Weighted blankets have long been used to treat several physical and mental conditions. Moreover, science has confirmed that they can offer beneficial effects also to those who are looking to improve their sleep or fight anxiety. Many people tend to underestimate the benefits offered by these products, mainly because they don’t know much about them. For example, you may not know that there are some differences between a weighted blanket for adults and one for children.
What are weighted blankets? These products look like regular blankets. However, they are filled with plastic or polypropylene beads or pellets, that make them heavier. The result is a product that uses the power of deep touch pressure to stimulate your body in different ways.
If you are wondering where to buy weighted blankets, maybe you are already aware of the benefits of these products. Otherwise, here you can find all the information you need before you decide to try them.
How do weighted blankets work?
The idea behind weighted blankets is to use their weight to constantly stimulate your body. This is supposed to make you feel more relaxed, and thus help you sleep better and fight anxiety. In other words, those blankets are designed for simulating a comforting hug, that has a calming effect on your nervous system.
The positive effects of deep touch pressure have been proven by several studies. In addition, the calming reaction that it generates on your brain has shown to be beneficial even for SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder). This can help your body and your mind integrate the sensory messages received from the external environment most effectively. As a consequence, you may feel less anxious, and you should also be able to manage your stress better.
Should I use a weighted blanket?
If you are sceptical about weighted blankets’ effects, there is no harm in trying one. Nevertheless, doctors warn against the use of weighted blankets for certain categories of people. This includes those who suffer from sleep apnoea, respiratory problems and chronic medical conditions.
In addition, even though there are weighted blankets tailored explicitly to the little ones, you must always avoid using one of those products for children under the age of 1. If you are unsure whether your child should use a weighted blanket, it is always advisable to speak to your paediatrician.
Why is sleep so important?
Human beings spend the majority of their time sleeping. It is no suprise that many may tend to panic when they frequently experience difficulties in falling asleep. Of course, you can seek advice from your doctor. Besides, there are now several over-the-counter drugs that you can try. However, weighted blankets are one more solution that may be worth trying to improve your sleep.
We must not forget that the quality of our sleep directly affects our mental and physical health. Your everyday life, its quality and even your happiness depend on how good you can sleep at night. For many people, even minimal sleep loss can negatively affect their mood, their energy, and, most importantly, their ability to handle stress.
Many may think that sleep is just a time when your body and your mind shut off. However, while you rest, your brain remains active, and it is still responsible for your biological maintenance. If you don’t get enough sleep, your mind won’t be able to keep your body running in top condition, and thus to prepare you for the day ahead.
Can I use weighted blankets in summer?
You can experience poor sleep even in summer. In fact, many people cannot sleep well especially when it is too hot. If this is your case, you may be wondering if a weighted blanket could make you hot and thus be useless in a warm climate.
If the temperature outside is particularly warm, your weighted blanket may produce a certain amount of heat. In fact, the fibres used for these fabrics are not natural, and thus they tend to trap your body heat and create a warm environment. If you are prone to overheating or if you just don’t like sweating while you sleep, maybe using a weighted blanket in summer is not a good idea. On the other hand, you will still enjoy its cosiness in wintertime.
Otherwise, you may buy a blanket made of natural fibres. This should solve any issues related to your body temperature. For the same reason, it is advisable to avoid blankets made of flannel or fleece, that may feel soft and cosy to the touch, but create too much heat while you try to fall asleep.