What’s the Hype Around Weighted Blankets?
Remember that scene from Trainwreck where Amy Schumer’s character says, “Let’s just sleep in a position that’s more realistic.” My husband and I always say this when we try and snuggle before sleep. We both run HOT, so sleeping while snuggling (touching) would likely leave both of us waking up like we’ve been at the gym all night and possibly with severe dehydration.
The weighted blankets were originally designed with kids with autism in mind, but they are totally mainstream now. So many users report a better night’s sleep- and who doesn’t want that??
These blankets range anywhere from a feathery two pounds, all the way up to a whopping 24 pounds! They are touted to be a form of Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT) or Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS), much like the swaddle of an infant, producing a calming sensation in the nervous system and reducing anxiety or arousal when in use. The weighted feeling relaxes the nervous system while releasing endorphins, or “happy hormones.”
There is a range of benefits to users of weighted blankets. Some evidence reports that weighted blankets help with sleeplessness and insomnia. People are reporting they sleep longer and shift their bodyweight around less when under the heavy blanket.
Additional benefits to the users are a deeper feeling of calm, lower stress, and increased happiness. The blanket therapy also reduces the production and output of cortisol. The blankets boost the production of serotonin (the chemical that helps produce hormones) and melatonin (the hormone regulating your sleep cycle).
Do people that use them really experience better sleep?
Some users say the weighted blanket feels like “the comforting feeling of a big bear hug.” This comforting feeling leaves you less anxious as quickly as just five minutes. Some psychiatrists report that the weight of the blanket on the body “recalibrates” our nervous system. Our ancestors kept their littles so close at all times, whereas now, most infants spend more time in cribs sleeping alone. The theory is that our absence of touch in modern life, leaves our nervous system more stressed. The weighted blanket serves as the touch that our nervous system is missing.
The effects of a weighted blanket also build up over time, so it’s best to give it a prolonged trial period if you are new to the weighted sleeping sensation. At least 30 days is a good time period to decide if it’s right for you. They are an investment- most costing over $200, so be prepared to pay for those sweet dreams.
Some tips in making choices around a weighted blanket:
Most researchers suggest a blanket that’s roughly 8-13% percent of your bodyweight.
Find an outer material you find very comfortable to touch.
The blanket needs to cover both your legs and torso.
Sleep with it every night for the first 30 days.
Remember, a weighted blanket is not the only tool to get a good night’s rest. Stress relieving techniques such as meditation and deep breathing, a warm bath, turning off screens 2 hours before bedtime, cutting alcohol and caffeine, eating nutritious foods, and stretching before bed all help contribute to optimization of your Z time. Weighted blankets are just one more way that is safe, easy, and non-invasive with great potential benefits for to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to crush the day.
Some brands to check out:
Gravity
Weighted Idea
Degrees of Comfort
YnM
Luna
