Benefits and Drawbacks of Weighted Blankets: Does Its Effectiveness Hold Up?
Hey there! Ever wondered if that new weighted blanket you just bought could actually help you catch some quality Zs? Here's the lowdown on weighted blanket pros and cons, plus some interesting facts to keep in mind.
Weighted blankets have been making waves due to their ability to simulate deep pressure therapy (DPT), promoting the release of feel-good hormones like serotonin and melatonin, while reducing the stress hormone cortisol. This, in turn, helps relax your peripheral and central nervous systems for a more peaceful slumber.
But let's cut to the chase - what are the benefits and drawbacks of using a weighted blanket?
Pros of Weighted Blankets
- Relieves Stress and Anxiety: Deep pressure therapy reduces autonomic arousal, helping manage physical symptoms of anxiety like rapid heartbeat and sweating. It also stimulates the production of cortisol, which aids in stress management.
- Improves Sleep Quality: Weighted blankets promote the release of melatonin, a sleep hormone, for a better snooze. They're even recommended for individuals dealing with insomnia.
- Helps People with Autism: In a 2017 study, deep pressure stimulation by weighted blankets helped stimulate sleep rhythms in autistic patients. Another study found that 59% of autistic participants enjoyed a better quality of sleep, and 45.8% reported improved daily stress management.
- Benefits People with ADHD: Weighted blankets have shown promise for individuals with ADHD, aiding in focus and reducing hyperactive movements.
- May Help with Osteoarthritis: While no specific research is available, studies suggest that weighted blankets could potentially help manage the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
- Reduces Pain Intensity: Some researchers propose that deep pressure therapy provided by weighted blankets can help decrease chronic pain.
Cons of Weighted Blankets
- Expensive: Weighted blankets tend to be pricier than traditional blankets. Although some may view it as a worthwhile investment, others might find the cost prohibitive.
- Not Suitable for Those with Sleep Apnea: Weighted blankets add pressure and might narrow airways for those with sleep apnea, exacerbating their breathing difficulties.
- Requires Adjustment Time: Deviating from the coziness of your usual blanket might take some getting used to, and daily usage is not recommended.
In conclusion, weighted blankets can bring numerous benefits to your sleep experience, from stress relief to improved sleep quality, especially for those grappling with insomnia, autism, or ADHD. However, careful selection and consideration of personal preferences are vital to getting the most out of your weighted blanket. Additionally, if you're buying a weighted blanket to improve sleep quality, it's advisable to pair it with a sleep tracker like ShutEye to monitor your progress and perfect your slumber routine. Happy dreaming!
- Weighted blankets, often used in sleep-and-wellness practices, are known to simulate deep pressure therapy (DPT), which can help manage symptoms of anxiety such as rapid heartbeat and sweating, and promote the release of melatonin for improved sleep quality, making them a potential remedy for insomniacs.
- In health-and-wellness discussions, it's important to consider that weighted blankets might not be suitable for individuals with sleep apnea, as the additional pressure could exacerbate breathing difficulties.
- For mental-health enthusiasts, various therapies-and-treatments exist for managing stress and improving sleep quality, with weighted blankets being one such option. scientific research has indicated that these blankets can even benefit people with autism and ADHD.
