What Are The Benefits Of A Weighted Blanket?

For many people, the addition of a weighted blanket to their sleeping routine can help alleviate health concerns such as anxiety and insomnia, as well as autism. Weighted blankets are designed to be heavier than traditional blankets and typically come in two different styles – duvet and knitted. Duvet style weighted blankets add weight with the use of glass or plastic beads or other heavy fillings, whilst knitted weighted blankets use heavy, dense yarn.

Weighted blankets can be used wherever you would typically relax, such as the bed or couch and uses a firm, controlled pressure to help induce a feeling of calm. Let’s take a look at the benefits of a weighted blanket and why you should consider adding one to your sleep routine.

Benefits Of A Weighted Blanket

Creates A Calming Effect

People who use weighted blankets find that they feel much calmer due to the weighted pressure. Weighted blankets use a form of deep pressure therapy which can increase the amount of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These feel-good chemicals can help to create a sense of calm and well-being and are often used by people who are stressed or have a disorder which makes them hyperactive.

Soothe The Nervous System

An overactive nervous system can lead to hyperactivity, anxiety, shortness of breath and rapid heart rate which can all be detrimental to your sleep quality. By distributing an equal and even amount of pressure across the body, weighted blankets can help to reduce the fight or flight response, which can help to calm and soothe the nervous system in preparation for sleep.

Improve Sleep Quality

People who have trouble falling or staying asleep may find that adding a weighted blanket to their sleep environment can greatly improve their sleep quality. It’s important to have a healthy sleep environment when it comes to improving your sleep quality, such as having quality bedding and duvet cover set, reducing the amount of natural light coming through from external sources, limited clutter and mess and soothing scents and aromas.

By ensuring that you have a healthy sleep environment, you can ensure that you are doing all you can to get a high quality of sleep, then with the addition of a weighted blanket, you’re sure to feel relaxed enough to enjoy a long, quality sleep.

How To Find The Right Weighted Blanket

When it comes to finding the right weighted blanket, there are some things you should take into consideration.

Size

Some weighted blankets only come in one size, however, there are many different weighted blankets available in a range of sizes. Typically, weighted blankets are smaller than a typical single or double bed, so that there is no excess hanging over the edge, which could cause the blanket to fall off whilst you sleep.

Weight

Weighted blankets are available in a range of weights, typically ranging from 10 to 20 pounds. There’s an unwritten rule that you should aim to get a weighted blanket that is around 10-12% of your body weight, as you’ll likely feel more distributed pressure.

Material

Weighted blankets come in a variety of weights, from soft microfibre to cooler cotton. There are many different types and styles of weighted blanket covers, meaning that they are suitable for all seasons and are machine washable. Most weighted blanket covers are removable, so you don’t need to risk putting the whole blanket in your washing machine!