What are the Benefits of a Weighted Blanket?
Among the many reasons people shop for weighted blankets, two of the main reasons are better sleep and stress relief. Studies have been shown time and time again how weighted blankets can calm anxiety and treat insomnia. Additional weighted blanket benefits that are worth considering are autism spectrum disorder treatment, managing ADHD, improving moods, and pain relief.
How does a weighted blanket work?
The main mechanism that is responsible for the weighted blanket benefits is deep pressure stimulation (DPS). DPS is a firm, but gentle pressure that mimics the feeling of a hug, massage, or swaddling.
Deep pressure stimulation has an effect on your nervous system that tells your body you are safe and it is okay to relax, physiologically the same reaction your body has when hugging a loved one or cuddling in bed with your partner.
Is it OK to sleep with a weighted blanket?
One of the main reasons people own weighted blankets is to help them sleep at night. For the majority of people, a heavy blanket is perfectly fine to sleep with. The weight is evenly distributed among the entire blanket, so you don’t have to worry about it pressing down too much in one area.
However…
Who should not use a weighted blanket?
Individuals that may have a problem with weighted blankets are those with claustrophobia, sleep apnea, asthma, and blood pressure problems. Weighted blankets are also not recommended for babies and small children or disabled individuals that risk suffocating.
As with anything regarding your health, you should always speak to your doctor if you have any reservations about the safety of a weighted blanket.
Do weighted blankets make you hot?
A blanket is a blanket, and a blanket’s main function is to insulate and keep you warm. That being said, weighted blankets can run hotter than a regular throw blanket or comforter. The material used to make the blanket has a huge impact on how much heat it traps or if heat and moisture are wicked away, as a bamboo blanket would.
Does weighted blanket help with anxiety?
There is a reason they have been nicknamed “anxiety blankets.” Studies have shown that the deep pressure stimulation from weighted blankets can effectively lower stress and help individuals suffering from anxiety.
Can weighted blankets be washed?
The short answer is yes. Always check with your blankets care instructions or contact the manufacturer for the proper way to wash a weighted blanket. Most blankets are washing machine safe, but we do not recommend using a home washer for the heaviest weighted blankets. Your washing machine should have a maximum weight guideline that you should not go over. Commercial washing machines at laundromats are often the best option.
For more information, see our article on how to wash weighted blankets.
How to use a weighted blanket?
However you like! For sleeping, you can use it on its own or on top of your comforter. You can relax on the couch watching tv with, feel at peace reading a book with a blanket over your legs, or drape it over your shoulders like a comforting cape while walking around the house.
Will weighted blankets help hypertension?
To our knowledge, there have not been any studies specifically done on the effects of weighted blankets and blood pressure. Touch therapy has been shown to decrease blood pressure and lower cortisol levels, but it hasn’t been studied over prolonged exposure with individuals with hypertension.
Please consult your physician before changing anything in your lifestyle that may affect your health.
Do weighted blankets help with depression?
If you are experiencing signs of depression or suicidal thoughts, please speak to your physician or mental health professional.
We wish we could say that weighted blankets cure depression, but that would be untrue and irresponsible. They can help with underlying conditions associated with depression such as anxiety and insomnia, but it is best to speak with a professional first and consider using a weighted blanket as a supplement to other depression treatments.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 800-273-8255