Weighted Blanket | Get a Better Night’s Sleep

With the increasing demand for natural stress relief and improved sleep hygiene, weighted blankets are becoming an increasingly popular choice among people seeking to improve their overall wellbeing. But how exactly can investing in a therapeutic blanket bring about such positive change? Research has shown that these special blankets may provide beneficial effects for those suffering from conditions like anxiety, autism, and insomnia. Let’s dive into why this might be so – as well as any potential risks associated with using them.

What is a weighted blanket?

Weighted blankets are the perfect aids for relaxation, offering therapeutic benefits to people who would like expert-level pressure therapy in a comfortable and convenient product. These cozy covers come with just enough weight – between 5 and 30 pounds – to mimic deep pressure stimulation techniques used by professionals.

Who may benefit from a weighted blanket?

Recent research has shown exciting potential for weighted blankets in easing physical and emotional symptoms. Promising initial results suggest that these special blankets may be beneficial in the treatment of a wide range of conditions, with further investigation underway to uncover their full capabilities.

Anxiety

Weighted blankets are an effective tool for soothing anxiety, as deep pressure stimulation can help create a calming effect and reduce physical manifestations of stress. This type of therapy is designed to promote comfort and relaxation in order to support emotional wellbeing.

Autism

Autistic children often struggle with sleep issues, but a 2017 research studyTrusted Source suggested that deep pressure therapy – such as brushing, massage and squeezing – may provide positive results. Weighted blankets might also be another viable option to help those suffering from autism improve their sleeping habits.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

If you or someone you know has ADHD, there’s something quite special that could make all the difference: a weighted vest. A 2014 study examined the effects of these vests and found incredible results – participants experienced significant decreases in leaving tasks undone, getting out of their seat too often, and fidgeting! It looks like this might be just what we need for managing Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder more effectively.

Insomnia and sleep disorders

Sleep is essential for a healthy lifestyle, yet many of us struggle from insomnia and other sleep disorders. While there are several factors that could be causing these issues, weighted blankets may provide solace. Through the gentle pressure it offers, your heart rate will slow down while breathing becomes more even – allowing you to feel relaxed before settling into slumberland! Sweet dreams 💤

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can be a nagging issue, but there’s hope that massage therapy and weighted blankets may provide relief. According to one studyTrusted Source of 18 participants with osteoarthritis, those who received eight weeks of knee massages experienced reduced pain intensity while also noting improved quality in their lives afterwards. Although research into specific use cases for weighted blanks hasn’t been conducted yet, the deep pressure applied here makes it reasonable to expect similar results if used properly – giving sufferers an additional layer of comfort!

Chronic pain

Living with chronic pain can be a huge challenge, but there may be some hope yet! A recent study done by UC San Diego uncovered that weighted blankets could provide relief for those in need. 94 people living with both chronic pain and anxiety took part in the research; they experienced significantly reduced perceptions of their discomfort after using either light or heavy blankets – although levels of intensity stayed unchanged. Could this pampering addition to your home help ease away your aches? It’s well worth giving it a try!

Medical procedures

If you’re feeling anxious about a medical procedure, consider getting yourself or your loved one some extra comfort with the help of weighted blankets! Research has shown that patients who experienced wisdom tooth extractions and molar operations felt calmer when using such blankets. Results showed lower anxiety symptoms compared to those in the control group – so it may just be worth considering if you want an added layer of support during difficult procedures!

Do they actually work?

Recent studies have provided compelling evidence that weighted blankets can help reduce physical pain and improve sleep. In a 2020 study, 120 people with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), or ADHD used either light or chain-weighted blankets – the latter group saw reduced fatigue as well as lessened depression and improved insomnia after 4 weeks! The same Swedish researchers found in 2021 that adults & children on autism spectrum disorders/ADHD enjoyed better quality of sleep when using weighted blanket throughout the night.

If you’re having trouble sleeping through the night, take heart! A 2020 study of 122 participants by Florida researchers showed that those who chose to use a weighted blanket saw lower rates of anxiety and improved their overall sleep quality. Not only did they fall asleep faster but reported greater restfulness when using weighted blankets over an extended six-week period. Though more research is still needed on these results, it’s exciting news for anyone looking for better days ahead – including getting the best possible shut eye at night!

What to look for when shopping for the best weighted blanket

Outer material: When it comes to feeling cozy and comfortable, the material of your outer cover makes all the difference! Popularly used polyester fleece is soft and snuggly – however if you’re wanting a more natural feel then cotton might be just right for you.

Filling: Weighted blankets are the perfect way to give some extra love and comfort. So, if you’re considering one for yourself or your loved ones, make sure it’s filled with tiny glass beads for a truly relaxing experience! Be sure to inspect the stitching – look out for grid-like patterns that distribute weight evenly so you can get maximum coziness from your blanket every time. For an alternative choice of filling materials like cotton or down polyester might provide even more cuddlesome vibes!

Size: Make sure your weighted blanket is the perfect size for you! Too big and it could end up on the floor during a sleepless night; too small, and that comforting pressure might not be distributed evenly. Consider investing in an individual-size version – even if you have a larger bed, this way you’ll make sure its weight will help relax every part of your body while allowing restful sleep.

Laundering instructions: When it comes to keeping clean, sure you can spot-clean some weighted blankets–but if that’s too much of a hassle for your busy lifestyle, opt for one with a removable cover or even an entire machine washable style! Just be aware that GH Institute pros warn drying may take longer than usual after washing.

How heavy should a weighted blanket be?

Ready to get cozy? To find the best weighted blanket for you, do some simple math – most companies recommend choosing a 10% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh around 150 pounds then a 15-pound blanket is ideal! Don’t stress too much about getting it perfect; anything in 7%-12 % of your bodyweight should work like a charm.