduce stress and anxiety. It’s a type of firm but gentle squeezing hug or holding pattern that winds the nervous system down. When done correctly, it releases endorphins, creating a sense of peace and calm. Weighted blankets have been shown to successfully employ DPS.
They may lower high blood pressure. Having the comforting sensation of a weighted blanket on you creates a sense of overall peacefulness and may help ease racing thoughts, lower heart rate, and reduce blood pressure.
They can help calm children. When babies are born, doctors may recommend a swaddle or wrap to mimic the sensation of being secure in the womb. Weighted blankets mimic that effect and can create feelings of calm in children. They are often recommended for autistic children, those who have ADHD or have trouble falling asleep.

Using a therapeutic blanket may help improve symptoms related to these medical conditions. Weighted blankets are an innovative and comfortable way to improve our health and wellbeing. They may improve our health in several ways, from reducing anxiety and lowering blood pressure to assisting with deeper, more extended sleep. This is one health trend we think everyone should consider!

~Here’s to a Healthier Life!