Weighted Blankets 101: Answering Your Most Common Doubts

Bedtime anxiety and discomfort are the foes of good sleep, often leading to poor sleep quality that leaves you all cranky and tired the next day. While there are a few techniques that help you sleep better, what if we tell you that blankets have a big role to play as well?!

One of the most popular sleeping aids that are praised by many and doubted by some, weighted blankets can help you ease your sleeping problems effortlessly. The primary advantage of weighted blankets is that they help in creating a sense of relaxation and calmness while decreasing your bed anxiety and discomfort. Although the trend of using weighted blankets has caught on; many people are still skeptical about these blankets.

So, let’s shed some light on the most commonly asked questions about weighted blankets and their benefits and help you folks make the right decision.

What Are Weighted Blankets? 

A blanket that is heavier than a regular blanket, filled with soft fillings that add weight and comfort is what weighted blankets are. The fillings in these blankets can vary from brand to brand; however, the most commonly used ones are micro glass beads, sand, plastic poly pellets, or steel beads, to name some. The filling contributes to the health benefits of the weighted blankets, making them all the more popular. The filling is distributed throughout the surface of the blanket and covered with additional fabric, which is then stitched through small squares. Stitching of the small squares is important as without proper stitching, the filling can move and create a cluster which will disrupt its even distribution.

How Does a Weighted Blanket Work?

The advantages of weighted blankets originate from the deep touch pressure method they are based on. The pressure that is created by the weight is responsible for forcing the body to calm down and relax. The pressure of the weighted blanket works like therapy that aids dopamine and serotonin production in the body. The increase in the dopamine and serotonin level makes you feel good while relaxing your cells, leading to better sleep quality.

What are the Advantages of Weighted Blankets?

The benefits of weighted blankets include controlling sleep disorders, depression, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. Weighted blankets also have positive effects on people with autism, ADHD, osteoarthritis, and chronic pain because of pressure therapy. Since the working of the blankets is based on the deep pressure touch method, it is used for many ailments as well, adding to the health benefits of weighted blankets.

When the blanket pushes your body downwards, thereby grounding it, that helps in relaxing your muscles. It is said that grounding treatments increase serotonin production in the brain while lowering the level of cortisol. Adding to this, the production of melatonin also increases. Lower cortisol helps in balancing blood pressure, glucose levels, and heart rate, keeping you healthier and happier.

Do the Weighted Blankets Overheat?

Feeling overheated when using weighted blankets depends from place to place and environment to environment. Ideally, in an air-conditioned room or colder regions, feeling overheated won’t pose an issue. Even for sleepers who like to sleep in a cosy and warm environment, weighted blankets are a good option. Weighted blankets are available in different sizes and weights, depending on the filling used. You can choose from a plethora of options as per your preferences from stores selling weighted blankets to online.

May you sleep well all night, every night!