Weighted Blankets and Better Sleep

Why would you sleep with a blanket that is weighted?

It is not a placebo. Research has confirmed these claims and this has fueled its popularity ever since it was introduced in the late 1990s.

Loyalists cite a very famous study from 2016. It shows how a heavy blanket can help relax you in stressful situations. The study measured the heart rates of 60 patients as they had their wisdom teeth removed. Thirty of the 60 were given a weighted cover halfway through the procedure. Data showed that all participants were stressed by the procedure, but the heart rate data revealed that the people who did not receive the weighted blanket spent more time in fight or flight mode.

Studies who didn’t focus particularly on the anxiety aspect, also had patients enjoying the experience of sleeping while some weight was on. This is shown by the lack of movement they showed and the longer sleep sessions.

How Does a Blanket with Weights Work?

Do you like to hug? Do we like socks that keep our toes warm during cold nights? Massages are also good. These activities are good for you because they apply deep pressure on your muscles and joints. Touch is the majority in how we feel. Weighted blankets use the same principle to create a deep-pressure environment that will help you relax and sleep.

Research on the topic has produced a range of results, from almost positive to mostly negative. The cons are the cost of these blankets or that they may become habit-forming (although this is far less than medications).

Weighted blankets are still very popular in the mental health community, especially among those with anxiety. These blankets are recommended for people with Autism, Dementia, and Sleep Problems.

Weighted Blankets are Useful For:

1) Anxiety

We are blessed with an extremely complex Sympathetic nervous system (SNS) that is activated by any threat we feel. Modern-day people tend to overwork the SNS because they are constantly under stress – in the office, at home and in their relationships. Even though we’re not in danger physically, our bodies are sending and receiving these signals, and trying to regulate themselves, leaving them overwhelmed, overloaded and overstimulated.

Weighted blankets provide pressure stimulation that turns off the SNS. When the body is not on guard, the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS can kick in and help us relax, regulate, and find balance.

2) Sleep Disorders

In a study from 2016, 31 chronic insomniacs were forced to sleep with a weighted quilt and their sleep patterns were recorded. In the study, almost all participants said that weighted blankets improved their sleep quality.

The Sleep Quality Data backed up their claim, showing that participants were less agitated under the blanket. The study showed that participants could sleep longer periods.

3) Autism

Sensory issues are common in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It can manifest as a difficulty in processing sensory input, which often causes anxiety and sleep problems.

The weighted comforter, or stress blanket, is a simple, non-medical way to help children with ASD sleep.

4) Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder

Children’s minds are often out of control, and it takes time to develop focus. Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), which is a neurological disorder affecting a child’s self-control are affected by severe behavioural issues.

ADHD can also be linked to sleep disorders such as sleep-disordered breathing. Many patients use medications to fall asleep. These medications may work, but they are not for everyone and can become habit-forming.

In situations such as this, a weighted blanket can help calm you down and allow you to relax. It is recommended by many doctors and even some parents.

Weighted Blankets are not suitable:

1. Children and pregnant women who are not supervised should consult their doctor before using.
2. When buying a blanket with weights for someone who has mobility problems, you should make sure that the person can handle it easily on their own. It is always best to consult a doctor in such cases.

How should you choose a weighted blanket for your child?

It is generally recommended that you select a blanket equal to 10 per cent of your body weight. Some people may find them too warm to sleep on. Some online brands, such as Calming Blankets, offer a risk-free trial period. You can try the blankets before you buy them.

Plastic poly pellets are a popular filler for weighted quilts. They can make you feel like you’re being swaddled. It is used to support stuffed dolls and can be used to fill weighted blankets.

Do You Wash Them?

You are not the only one who has been plagued by the question of how to clean your earbuds. It’s not easy to answer. The answer depends on the way it is made.

The Calming Blanket, for example, is made from eco-friendly microglass beads. It also provides a guide on how to maintain the blanket. It is recommended that you determine the size of the blankets before you throw them into the washing machine since many machines only have a maximum weight limit between 7kg and 10kg.

The blankets filled with poly-plastic pellets are the best for cleaning, even though they’re not environmentally friendly. Unlike sand or a blend of rayon and linen, these pellets don’t shrink the fabric or cause it to bleed.

You can take your blankets to a dry cleaner if you are unsure about how to wash them. Just make sure you bring their washing instructions with you.

Should you buy a weighted quilt?

This is an at-home, easy hack for your sleep troubles. Medical sciences weighing in, no pun intended, on the positive effects of the weighted blanket, added with the green signal from users, should make you want to snuggle with one.