I was gifted a weighted blanket for Christmas years back. I have anxiety and ADHD, and the gifter thought it would help my chronic worrying, which tended to lead to horrible insomnia. I also am a hot sleeper, and this weighted blanket supposedly kept you cool, despite being 15 pounds.
I looked at the blanket and thought, “No way this is going to help me sleep. It’s just heavy.” But I didn’t want to offend the giver, so I told them I’d try it and give them my review.
Did I want to lie about using it? Yes. But I figured it couldn’t hurt to at least try. If I didn’t like it, I could kick it off and worry without 15 pounds pressing down on me.
I fell asleep easily that night with the blanket. And I woke up refreshed.
Magic? It seemed like it, certainly. So I decided to do the research and learn why I was able to sleep so well — and the info is interesting.
Why Do Weighted Blankets Work?
1. Creates a calming effect
Weighted blankets use deep pressure touch stimulation therapy which is known for releasing a sense of serenity – the compact stitched pockets full of certified, non-toxic, hypo-allergenic micro glass beads distributes weight evenly across the body
— Online Home Shop (@OnlineHomeShop_) October 7, 2021
Weighted blankets put pressure on your body, obvs. But it’s not because it’s trying to trap you in one place. Instead, it’s a form of deep pressure therapy.
Deep pressure therapy is used by occupational therapists to help ease sensory issues, as well as ADHD and anxiety. By applying pressure to the whole body, you release chemicals including dopamine and serotonin, and you soothe the sympathetic nervous system. It essentially turns off your “fight or flight” state of being.
Weighted blankets work in a way that’s called deep touch pressure therapy.
Pressure on the body can increase the release of serotonin in the brain. This neurotransmitter is sometimes called the “happy” chemical.
It creates a sense of calm and well-being! #AGWeightedBlanket pic.twitter.com/EPXSnBG5Vf
— AG Bedding (@AGBedding) December 13, 2019
When it comes to sleep, deep pressure therapy is especially useful, helping to lower stress levels and produce melatonin. With these processes happening within your body, on top of the already-present happy chemicals and calmed sympathetic nervous system, you drift off easily.
Science!
So, weighted blankets aim to mimic deep pressure therapy. You’re advised to choose a weighted blanket that is 10% of your body weight in order to feel the positive effects — too light, and you’re not receiving enough pressure; too heavy, and you feel less hugged and more crushed.
Weighted blankets can provide a sensation similar to a full-body hug. Weighted blankets provide a form of deep pressure stimulation, a therapy that relaxes the nervous system.
— Daniel G. Amen, M.D. (@DocAmen) June 22, 2021
On rough nights, I still sleep with mine. My blanket never fails me when I need it, and the weighted-yet-cool embrace gives me comfort, like a tight, loving hug.
Want to try one? We have some solid recs that will give you the most snug sleep of your life.
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Our Weighted Blanket Picks
1. Weighted blankets don’t have to trap heat — Gravity’s cooling weighted blanket has a removable, breathable, moisture-wicking cover.
2. Chunky, pre-washed knit cotton makes this blanket’s texture cozy and soft, mimicking your favorite throw with added benefits.
3. It’s called the “Wicked Cozy” blanket for a reason — fleece keeps you warm and comfy.
4. Spiritual spenders, rejoice: aside from glass beads, this blanket is filled with clear quartz, rose quartz and amethyst.
5. Never worry about beads gathering in one area, thanks to this blanket’s box-quilt build.
6. Affordable doesn’t mean lower quality. Using baffles, the blanket’s eco-friendly glass beads remain evenly distributed for ideal deep pressure therapy.
7. This weighted blanket is double-sided: one for hot nights, and one for when it’s cool.
8. The cotton in this blanket is breathable, but it still gives a gentle squeeze.
9. The fabric shell in SHEEX’s cooling blanket wicks moisture, so you won’t wake up dripping despite the weight.
10. YAASA has their own knitting technique for their 100%-cotton blanket that promises comfort in feel and weight.
11. The bamboo fabric will always feel cool to the touch, making this blanket perfect for hot sleepers.
Do you sleep with a weighted blanket? Does it help? Tell us below!
For More Products That Will Help You Sleep, Read These Articles:
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