These days many people suffer from anxiety, stress and insomnia. In this fast-paced world, how do we lower our stress levels and have a better quality of life. Weighted blankets are one of the best solutions for lowering stress and managing anxiety.
What Are Weighted Blankets?
Weighted Blankets are quilted blankets that have weights (generally glass or plastic beads) sewn in. The weights in the blanket make the blanket heavy and give a sense of safety and security.
Imagine when you were a child and you found refuge in a safety blanket. The idea is similar for adults and older children and teens.
The weight of the blanket helps to calm the nervous system, which can help someone if they have anxiety to be able to sleep. This is because of Deep Touch Pressure (DTP), which is firm, gentle pressure throughout the body. This creates a feeling somewhat like being embraced that is soothing and comforting, and extremely therapeutic.
Who are Weighted Blankets for?
Weighted blankets were originally made for people with autism to help them cope with sensory overload. Its heavy weight helps to calm the mind and may improve their focus throughout the daytime.
For adults with anxiety, they can also benefit from these properties. Deep touch pressure from the blanket’s weight “grounds the body to the earth”, which in effect lowers cortisol levels during sleep by calming the nervous system. Lower cortisol means less anxiety, improves sleep, fights insomnia, and lowers stress during the day.
It should be noted that parents of very young children should wait until the child is much older or consult a medical professional to have a weighted blanket, as a heavy weighted blanket may be unsafe for a small child.
Consider getting a weighted blanket
If you suffer from anxiety or experience a lot of stress throughout the day, a weighted blanket may be a tremendous benefit to your quality of life. They can improve your sleep and reduce your anxiety, greatly improving your quality of life.
Of course, consult a doctor first as they will know what will be best for you, especially if you are a parent of a small child. But a weighted blanket can be a wonderful solution for those stressful, restless nights and your anxiety.