Insomnia and anxiety are some of the most common conditions affecting most people in the world today. It can happen to anyone of us. In most scenarios when you are stressed out and restless many people including doctors always recommend either warm baths, herbal tea or even prescribe you anxiety and sleeping pills. Even though, since the beginning of human existence, the idea of a weighted blanket for anxiety has been used. Many people are not aware of the magical and therapeutic benefits of a weighted blanket. This, therefore, begs the question of what is a weighted blanket?
Weighted blanket defined
Weighted blankets are also commonly known as gravity blankets. These look just like any other blanket. The only difference is that they would have been weighed down by substances. The first-ever weighted blankets that were created were filled with either bean, rice or even stones. These first models had major flaws as the food items would sprout. However, now there are made of glass beads or plastic pellets to make them heavier. For comfort, the blanket is padded inside with fiberfill polyester. That way the user won’t feel the weights. Basically, a weighted blanket is a natural treatment for anxiety, insomnia, and any other stress-related conditions.
How does a weighted blanket work?
Anxiety and insomnia go hand-in-hand, hence the use of a weighted blanket to alleviate insomnia also has a positive effect on anxiety. The weight of the blanket is like that of a deep pressure touch/stimulation therapy (DPT). The pressure that emanates from the weight of the blanket pushes the user further down into the mattress. As a result, this causes the release of serotonin and melatonin hormones that calm and relax your body.
Tip: a weighted blanket weighs between 5-30lbs. Thus, it should neither be too heavy or too light. Therefore, it is recommended that you choose a blanket that is between 5-10% of your body weight. A heavy blanket will be too hot or too heavy, whereas a light blanket won’t have any impact as it will just be like any other blanket.
How does a weighted blanket help with insomnia and anxiety?
Anxiety leads to insomnia, this increases the cycle of sleep deprivation and of course more anxiety. To control insomnia, you have put your sleep cycle back on track. Falling asleep fast and staying asleep is the answer to this problem. A weighted/gravity blanket is the best solution that could assist you to fall asleep easily. A weighted blanket lowers anxiety attacks and causes the user to feel more relaxed and refreshed. Cortisol a stress hormone is reduced by the pressure of the weighted blankets, causing the users to have a peaceful rest.
Scientific studies indicate that a weighted blanket aids the user to all asleep faster and enhances sleep quality. Thus, gravity or weighted blanket helps the user fall asleep easily because they mimic a hug. It increases sleep time and decreases nighttime movement. Basically, it eases the symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.
Bonus: It works on people of all ages plus it is drug-free and safe to use.
PROS
- Improves sleep
- Increased relaxation
- Reduces stress
- Improves focus
- Drug-free (non-medicinal)
CONS
- Not ideal if you snore or have obstructive sleep apnea. The heavyweight from the blanket may disrupt your breathing as it will be pushing down on your chest
- Not ideal for children as it can be too heavy
- Not portable, hard to travel and move around with
- Can exacerbate claustrophobia
In conclusion, these special weighted blankets do help with anxiety and insomnia. It reduces stress and worry by calming you down. A weighted blanket is a must-have especially if you are suffering from insomnia and anxiety. Not only does it improve sleep quality, but it also improves sleep quantity over time. It is a drug-free way that helps improve your sleep quality, ability to relax and relieves anxiety.