7 Benefits of Weighted Blankets

In case you missed it, weighted blankets are having a moment. Originally used by occupational therapists as a therapy tool, these stress-relieving blankets have quickly become the go-to gift for anyone in need of some R&R. It’s not difficult to see their widespread appeal. After all, who wouldn’t be interested in a blanket that promises to slash stress, ease anxiety and improve sleep?

Whether you want to catch better quality Zzzs or lower your stress naturally, a weighted blanket may be just what you need to meet your wellness goals. Read on to learn more about the benefits of weighted blankets and how they can improve your days and nights.

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1. Improves Sleep Duration and Quality

Desperate for a good night’s rest? A weighted blanket can help! According to the experts, weighted blankets have been shown to improve sleep in people with insomnia and other psychiatric disorders. One theory behind their sleep-inducing effects is that the pressure of the blanket takes your mind off your anxious thoughts, allowing you to fall asleep faster. Weighted blankets also improve the duration and quality of your sleep by stimulating the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is a precursor to melatonin (the sleep hormone). 

2. Reduces Stress and Anxiety

If tight deadlines, a mounting to-do list and a constant stream of bad news are weighing heavy on your mind, you’re definitely not alone. Stress and anxiety disorders seem to be on the rise. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, snuggling up to our Gravity Weighted Blanket may help you relax and fall asleep faster. Our weighted blanket utilizes the power of weight to relax your nervous system, putting your body into “rest” mode by lowering your heart rate and breathing. Give it a try and let us know what you think!

3. Lowers Cortisol

Speaking of stress, did you know that weighted blankets reduce cortisol — aka, the stress hormone? Chronically high levels of cortisol are associated with a host of health problems, including weight gain, high blood pressure, heart disease, a suppressed immune system and digestive issues. Using a weighted blanket can improve your sleep, which will help keep your cortisol levels balanced.

4. Boosts Mood

Once you start using a weighted blanket, don’t be surprised if you have a little more pep in your step. Weighted blankets supercharge your serotonin levels, helping you relax and fall into a more peaceful slumber. But their mood-boosting effects don’t stop there. Weighted blankets also make it easier to get a good night’s rest, which can drastically improve your mental health.

5. Reduces Restlessness 

Dealing with Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)? Although there are few studies on the use of weighted blankets for RLS, their compression-like pressure can potentially help calm and soothe your muscles. Additionally, the pressure of the blanket can take your mind off the distracting sensations in your legs, making it easier to fall asleep.

6. Calms You Down

Weighted blankets are thought to activate the proprioceptive system, which is the sense responsible for sensory processing. For this reason, they’re often used to help people with autism, ADHD and other people who are more likely to be overstimulated by noises around them. In theory, activation of the proprioceptive system and the pressure of the weighted blanket may produce a calming effect that makes you feel more relaxed.

7. May Reduce Pain

A growing number of people with chronic pain swear by using weighted blankets, but do they really provide pain relief? Truthfully, it’s difficult to say since there are no scientific studies on the use of weighted blankets for chronic pain (although, one is currently underway at the University of California, San Diego). However, weighted blankets can boost the feel-good chemicals in the brain, which can enhance mood and potentially ease your aches and pains.

Conditions Potentially Helped by Weighted Blankets

The soothing effects of weighted blankets may be beneficial for people with a variety of conditions, including:

• Insomnia and other sleep disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• ADHD
• Autism
• Restless Leg Syndrome
• Fibromyalgia 
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
• Osteoarthritis and chronic pain
• PTSD
• Menopause

Are There Any Drawbacks to Weighted Blankets?

As much as we love our weighted blankets, they’re not a good fit for everyone. If you have asthma, sleep apnea or diabetes, talk with your doctor before using a weighted blanket.

Additionally, some people find traditional weighted blankets to be a little too hot for them. If you’re a hot sleeper, we recommend trying a cooling weighted blanket to help you sleep more soundly.

Get Your Cooling Weighted Blanket Today!

Level Up Your Self-Care Routine

Weighted blankets provide us with a sense of calm and comfort that helps pave the way to better sleep. Really, what’s not to love? If you’re ready to give one a try, check out the entire selection at Gravity Blankets and see for yourself what all the hype is about!

 

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