Still on the fence about whether or not you should get your hands on a weighted blanket? Then keep on reading this article — the many incredible weighted blanket benefits discussed below will definitely convince you to buy one for yourself ASAP!
But first things first: what makes a weighted blanket different from all the other blankets out there? Well, just like what the name implies, this type of blanket applies weight on your body. Do not worry because it won’t squash you while you’re sleeping — with the right weight, a weighted blanket can make it so much easier for you to fall asleep and also enjoy one that’s both relaxing and restorative.
There are various weighted blanket weights available, ranging anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds. Experts in the use of weighted blankets say that you should pick one whose weight is about 10% of your total body weight plus a pound or two for best results.
As soon as you drape a weighted blanket over your body, you will realize right away that it’s no ordinary blanket — it’s filled with materials that provide equally-distributed pressure on your body. Different manufacturers have different preferences when it comes to fillers. Some of the most commonly used fillers include sand, plastic beads, metal beads and ceramic beads. These days, a lot of manufacturers and consumers alike prefer weighted blankets with glass beads in them. One of the reasons for such is that glass beads are denser than most other types of fillers, and thus allowing for the creation of less bulky weighted blankets that can do the job very well.
Now that we’re through with a crash course on weighted blankets, it’s time for us to proceed with the crux of this article, and that’s none other than the various benefits of a weighted blanket!
Reduced Stress Levels
At the end of every long and tiring day, you can always step foot inside a day spa to get a relaxing massage. Or you can simply hop into bed and drape a weighted blanket over your body — because it applies pressure, a weighted blanket can help to soothe those tight and worn-out muscles of yours. Especially if you’re a budget-conscious individual whose everyday living is quite stressful, purchasing a weighted blanket rather than visiting a day spa regularly is easier on the pocket. What’s more, a weighted blanket can provide the stress-reducing massage you need at any given time of day, including at 2 in the morning!
Leading a very stressful life requires regular de-stressing to help lower the levels of stress hormones in your bloodstream and also fend off the many serious complications of too much stress such as heart disease and diabetes.
Optimized Sleep Quality
Speaking of stress, one of the best ways to help your body bounce back from an exhausting day is to have a restorative kind of sleep. Health authorities highly recommend for you to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep in order to enjoy the full range of benefits of getting some shut-eye every night.
If you’re having a hard time falling asleep, consider investing in a weighted blanket whose weight suits your body weight and comes with superb quality, too. Scientists say that the reason why the use of a weighted blanket can promote a good night’s sleep is this: the regulated pressure it applies on your body encourages a boost in the levels of serotonin, which then helps in the production of the sleep hormone called melatonin. With a weighted blanket around, who needs to regularly pop melatonin pills in the mouth just for some restful sleep?
Decreased Depression
Other than helping to increase melatonin necessary for you to get some much-needed Z’s, serotonin is also something that helps to lift the mood. It doesn’t really come as a shock as it’s also known as the happy hormone.
Something as simple as getting a hug from someone is enough to encourage your body to manufacture sufficient amounts of serotonin, which is great for battling depression. But what if no one is around to wrap his or her arms around you? Well, this is when the benefit of having a weighted blanket becomes crystal clear — the sensation of draping it over your body is very much similar to the sensation you get when someone is hugging you! However, always remember that it’s a good idea for you to consult a therapist especially if your depression is already considerably reducing the quality of your everyday life.
Lowered Anxiety
It’s not just depression that the use of a weighted blanket can alleviate, but also anxiety. Did you know that in the US alone more than 40 million people are suffering from anxiety? Needless to say, it’s a very common issue but can actually be managed easily. One of the things that you may do is reach for a weighted blanket.
Thanks to the serotonin-boosting properties of a weighted blanket, you can attain relief from anxiety in no time. There are many terrifying symptoms that anxiety can produce, and having them at bedtime can leave you wide awake throughout the night. The problem with not getting enough sleep is that it can actually worsen anxiety! Thanks to a weighted blanket, anxiety worsening and its complications can be kept at bay.
Regulated RLS Symptoms
Short for restless leg syndrome, RLS is a matter that should be dealt with right away because it can easily lead to some very serious health-related concerns. It’s actually an issue with the nervous system as RLS is primarily characterized by the presence of an uncontrollable urge to move the legs. Because it can cause problems with sleep, RLS is also generally considered as a form of sleep disorder, just like insomnia and sleep apnea.
The problem with having RLS is that it can prevent a person from getting sleep that’s restful. Lack of sleep as a result of RLS or something else needs to be taken seriously because of some life-threatening complications such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, heart attack and stroke.
Controlled ADHD
It’s not just kids with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that can benefit from the use of weighted blankets, but their parents and the rest of the family, too, as it can help to considerably deal with ADHD symptoms.
Restlessness, fidgetiness, lack of focus, problems playing quietly, low attention span — these are some of the most common symptoms of ADHD. Most especially at bedtime, it’s of utmost importance for these symptoms to be put under control. Failure to do so could mean lack of sleep for the affected kids and their family members, too. Contrary to popular belief, children are not the only ones that can have ADHD but adults as well. Needless to say, one of the things that adults with ADHD may do for symptom control is to invest in a high-quality weighted blanket.
Improved Elderly Health
As people grow older and older, more and more changes in their bodies take place. A lot of those changes can make it so much harder for them to obtain sufficient amounts of sleep per night. The problem with not getting enough sleep is that it can actually aggravate existing health issues, many of which can contribute to insomnia, thus creating a vicious circle that is oftentimes difficult for the elderly to break! It goes without saying that it’s important for them to get enough sleep nightly for the attainment of optimum health.
Fortunately, a weighted blanket can help the elderly enjoy plenty of Z’s at night. It’s also something that can help them to take naps during the day, which is vital for maintaining normal levels of energy. One of the best gifts that you can give a senior member of the family is a high-quality weighted blanket.
The Takeaway
Clearly, there are so many weighted blanket benefits. No matter if you’re being bugged by too much stress, depression, anxiety or some type of sleep disorder, draping a weighted blanket over your body can do wonders! Just remember to opt for one that’s right for you — the weight it applies should be 10% of your total body weight plus a pound or two. Keep this simple formula in mind when shopping for a weighted blanket and you’re golden!
