The Benefits of a Weighted Blanket for Sleep Disorders

An increasing number of people with insomnia are finding better sleep under a weighted blanket. These blankets are filled with balls, chains, and pellets, which is what makes the heavy. People who use this blanket claim that the pressure it created feels like a firm, warm hug, which gives a whole new meaning to the word comfort.

In this article, you will be able to read about the benefits of weighted blankets and how they affect sleep disorders about which you can read on MidNite. Let’s take a look:

1. It enhances the production of the anti-stress hormone

As previously mentioned, the pressure from the blanket is similar to a hug, which provides both warmth and a sense of security. As various studies suggest, a hug releases an anti-stress hormone which helps create a feeling of ease, as well as relaxation. The hormone also slows down the heart rate and it reduces blood pressure, which makes the body relax, so you will be able to sleep better.

2. It releases feel-good hormones

These covers provide a gentle, but deep pressure that will go deep within your body. Researchers discovered that this “proprioceptive pressure” or “deep touch pressure stimulation” promotes your body to release two very important brain chemicals – feel-good hormones. These chemicals have a calming effect on the body and they are effective tools for battling stress, anxiety, and depression.

3. Boost Melatonin

When the body releases serotonin, melatonin hormones are also released, hence, it will promote sleep and it will help your body regulate your sleep cycle and patterns. And that is the real beauty of weighted blankets – they have a soothing, calming effect that prompts sleep, hence, an anxious, restless person can get the sleep that they need.

4. It will put Insomnia to Rest

Insomnia comes in different patterns. Some might have trouble falling asleep, others cannot stay asleep, and the problem that people with insomnia have can be solved by a weighted blanket. In a study from 2015, 31 adults with chronic insomnia had their sleep tracked for 1 week with their usual bedding.

After that, they spent two weeks sleeping with a weighted blanket. And during the fourth week, they slept in their usual bedding again. Overall, the participants of the study liked the weighted blanket since they were able to sleep longer, and they did not have problems during the night. They also stated that they slept better and felt more refreshed when they woke up.

Hence, a weighted blanket can reduce insomnia, which makes it an effective, non-drug approach to improve sleep quality. Click here if you want to learn more about other benefits of these blankets.

5. Easing Restless Leg Syndrome

Nighttime can be especially difficult if you suffer from restless leg syndrome. The tingling usually appears during the night, and it can extremely impair sleep. While compression socks can help you, they can be quite uncomfortable if they are too tight. However, with a weighted blanket, you will get that relaxing pressure without needing to constrict your legs.

6. It Improves Sleep Quality

Fatigue is usually caused by poor sleep quality. A weighted blanket can improve your sleep quality. The deep touch pressure prompts serotonin to be released, which will help you fall asleep faster, stay asleep for a longer time, and feel well-rested when you wake up in the morning.

Conclusion

In general, a weighted blanket will provide you with a soothing, calming effect the prompts sleep. And if you are tense, stressed, or anxious, it can help you get the sleep you need.