Over the years, weighted blankets have become a popular bedding accessory due to their therapeutic benefits. They're just like regular blankets, but they're filled with either plastic or glass pellets and beads to give them their heaviness. When you get under the SHEEX CALM + COOL Weighted Blanket, the pressure from this weight simulates a technique called deep pressure stimulation — or deep pressure therapy. Many therapists have employed deep pressure stimulation to relax the nervous system and combat common patient issues such as stress, anxiety, and insomnia. In this blog, we've provided information about the main benefits of using a weighted blanket.
What are the Benefits of a Weighted Blanket?
While research is still being conducted, some studies suggest using a weighted blanket may offer many benefits. Here are some the main ones:
Autism
A Harvard study suggests that patients who have autism respond well to touch therapy to manage symptoms effectively. The blankets' pressure may provide a sense of security and warmth that might ease patients' tension and anxiety.
Trouble sleeping is one of the symptoms of autism, especially with children. For this reason, occupational therapists have used weighted blankets as a calming tool for autistic children. In a study published by the American Academy of Pediatrics, researchers tested the effectiveness of weighted blankets on 67 children with severe sleep disorders. There was little improvement in objective measurements such as total sleep time and frequency of waking up. However, both the children and their parents subjectively preferred the weighted blanket over a normal blanket.
Anxiety
One of the main reasons people use weighted blankets is to reduce anxiety, which can hinder your ability to fall asleep. If you deal with anxiety regularly, sleeping with a weighted blanket can be a suitable drug-free option.
According to a study published in the journal Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, nearly 63% of the 32 participants reported lower anxiety levels when using a weighted blanket. Researchers suggest that the deep pressure stimulation may help reduce autonomic arousal, which is known to provoke anxiety symptoms such as increased heart rate. They also indicated that lying down may have contributed to lower levels of anxiety.
ADHD
Children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be restless and lack focus. But the deep pressure stimulation from a weighted blanket, tends to help calm them down.
While there is no direct study dealing with the connection between weighted blankets and ADHD, researchers have conducted a similar study using weighted vests. According to this study published in The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, the participants were asked to do a continuous performance test while wearing a weighted vest. The results showed reductions in fidgeting, falling off task, and getting out of their seats.
In another study published in PubMed, researchers found that using ball blankets may have promising effects on children with sleep issues related to ADHD. The results showed a reduction in sleep onset time and sleep-disrupting nightmares from the participants.
Chronic Pain
If you suffer from a chronic pain condition such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, you may not want to rely solely on medication to alleviate symptoms. A weighted blanket for pain might be a reasonable alternative.
Massage therapy, which is similar to deep pressure stimulation, is often used as a natural treatment for patients with chronic pain. According to a study published in PubMed, researchers suggest that varying levels of pressure during a massage may help mitigate pain reflexes in people with chronic pain conditions.
Weighted blankets may also be a good solution if you deal with restless legs syndrome — a condition that causes an irresistible urge to move your legs while you're trying to sleep. Having a weighted blanket over your legs might help keep them in place while you drift off to sleep.
The Bottom Line
More research needs to be conducted, but weighted blankets can be a good way to calm your nerves and help you get the restful and restorative night’s sleep you deserve.. They provide the serene sensation of being held or hugged, and who doesn't love that? If you've been having trouble sleeping, give SHEEX® CALM + COOL Weighted Blanket a try. It provides the benefits of a weighted blanket and the same breathable, moisture-wicking fabric as our best-selling performance sheets!
SHEEX CALM + COOL Weighted Blanket
$99.50
$199.00
DESCRIPTION DETAILS CARE SHEEX¨ CALM + COOL Weighted Blanket Weighted blankets have been known to ease anxiety-induced insomnia! Help calm your nerves and sleep soundly as our 15-pound weighted blanket gives you the serene and comforting sensation of being held… read more
