Weighted blankets are a welcome addition to the bedroom for many people. They’re safe for older children, adolescents, and adults but should be avoided for children under two years old and people with certain medical conditions. There is also a slight suffocation risk, so they are not ideal for claustrophobic people or those with anxiety. Still, if you’ve been wondering what the benefits of a weighted blanket are, read on to find out how they can benefit you.
Reduces anxiety
There are many benefits of using a weighted blanket to reduce anxiety. These products are commonly used in sensory rooms. In addition, research has found that a weighted blanket may help with depression and PTSD. The American Sleep Association, Harvard University, and the Cleveland Clinic acknowledge the benefits of weighted blankets. In a study published in 2015, the Occupational Study in Mental Health reported a 60 per cent reduction in anxiety after using a weighted blanket. The study also showed that a weighted blanket significantly reduced participants’ blood pressure and oxygen levels.
The weight of a weighted blanket should be chosen based on your body weight. Talking to your doctor before deciding on weight would be best. For example, a 15-pound weighted blanket is effective for some people but may be too heavy for others. For the best results, choose a weight between five and 15 per cent of your body weight. Most weight-based blankets offer several weight levels to accommodate different body weights.
Using a weighted blanket can help combat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People who experience traumatic events are often susceptible to the condition. For example, survivors of physical assault or severe car accidents are likely to experience this condition. Weighted blankets can help people with panic attacks feel less exposed and reassured. In addition, weighted blankets release neurotransmitters and calming hormones that help the body regain balance.
Improves sleep
If you’re an insomniac and can’t sleep, you may want to consider investing in a weighted blanket. These blankets are designed to help you get a better night’s rest by lowering your electrodermal activity and feelings of anxiety. However, there are some essential things you should keep in mind before investing in a weighted blanket. First of all, make sure that you choose the right weight.
Research suggests that weighted blankets help increase serotonin and decrease cortisol levels in the body. Serotonin is a hormone that is involved in mood regulation and contributes to the onset of sleep. It also affects the production of melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep timing. On the other hand, cortisol is a stress hormone associated with a higher likelihood of waking up from sleep.
Another study found that weighted blankets improve sleep quality and restfulness. Sleep disorders are associated with depression and anxiety, and weighted blankets improve both. The study’s results support a psychoanalytic theory that suggests that touch is a basic human need. Researchers recommend additional research to determine whether weighted blankets improve sleep. And the researchers did not report any conflicts of interest in the study. Grants from Region Stockholm supported weighted blankets.
Reduces cortisol
There are many benefits of using a weighted blanket. First, it can reduce cortisol levels, making it an excellent option for people who are anxious or suffering from sleep problems. These blankets can be filled with plastic pellets or beads in the blanket’s centre. Their weights range from three pounds to twenty pounds. This type of blanket can be purchased from different companies, but it is typically marketed to those with insomnia or other sleep disorders.
Research on the benefits of weighted blankets is not complete. Despite their many benefits, rigorous research on these blankets is still lacking. While some of the benefits have been proven for various health conditions, most have not been confirmed. For example, weighted blankets have been proven to reduce stress levels in patients with depression and anxiety. This method can also help reduce the incidence of seizures.
While many benefits are attributed to the reduction of cortisol levels, some people are unaware that they can also help reduce serotonin levels, a hormone that controls sleep. These chemicals are related to the hormone melatonin, which regulates sleep patterns. So a weighted blanket can help you get a good night’s sleep while lowering your cortisol levels.
Calms nervous system
The weighted blanket has many health benefits, and deep pressure stimulation is one of them. It increases levels of the mood-boosting hormone serotonin and reduces the stress hormone cortisol. During sleep, the blanket induces relaxation, lowering the level of stress hormones. Studies also suggest that weighted blankets can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety symptoms. Moreover, these blankets calm the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for anxiety and hyperactivity.
The use of weighted blankets has been around for a while. Initially, psychologists prescribed them for children with sensory processing disorders and autism. Nowadays, weighted blankets are commonly used in psychiatric units. Researchers believe that the weight of the blanket triggers the parasympathetic nervous system and calms the body. However, it isn’t easy to pinpoint the specific benefits of the blanket.
While everyone experiences anxiety occasionally, people with anxiety disorders tend to worry excessively about everyday situations, increasing heart rate and breathing. This overly-stimulating state of mind is not beneficial for overall health. The blanket helps break the continuous nervous system arousal cycle, allowing the parasympathetic system to take over. It is the first and most important benefit of a weighted blanket for sleep.
Reduces perception of chronic pain
Recent research has suggested that a simple weighted blanket can improve the sleep quality of people with chronic pain. A randomized controlled study in a group of highly anxious individuals has demonstrated that using weighted blankets reduced the sufferers’ perception of chronic pain. The weighted blanket contains an additional layer of weight sewn into it, which increases the pressure applied to the body. These blankets may have similar benefits, but more studies are needed to confirm their effectiveness in treating chronic pain.
The benefits of using a weighted blanket aren’t limited to chronic pain sufferers. Studies show that these blankets may help those suffering from ADHD and anxiety disorders. The blankets reduce the body’s physical and psychological response to anxiety. The blankets may also help people who have difficulty falling asleep. In addition, the blanket’s weighted nature helps to reduce physiological arousal.
Many weighted blankets are available, ranging from ten to 35 pounds. Choose one that suits your needs and does not affect your sleeping position. You can also choose a lightweight weighted blanket if it is suitable for everyday use. Weighted blankets are not suitable for everyone, however. Some people experience back pain when using them, which should be used with caution, particularly if they have sleep disorders.
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