The concept of heavy blankets and wraps isn’t that new. They’ve been used for the past decade at least by many suffering from ADHD, autism, and different sensory disorders. The assumption is that a weighted blanket can calm people by offering some kind of support and resembles a hug. By covering with a weighted blanket, you prevent yourself from turning a lot in your sleep resulting in a better, deeper, and longer sleep. The popularity of these blankets is constantly rising, and people swear by them. The majority of sales are made during holiday seasons, which isn’t that surprising since they make for a great present.
Judging by the reviews of thousands of people, these blankets seem to truly help everyone with some kind of sensory processing disorder, anxiety, and insomnia. They are especially popular among children, but they’re gaining popularity among adults as well. Weighted blankets can, through deep touch pressure therapy, help people with these types of disorders, make them feel calmer, and reduce anxiety. You feel like your whole body is receiving a nice, warm hug. Even people who aren’t dealing with insomnia or ADHD can benefit from them as the blankets can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer periods of time. They are highly beneficial for everyone experiencing typical, everyday stress.
If you’re in search of the best weighted blanket, you have to keep the weight of the blanket in mind. The blankets range from 10 to around 30 pounds, while children require lighter versions.
The size also matters as you want your blanket to fit you snugly.
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Often, they don’t represent the only way of dealing with the problem but are only there to complement current therapies. It’s very important to remember that they are not a substitute for medication and therapy. They, however, are safe to use by everyone except infants.
According to the thefashionablehousewife.com, the main way these blankets help people with insomnia, anxiety, and autism is by promoting the release of two important hormones- serotonin and dopamine, which are both feel-good hormones crucial in making you feel happy and relaxed. The pressure also helps reduce the levels of cortisol- the main stress hormone. Many people noticed that falling asleep is easier if there is someone to calm you with a hug. The blanket can offer you the same thing even if you don’t have another person in your bed.
Weighted blankets are made out of different fabric such as cotton, polyester, and flannel, and you can choose the one that is best for you.
They can often be pricey, but you can find some good deals if you know where, and when, to look.
One study which published its results in 2008 (Brian Mullen, Tina Champagne, Sundar Krishnamurty, Debra Dickson, Robert X. Gao, 2008.), found that around two-thirds of participants had their anxiety reduced after using a weighted blanket for only 5 minutes in the lab. It’s usually recommended to use the blanket that is around 10 percent of your body weight, while special care should be taken when the blankets are being used by children.
