Weighted blankets work wonders because of the concept of deep touch pressure.
Weighted blanket therapy is a form of treatment that has been gaining popularity in recent years. The therapy uses deep pressure touch to provide security and comfort. The blankets are usually filled with materials such as plastic pellets or glass beads, and they come in different weights depending on the patient’s needs.
While there is anecdotal evidence that weighted blankets can help with conditions such as anxiety, autism, and insomnia, little scientific research supports these claims.
However, a small study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders in 2014 found that children with autism who used weighted blankets showed reduced anxiety and improved sleep.
A recent review of the literature on weighted blanket therapy found insufficient evidence to support its use for any specific condition. However, the authors noted that the therapy might be helpful for some people with anxiety or sleep disorders.
At this point, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of the best weighted blanket therapy. However, it is a promising treatment option for people without success with other forms of therapy.
Dealing with Insomnia and Sleeplessness
One intriguing claim is that weighted blankets, courtesy of deep touch pressure, can help people get to sleep and stay asleep better. Anecdotally, some say weighted blankets provide a sense of being hugged or swaddled, which can be calming.
Some studies suggest deep pressure touch does have an impact on the nervous system in a way that’s similar to what happens when you receive a massage. That said, there isn’t much research on whether weighted blankets can help people sleep better.
Research published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders in 2015 found that people with insomnia who used a weighted blanket slept better and felt less anxious than those who didn’t use one. The study participants who used the weighted blankets also had less movement during the night.
A larger study published in 2018 looked at whether a weighted blanket could help people with insomnia sleep better. The study found that people who used a weighted blanket slept better than those who didn’t use one.
While these studies are promising, more research is needed to determine whether best weighted blanket are truly effective for treating insomnia.
Depression and Anxiety
Some evidence is that weighted blankets may help people with anxiety and depression. Another study found that people with a generalized anxiety disorder who used a weighted blanket for two weeks had less anxiety and felt calmer than those who didn’t use one.
When you’re anxious, your body goes into fight-or-flight mode, a survival mechanism that kicks in when you’re faced with danger. This response causes your heart rate and blood pressure to increase, and it can make you feel tenser and on edge. Some medical professionals believe that weighted blankets may help people with anxiety by reducing the symptoms of the fight-or-flight response.
Weighted blankets may help reduce the symptoms of fight-or-flight response by providing deep pressure touch. This touch has been shown to activate the body’s natural calming system, which can help you feel more relaxed.
