Weighted blankets are made to be thicker than regular blankets. A weighted blanket can be used on the bed, the couch, or anywhere else where you want to unwind. Many people find that incorporating a weighted blanket into their sleep routine helps them to relax and unwind. In this post, we will share with you some benefits of a weighted blanket that will make you surprised.
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Benefits of a Weighted Blanket
Alleviate anxiety induced insomnia
When you’re stressed, your body produces cortisol, which is known as the stress hormone. When we are tense, agitated, or angered, our bodies create this stress hormone. The problem is that anxiety can lead to a lot of sleepless nights, which can lead to insomnia. What happens is that your cortisol levels stay high, causing disruptions in your life.
Anxiety and insomnia may have a significant negative impact on your health. It may be reduced, though, by using a weighted blanket that is heavy on your body, as it has been discovered to activate your feel-good hormones, dopamine, hence potentially lowering cortisol levels in your body.
Ease symptoms of restless leg syndrome
Restless leg syndrome, also known as Willis-Ekbom Disorder, is a disease characterized by an insatiable desire to move one’s legs. The urge usually strikes in the evening or late at night, and it might cause insomnia. The weighted blankets’ pressure has a relaxing impact on the body. This is one of the great benefits of a weighted blanket.
Provide comfort and security
Weighted blankets are claimed to act similarly to a tight swaddle in making neonates feel safe and secure. Many people feel that these blankets help them fall asleep faster by instilling a sense of security.
Calm the nervous system
An hyperactive nervous system can cause anxiety, hyperactivity, a racing heart, and shortness of breath, all of which disrupt sleep. Weighted blankets may quiet the fight-or-flight response and activate the calming parasympathetic nervous system in preparation for sleep by distributing an even amount of weight and pressure across the body.
Promote melatonin production
Melatonin is a hormone that promotes sleep and also aids in the regulation of our sleep cycle, or circadian rhythm. Melatonin appears to be linked to serotonin, which, when triggered by the weight of a heavily weighted blanket, also induces the production of melatonin.
Deep touch pressure stimulation has been shown to boost melatonin levels in patients with sleep disorders like insomnia. Using a weighted blanket to increase serotonin and melatonin levels may be beneficial.
Boost mood
Another benefit of a weighted blanket is to help boost your mood. Serotonin is a hormone that not only affects sleep, but it can also alter your mood. Serotonin deficiency is linked to depression and a variety of other mental diseases. The weighted blanket’s pressure has been shown to increase serotonin levels while decreasing cortisol levels.
Improve behavior in children with ADHD
With the use of a weighted blanket, some youngsters with autism or ADHD are able to concentrate better. The theory is that by providing a sense of comfort to a youngster by the weight of the blanket, they will be more focused on the work at hand.
Help manage OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects roughly one in every 40 adults and one in every 200 children. OCD is characterized by recurrent thoughts and behaviors. It is categorized as a mental illness since it is linked to a chemical imbalance in the brain and low serotonin levels. As previously stated, the weighted blanket raises serotonin levels, which can help to lessen the intensity of OCD.
Lower instances of panic attacks
Patients with panic disorder are aware that an episode might happen at any time, leaving them vulnerable to the symptoms associated with the disorder. Although there are drugs available to help you feel calm and relaxed, some people prefer to manage this issue organically.
Because it encourages the creation of serotonin and dopamine, using a weighted blanket may assist to lessen the occurrence of panic attacks. And, especially for individuals who suffer from nocturnal panic attacks, sleeping will become easier when you feel more comfortable and at ease.
These are benefits of a weighted blanket that you may not know. You can buy one and experience its impressive advantages for your health.
