If you have been wondering if weighted blanket therapy is right for you, then read on to discover the many benefits of this treatment. Here are some of the most common benefits: Reducing anxiety and stress, Improving sleep, Relieving hyperactivity, and more. Whether you have autism or another condition, you’ll find that weighted blanket therapy can help you feel better in various ways.
Reduces anxiety
A recent study has shown that a weighted blanket can reduce anxiety by 63 percent. Anxiety triggers the sympathetic nervous system, preparing the body to fight or flee a threat. Since we can never fully disengage from a stressful situation, the continuous arousal of our nervous systems can wear on us. Weighted blanket therapy breaks the cycle of this constant arousal and allows our parasympathetic nervous system to take over.
Although weighted blankets are not recommended for infants, people who suffer from sensory difficulties may find them soothing. Several studies have shown that they can reduce anxiety in adults and children. In addition, weighted blankets are linked to deep pressure therapy, a proven way to calm the mind and relieve stress. For this reason, people with physical or mental limitations should seek the advice of a healthcare professional before trying weighted blanket therapy.
Improves sleep
A new study has shown that using a weighted blanket while sleeping reduces symptoms of insomnia and anxiety. Participants assigned to use a chain-weighted blanket slept better than those who used a lighter blanket with plastic chains. One study found that participants wore a six-kilogram chain blanket during the night. The researchers did not observe any conflict of interest in the study, and the blanket was free from any adverse side effects.
Researchers from UC San Diego conducted a study on the benefits of weighted blankets on chronic pain patients in 2021. The study participants wore a weighted blanket for one week, showing decreased anxiety symptoms. Unfortunately, the participants did not see any reduction in pain severity, but they had fewer anxiety symptoms than the control group. This study also suggests that weighted blankets can help patients who undergo surgery or medical procedures.
Relieves stress
The benefits of using a weighted blanket to relieve stress are many. The pressure produced by a blanket’s deep touch increases serotonin levels in the body. This effect is particularly beneficial for individuals with a sensory processing disorder. Approximately 40 million people suffer from anxiety in the U.S., and the benefits of using a weighted blanket are vast. These therapies may even help people identify their triggers for stress and worry and set aside time to focus on them.
Another benefit of using a weighted blanket is its ability to improve your sleep schedule. The blanket’s extra weight helps you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, allowing you to have a better night’s rest. Additionally, it has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and reduce pain. People suffering from chronic pain may also benefit from weighted blanket therapy, such as chronic migraine headaches and fibromyalgia.
Relieves hyperactivity
The use of weighted blankets to calm kids with sensory processing problems has proven effective for several children with ADHD. These children respond too quickly to instructions or stimuli and, as a result, appear hyperactive. The sensory input that a weighted blanket provides helps the child organize stimuli and adjust to their surroundings. In a study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, researchers found that children with ADHD improved these behavioural traits when using a weighted blanket.
The science behind weighted blankets is based on an effective relaxation technique known as deep pressure stimulation. The weight of the blanket is placed on certain parts of the body to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which counteracts the sympathetic nervous system. Studies have also shown that children with PTSD show increased parasympathetic activity and reduced sympathetic activity. In addition, many children and adults with ADHD have a comorbid disorder, and weighted blankets can help children with sensory processing disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder.
Helps with post-traumatic stress disorder
Weighted blankets are used in PTSD treatment to provide a soothing, inexpensive sensory therapy. These blankets are akin to a deep hug, stimulating receptors in the body that help the brain release the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin relaxes the body and fights anxiety and hyperarousal. They also aid in the regulation of sleep patterns.