Weighted Blankets: Top Benefits and Uses
Weighted blankets offer a simple and elegant solution to a range of concerns, blending comfort with innovative science to revolutionize your sleep experience. Recently, these heavy blankets have soared in popularity, not just for their cozy embrace but also for their remarkable health benefits.
Whether you're looking to soothe health-related issues or want a more restful night, weighted blankets might be the key to unlocking a world of serene, rejuvenating sleep. Join us as we unwrap the numerous benefits these blankets offer, bringing tranquility to your nights and vitality to your days.
Are There Health Benefits to Weighted Blankets?
The health benefits of weighted blankets are primarily attributed to their ability to provide deep touch pressure (DTP), positively influencing the nervous system. Basically, they increase the production of serotonin and melatonin, which are neurotransmitters that help with relaxation and sleepiness. At the same time, they lower cortisol, which is that stress hormone that keeps us all wound up.
This combo of increased serotonin and melatonin and decreased cortisol is especially great for people who struggle with sleep issues like insomnia or sleep apnea. It helps them get higher quality sleep and feel better mentally overall.
Weighted blankets can also help manage chronic pain. The pressure from the blanket distracts our brains from feeling pain, so it's a natural way to get some relief without relying on meds. This is super helpful for folks dealing with conditions like fibromyalgia, where pain is a constant struggle.
Weighted blankets are also anxiety superheroes. The deep pressure stimulation they provide has a calming effect, which is perfect for people dealing with stress or anxiety. It feels like a warm hug, and it even boosts those feel-good oxytocin levels to help us feel relaxed and happy.
How To Choose the Best Weighted Blanket
Selecting the ideal weighted blanket requires attention to a few key details. Firstly, the blanket's weight is crucial; it should be approximately 10% of your body weight to ensure comfort and effectiveness. For those with specific conditions like fibromyalgia or sensory sensitivities, adjusting the weight for personal tolerance is important.
The material filling, whether glass beads or plastic pellets, is another consideration — choose one that aligns with your texture preferences and any potential allergies. Additionally, the blanket's fabric should be breathable to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Opt for a washable option to ensure ease of care, and if you’re using it for young children or individuals with medical conditions like low blood pressure, consulting with a healthcare professional or occupational therapist is advisable for safety.
How Can You Optimize the Rest of Your Bedding?
Pairing weighted blankets with the right bedding can elevate the comfort and therapeutic benefits. Our Miracle Made® Comforter, boasting NASA-inspired thermoregulating technology, is a perfect match. Its ability to maintain an ideal sleep temperature complements the deep pressure of weighted blankets, ensuring you don’t overheat.
The comforter’s luxurious 300-thread count Miracle Clean & Cool™ fabric enhances the overall sleep experience, making it ideal for those with sleep disorders or sensitivity to temperature changes. When paired with a weighted blanket, a comforter like ours that can help regulate your temperature is a simple recipe for quality sleep.
What goes beneath your blanket and comforter can be important, too. Our Miracle Made® Sheet Set, infused with silver, adds another layer of comfort.
The silver’s antibacterial properties keep the bedding fresh, reducing the need for frequent washing — a boon for those with sleep apnea or other sleep disorders who benefit from a clean, hypoallergenic sleeping environment. This synergy between our advanced bedding and weighted blankets creates an optimal sleep setting conducive to restful nights and rejuvenating mornings.
How Do Weight Blankets Improve Your Sleep?
The connection between weighted blankets and enhanced sleep quality is undeniable. The deep pressure stimulation they provide works wonders in reducing stress and anxiety, key factors that often disrupt sleep.
This calming pressure actively lowers heart rate and blood pressure, gently nudging the body into a restful state governed by the parasympathetic nervous system. This shift is crucial for those seeking a remedy for sleep disorders or simply aiming for better sleep quality.
Moreover, the calming effect of weighted blankets extends beyond physical relaxation. They help in managing the symptoms of anxiety and stress, common impediments to a good night's sleep.
By fostering a serene mental state, these blankets pave the way for a deeper, more restorative sleep, essential for overall health and well-being. Adopting a weighted blanket into your sleep routine could be the key to unlocking the door to restful nights and energized days.
Additional Uses and Considerations
When selecting a weighted blanket, it's crucial to consider personal needs and health conditions. Occupational therapists often recommend these blankets for young children with autism spectrum disorder, as the deep pressure can provide a sense of security, helping to calm and soothe them.
For those with conditions like claustrophobia or low blood pressure, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using a weighted blanket to ensure it is a safe and beneficial addition to their routine.
Weighted blankets have also been noted for their potential benefits in managing symptoms of sensory processing disorder. Consistent pressure is thought to help soothe sensory discomfort. Of course, a weighted blanket doesn’t replace your usual avenues of treatment, and it’s crucial to consult with your doctor before making decisions about managing your health.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to your bedding, it’s important to consider more than aesthetics — we spend a third of our lives sleeping (or trying to fall asleep), so investing in quality bedding and blankets can make a huge difference to your quality of life.
Sleep quality impacts everything from your stress levels to your skin to your mood to your focus and overall well-being, so it’s easy to see why investigating new means of getting better sleep is worth your time in the long run.
Weighted blankets can be an incredible addition to your linen closet, whether you’re looking for a way to calm your racing thoughts before you fall asleep or just trying to maximize your power nap. Whatever your priorities, when paired with high-quality bedding, weighted blankets can help you achieve your sleep-related goals.
Sources:
Weighted Blanket Benefits | Sleep Foundation
The Effects of Deep Pressure Touch on Anxiety | National Library of Medicine
Good Sleep for Good Health | News in Health
