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Weighted blankets may aid with chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep, according to some evidence.
To enhance the quality of sleep, weighted blankets often referred to as therapeutic tools have become more and more popular. (Representative Image)
Both physical and mental health depend on getting a good night’s sleep, yet many people have anxiety, sleeplessness, or restlessness that makes it difficult for them to fall and stay asleep. To enhance the quality of sleep, weighted blankets often referred to as therapeutic tools have become more and more popular. These blankets are heavier than conventional ones and exert mild, uniform pressure on the body. Let’s know if they are effective for good sleep or not.
Recently, Medicalxpress posted the effectiveness of weighted blankets through research. According to UCLA Health sleep medicine specialist Dr. Neal Walia, the firm touch of the blankets may reduce the brain’s fight-or-flight reaction. Additional weight is added to weighted blankets using cotton, glass beads, pellets, or another filling. Although they haven’t investigated the blankets’ precise mechanism, scientists have some theories. “ The extra pressure also may signal the brain to release what’s called the love hormone, also known as oxytocin” Walia said.
How To Use Weighted Blankets?
Experts advise choosing a blanket that is roughly 10% of the body weight of the majority of healthy persons. The person weighing 150 pounds can choose a blanket that weighs 15 pounds. Babies and toddlers shouldn’t use weighted blankets since they can make it difficult for them to breathe and move. Before using a weighted blanket, anyone with respiratory issues, sleep-related diseases, or sleep apnoea should consult a physician.
Do Weighted Blankets Improve Sleep?
As per Medicalexpress research on the effectiveness of weighted blankets is few, and what is available is limited to small groups. The typical sleeper is not the subject of most investigations. Rather, they look into the potential benefits of weighted blankets for those suffering from developmental difficulties, mental health issues, or persistent sleep issues.
Weighted blankets may aid with chronic pain, anxiety, and sleep, according to some evidence. However, the study isn’t definitive. In contrast to a light blanket, a study involving 120 individuals with insomnia revealed that weighted blankets improved their quality of sleep. Although the weighted blanket did not affect the sleep of 67 autistic children in another trial, both the children and their parents preferred it to a standard blanket.
Although there isn’t much data to support the benefits of weighted blankets just yet, sleep specialists say that if you’re prepared to spend the money, there’s no harm in trying them. Weill Cornell Medicine sleep medicine specialist Dr. Daniel Barone recommends it to his patients following other conventional treatments and medications.
For people who struggle with anxiety, sleep difficulties, or sensory issues, weighted blankets are worth consideration, even though they are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Selecting the ideal blanket for your requirements is crucial to getting the most out of it. A weighted blanket can be the solution you need for a more peaceful and rejuvenating sleep, whether your goal is to improve your comfort or fight restless nights.
