Weighted blankets are heavy blankets, weighing between 5 and 30 pounds, that are designed for therapeutic purposes. There are two types of weighted blankets; the duvet style and the knitted style. The duvet style contains ball bearings or glass beads, while the knitted style uses dense yarn. Regardless of which style you choose, a weighted blanket can have numerous benefits, particularly for your mental health. Here are the merits of using a weighted blanket:
1. Manages the symptoms of autism
Using a weighted blanket at home is a great way to manage various symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. In particular, a weighted blanket can help reduce stress, anxiety, and meltdowns. The deep pressure from the blanket helps autistic individuals ignore sensory stimuli from their surroundings and can create a calming, soothing effect.
2. Lessens anxiety
Everyone experiences feelings of anxiety at some point in their lives. Due to these feelings, you may experience an increase in heart rate and start breathing faster. When this happens, your autonomic nervous system (ANS) responds to all that is happening with your body by preparing it for stress—aka a fight or flight response—as opposed to rest. Using a weighted blanket can, instead, put the ANS into ‘rest’ mode, decreasing your heart rate and regulating your breathing.
3. Improves sleep
If you find yourself tossing and turning every night, it may be a sign of a sleep disorder. This could be because of stress, anxiety, or other existing issues in your life. Using a weighted blanket is one way to deal with a sleep disorder. These blankets use deep pressure stimulation, which, in turn, stimulates the production of mood-boosting hormones, including melatonin, which improves sleep quality.
4. Reduces stress
Weighted blankets can also help reduce your stress levels. The blankets help ground your body while you’re sleeping by pushing it downwards. This grounding process can have a calming effect that usually results in a decrease in the production of cortisol, a stress hormone, and breaking the stress cycle.
5. Lowers depression and improves mood
Besides anxiety, depression is also one of the most common mental health disorders. The causes of depression can include trauma, genetics, and drug and alcohol abuse. A weighted blanket can ease the symptoms of depression and improve your mood by stimulating the release of dopamine and serotonin—the “happiness hormones”. These chemicals are designed to affect your mood by making you feel peaceful, serene, and relaxed. The weight from the blankets, and the hormones such weight releases, can also reduce anxiety, which is a common symptom of depression.
Note that you cannot use the blanket if you have an underlying condition. Thus, before using the blanket, consult your doctor to help you know if you are fit. Additionally, ensure that the weight of the blanket you buy matches your strength so you can easily lift it off when necessary, avoiding suffocation.
