If you made a quick google search on managing insomnia, you might have stumbled upon weighted blankets. Weighted blankets have been gaining popularity in recent years. For many people, it has become part of their sleep and relaxation routine as an at-home therapy for their insomnia, anxiety, and stress. So before we tackle the benefits,
What is a weighted blanket?
It's exactly what it sounds like! It’s a blanket filled with fillers making it heavy than the regular duvet. Its weight can range from 5 pounds to 35 pounds. Weighted blankets were initially used for therapy in the past to treat children with severe anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and other mental health disorders. Eventually, doctors discovered how it could be a useful tool for patients in the mental health community through deep touch pressure (or simply the pressure that it gives due to the weight).
How do weighted blankets work?
Have you ever gotten a massage and woke up the next hour, finished?
It’s the same feeling weighted blankets give! Through the evenly distributed weight, it signals your brain to release serotonin.
Serotonin is a chemical that helps you feel calm, relaxed, and in a much better mood. The release of serotonin also helps with melatonin production (aka sleep hormones); this, in return, signal your brain and body, “It’s time to sleep.”
Our autonomic system has two systems that work together. The sympathetic system, a.k.a ‘fight or flight,’ and the parasympathetic a.k.a ‘rest and digest.’ Weighted blankets work with your parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). When you’re stressed, your heart beats too quickly. Through the blankets evenly distributed weight, your parasympathetic nervous system is activated, lowering your heart rate and stress levels.
What are the benefits of using a weighted blanket?
According to multiple studies, weighted blankets show promising results. Many nowadays suffer from lack of sleep, which can take a toll on someone’s health, including cardiovascular and mental health. Fortunately, a weighted blanket can help relieve or manage symptoms of:
- Insomnia or sleeping disorders
- Mental health disorders: anxiety, depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Restless leg syndrome
- Arthritis, fibromyalgia, and pain.
- Tourette’s syndrome
Things to consider before buying a weighted blanket
Are you almost convinced to get yourself/ someone a weighted blanket? Not just yet! A few things to keep in mind
- Weighted blankets can be harmful to very young kids. If fillers or pellets fall out of the blanket, it can be a choking hazard. Make sure the weighted blanket stitches are sewn well and are secure. Toddlers under two years old are advised not to use them as it can risk them suffocation. Consult a pediatrician before having them use one.
- Choosing the right weight matters. We advise choosing a blanket that’s 10-15% of the your body weight. Too heavy can be counterproductive and can make you feel more anxious. Refer to the Suenyo Weighted Blanket guide before purchasing one.
- Fabric can be a make or break factor. For countries in hot climates, we recommend choosing a breathable material such as cotton. Suenyo’s weighted blankets are made perfect for the warm environment as they are temperature regulating, hypoallergenic, and easy to wash!
Now we've tackled the basics, are you ready for a good night's rest?
Shop now at www.suenyo.coSource:
https://weightedjournal.com/origin-of-weighted-blankets/
https://www.pennmedicine.org/updates/blogs/health-and-wellness/2019/february/weighted-blankets
https://www.jscimedcentral.com/SleepMedicine/sleepmedicine-2-1022.pdf