4 Ways a Weighted Blanket for Insomnia Could Help You

Everyone experiences the occasional night of tossing and turning. But for a certain percentage of the population, falling and staying asleep can be a colossal challenge. Research has shown that insomnia affects approximately 30 to 40 percent of U.S. adults in a given year, with one in five acute cases transitioning into chronic insomnia.

Insomnia can be caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions, stress, genetics and poor sleeping habits. And the consequences can be severe. Not only do insomniacs have a higher likelihood of being in a severe car crash, but they also have a higher risk of diseases and medical conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.

The good news, though, is that weighted blankets for sleep can potentially help you beat insomnia and get your life back. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the research on weighted blankets for insomnia and explain how a weighted blanket can help you get better shut-eye.

Weighted Blankets for Insomnia: What Does the Research Say?

It’s a question everyone wants to know the answer to: Can snuggling up to a weighted blanket really help you fall asleep? While there aren’t many scientific studies connecting weighted blankets to insomnia, the research we have thus far is promising. 

In a randomized, controlled study involving 120 adults, Swedish researchers investigated the calming and sleep-promoting effects of a weighted blanket. The results found that weighted blankets reduced the severity of insomnia, improved sleep and lessened daytime sleepiness.

An earlier study investigated the effects of a weighted blanket on insomnia. Results of the study found that participants’ sleep bout time increased, while nighttime movements decreased, suggesting an improvement in sleep quality and duration.

How a Weighted Blanket for Insomnia Can Help You Sleep

There are many benefits of weighted blankets, but the one that matters most to insomniacs is better sleep. So, how can a weighted blanket improve your insomnia, exactly?

Here are a few ways a weighted blanket for insomnia can help you get better shut-eye:

1. Calms Anxiety – Are anxious thoughts keeping you up at night? If so, you’re a prime candidate for a weighted blanket. These comforting blankets help many people get into a relaxed state before bed, allowing them to fall asleep faster. In fact, in a 2006 study of 32 adult participants, 63 percent reported lower anxiety after using a weighted blanket for five minutes. 
2. Reduces Nighttime Movement – If you have restless leg syndrome, ADHD or another condition that causes you to move excessively during the night, weighted blankets can help! Weighted blankets use a technique called deep pressure touch (DPT), which makes you feel like you’re in a cozy cocoon. Additionally, the gentle pressure of the blanket pulls your attention away from distractions (like the buzzing in your legs or ruminating thoughts), shifting your focus to the sensation of the blanket instead.
3. Promotes Melatonin Production –Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, helps regulate our circadian rhythm. When melatonin levels are stimulated, it makes us feel drowsy and lets our bodies know that it’s time for sleep. According to Medical News Today, the even pressure of a weighted blanket triggers the release of melatonin, which may help people with insomnia fall asleep faster. 
4. Primes Your Body for Rest – Incorporating a weighted blanket into your nightly routine is a great way to wind down in the evening and get ready for bed. The pressure of the blanket calms your heart rate and breathing, helping your body get into a relaxed state. For maximum relaxation, try practicing meditation with a weighted blanket draped over your entire body. 

With temperatures potentially soaring into the triple digits during summer, we understand if the idea of sleeping with a heavy blanket doesn’t sound appealing! That’s why we recommend sleeping with a cooling weighted blanket during the summer months. Made from revolutionary moisture-wicking fabric, our cooling weighted blanket is designed to keep even the hottest sleepers cool, comfortable and sweat-free.

A Little Weight Goes a Long Way

We all struggle with sleep from time to time, but full-blown insomnia takes sleep deprivation to a whole different level. When you can’t sleep at night, it negatively impacts your days as well. 

Weighted blankets may not work for everyone, but they have helped many insomniacs achieve a good night’s rest. In any case, there’s no harm in trying it.

Have you tried our best-selling Gravity Weighted Blanket yet? Check it out and let us know what you think!

Get Your Gravity Weighted Blanket Today

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