What is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is a specially designed blanket that uses additional weight, typically in the form of glass beads, to provide a sensation of pressure that has a calming effect on the body. This pressure, also known as deep touch pressure, has been shown to promote relaxation, reduce anxiety and stress, and improve sleep quality, making weighted blankets a popular tool for those seeking natural ways to improve their overall well-being.
What exactly are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets have been gaining popularity in recent years as a comfortable and effective tool for promoting relaxation, improving sleep, and reducing anxiety. If you haven't already tried one, you're in for a treat! Here are just a few of the many benefits of using a weighted blanket -
1. Improves sleep
Sleeping under weight prompts the principles of deep touch pressure (DTP). The full-body DTP of a weighted blanket results in a more relaxed mind and body that drifts off to sleep in no time and stays asleep for longer – bringing the ultimate health benefit of restorative rest.
2. Reduce restlessness
Pressure from the weighted blanket helps to activate the body's proprioceptors, which in turn helps to regulate the body's fight or flight response and reduce feelings of anxiety and restlessness. The sensation of being hugged or swaddled creates a sense of safety and security, which can help to reduce feelings of restlessness and improve overall mood.
3. Alleviate pain
Weighted blankets help reduce pain by promoting the release of endorphins, natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body. The pressure from the blanket can also help to reduce muscle tension and relax the body, which also helps reduce pain.
4. Reduce anxiety and stress
DTP brings about its soothing, stress-relieving benefits by lowering cortisol levels, supercharging serotonin levels and helping your body naturally produce more melatonin. Restoring body and mind to this relaxed state eases anxiety.
5. Reduce anxiety and stress
DTP brings about its soothing, stress-relieving benefits by lowering cortisol levels, supercharging serotonin levels and helping your body naturally produce more melatonin. Restoring body and mind to this relaxed state eases anxiety.
6. Reduce the symptoms of sensory processing disorders
SPD is a condition where the brain has difficulty processing sensory information from the environment, which can lead to feelings of anxiety and discomfort. The pressure from the weighted blanket can help to regulate the body's sensory processing. This can help to calm and relax the body.
There are several other benefits to a weighted blanket such as it enhances oxytocin, reduces cortisol, boosts melatonin, eases symptoms of: PTSD, Restless Leg Syndrome, Autism, Tourettes, OCD and also helps control Panic Disorder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the benefits of a weighted blanket are vast, and can be used by everyone who wishes to improve their sleep and quality of life. They come in different weights, designs and sizes that can be customised to each individual’s liking.