Weighted blankets have become a popular product to provide therapeutic effects for people…and even pets. The phenomenon is known as “deep pressure stimulation” has incredible effects on your physical and mental state without the need for expensive or dangerous medications.
Below are some of the most common reasons people buy weighted blankets for themselves or as gifts for loved ones.
Anxiety
Weighted blankets help to calm people with anxiety by providing a sense of calm and safety. People with anxiety report less that their anxiety is lowered during the night and even has lasting effects into the day.
Depression
Depression is often linked to anxiety. Elevated anxiety of long periods of time can lead to depression, so it makes sense that lowering anxiety can also stave off depression. Weighted blankets are great for this.
Restlessness
Often, our minds are way too active to be able to go to sleep. The properties of weighted blankets help to relax us through deep pressure touch (DPT). Relaxation helps improve our mood, sleep, and overall quality of life.
Autism
The use of weighted blankets is often attributed to autism. The calming effects of weighted blankets are a wonderful way to help relax a child or adult with autism and are commonly used along with therapy.
PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a very common disorder that affects millions of people throughout the world. It is often associated with military personnel coming home from war, but the truth is that anyone that has gone through an intense trauma can suffer from PTSD. If you have PTSD, a weighted blanket may be able to help you cope with symptoms.
OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD affects many people in very dramatic ways. The qualities of weighted blankets are effective for OCD as anxiety is a part of this disorder. A weighted blanket can help mitigate anxiety and thus help with managing OCD.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder sufferers can find relief in the use of weighted blankets. DTP can help relax and calm a person going through an episode using weighted blankets. It can help improve sleep after different mood swings and is a great addition in combination with various forms of therapy.
Insomnia
If you suffer from insomnia, then there are few things better to help you get a full night’s sleep than a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets use their weight to help “ground” your body and apply pressure throughout your body in the form of DTP to help calm your nervous system and promote serotonin which is a precursor of melatonin, the “sleep hormone”.