Do you have trouble sleeping or often wish that you felt more comfortable throughout the night? Do you seem to toss and turn no matter how many adorable, fuzzy sheep you’ve been counting? If you answered yes, the comfort you seek can be found in the form of a weighted blanket.
Like most areas of life, our bedding is advancing. New technologies can be found in every section of your local home goods store, including the sheets department. While weighted blankets haven’t always been available, they’re becoming increasingly more popular—and we’re here to tell you why.
You might be asking yourself what a weighted blanket is or what they are used for. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about weighted blankets, including the most highly rated brands and whether this emerging trend is right for you!
What is a Weighted Blanket?
Weighted blankets are on the rise in popularity due to their first and foremost mission: to provide comfort and reduce anxiety. These blankets typically weigh anywhere from 10 to 30 pounds altogether, so that you can get the best comfort for your individual needs.
A weighted blanket is a blanket that has been specially crafted to weigh more than an average blanket and spread that weight evenly and comfortably. The contents of a weighted blanket may vary. Some include pellets to provide heft, some utilize polypropylene beads, and others use smooth glass discs. Some even contain actual weights surrounded by soft fabrics.
These blankets range in size, but they usually cover one individual. They are meant to provide an even amount of weight all over your body, which for some, soothes anxiety. These blankets are not recommended for infants, however.
How Do Weighted Blankets Work?
There are many people for whom deep pressure touch is soothing and anxiety-reducing. Weighted blankets use deep pressure touch, which is a form of tactile sensory input. Think about the freshly swaddled baby who falls into a deep, a relaxing nap, or the sense of calm you feel when receiving a massage. Even an intense hug can provide the same sensations.
Deep pressure touch is said to reduce cortisol and increase dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin. Melatonin is the hormone that helps us sleep, which might explain why a weighted blanket can be so comforting throughout the night.
Weighted blankets are also thought to assist those with restless leg syndrome. While these blankets may be best known to support those with autism, they can be useful for those with anxiety, depression, sensory processing disorder, and PTSD.
What are the Benefits of Using a Weighted Blanket?
The benefits of a weighted blanket are said to include:
- Stress reduction
- Increase in focus for those with ADHD
- Better sleep
- Feelings of comfort that mimic a hug
- Emotional comfort
- Reduction of anxiety
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Do I Need a Weighted Blanket?
You may be wondering if you could benefit from the use of a weighted blanket if you don’t suffer from the conditions mentioned above. Ask yourself if the idea of added pressure on your body at night makes you feel comfortable or claustrophobic. Do you typically enjoy cuddling in relationships, or do you prefer space when you sleep?
Even if you prefer the space, you may simply enjoy the experience and comfort of sleeping with a weighted blanket. After all, who doesn’t need a hug now and then?
For many, the idea of a weighted blanket instantly conjures up the image of a sweat-covered bed of heat and humidity. Weighted blankets provide the comfort of pressure and weight without adding too much additional heat, so they can even be used during hotter months. However, there are weighted blankets that are specially designed for use during the summer.
The Best Weighted Blankets
Maybe you’re sold on the idea of sleeping with a weighted blanket, but now you’re wondering where to start. We’ve got you covered!
The Good Knight Weighted Blanket is hypoallergenic, which is perfect for those of us who suffer through allergy season. This blanket comes in different weights, which give you plenty of options; and it’s the best bet for anyone who wants to make sure that their bedding won’t be contributing to their nighttime sniffles!
The Helix Weighted Blanket is soft and luxurious, perfect for those who want to feel like they’re sleeping under a hefty yet fluffy cloud. For those princess-and-the-pea sleepers out there, this blanket will make sure that you’re comfortable and cozy.
SensaCalm makes customizable weighted blankets, allowing you to explore your sense of comfort in style. These blankets come in a variety of sizes, colors, weights, and fabrics, allowing you to express yourself while improving your sleep.
How to Embrace the Comfort
March 9th is National Napping Day, making it the perfect day to get your snooze on and cozy up for a comforting nap!
Let’s face it, naps are but one of the many kindergarten rituals that we should still be celebrating as adults. If you don’t feel comfortable setting aside a daily nap time, at least allow yourself the joy of a power nap on National Napping Day! Your new weighted blanket will ease you into the process and let you get a few restful minutes of delicious shut-eye.
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