Have you heard about the way thousands of people are using weighted blankets to improve their sleep? Over the last few years, weighted blankets have increased in popularity due to their ability to benefit the body and mind. If you’ve heard of this product but still aren’t sure what exactly a weighted blanket is and how it can improve your health, read on to discover why these resources are changing lives around the country.
What is a Weighted Blanket?
Unsurprisingly, a weighted blanket is exactly what it sounds like — a blanket that is significantly heavier than even the “heavy” cozy blankets you may cuddle up with. You may have also heard them referred to as gravity blankets. These blankets get their additional weight from a variety of materials including glass beads, rice, millet, and plastic pellets. The outer material can be light like linen or heavier like Minky fabric.
Weighted blankets have been used for decades in the special needs community as a therapeutic resource. When used, they apply Deep Pressure Therapy to the individual’s body which provides plenty of health benefits. Today, they’re being sold commercially as a tool that has the ability to help many individuals improve their quality of life. They can be used overnight to help create a more restful sleep or during the day to calm anxiety.
What are the Benefits of Weighted Blankets?
Numerous studies have shown positive results from the use of weighted blankets in a variety of contexts. Many psychiatrists use them on patients who have experienced traumatic events or are in times of crisis. Those with disabilities like autism use them to help them focus their behavior and emotions. Aside from clinical use, researchers have found that these tools can also help people at home who are struggling for a number of chronic issues.
Here are a few ways weighted blankets may benefit you or your loved ones:
- Lower anxiety levels.
- Manage on-going stress.
- Regulate your sleep cycle and limit insomnia.
- Calm you when you experience sensory processing disorders.
- Address ADHD symptoms and enhance focus.
- Reduce restless leg syndrome symptoms.
- Improve your quality of sleep.
- Elevate your mood.
- Calm your body and mind after a long day.
