Many of us prefer sleeping under a blanket, as it gives us a sense of security. However, sleeping under a heavy blanket weighing between 5 to 30 pounds is even better. Here are a few reasons why. As a bonus, you’ll learn how to choose the right blanket.
It can help you fight anxiety.
The weighted blanket simulates a deep touch that might provide you with a calming feeling. It’s great to use this to feel calm and at ease, which will help you fall asleep faster. Plus, if you are suffering from anxiety or ADHD you might notice that your symptoms will get less intense.
It might help you relieve pain.
The blanket can help you “ground” your body while you sleep and create a calming effect. Then in combination with the pressure, it might help you with mental and physical pain. This might lead to reducing your painkillers and to you feeling more refreshed in the morning.
Your stress levels will decrease.
If you are dealing with stress and its uncomfortable symptoms, you might need more of the mood-lifting chemical, serotonin. The weighted blanket’s deep pressure can help with producing more serotonin, which lowers the stress hormone. It might help you feel more relaxed and even ease the sadness.
It might help with restless leg syndrome.
Restless leg syndrome can be a burden when you sleep. This is because the tingling is most evident at night and can disturb your sleep. Even though compression socks can help you a bit, they can feel uncomfortable because they are tight. On the other side, a weighted blanket might help you feel more comfortable and provide you with the relaxation pressure your legs need.
You will get a hug.
The weighted blanket simulates a pressure that feels like a warm and safe hug. A hug is very important because it has the power to create a feeling of relaxation due to the release of the hormone oxytocin. At the same time, your heart rate might get slower and your blood pressure might get lower, which will relax your body and improve your sleep.
It might help you stay focused.
School can be a real challenge, especially if you are a student who has a sensory disorder like autism. The classrooms, the noise, and the hallways can become overwhelming for you and this might upset and frustrate you. The weighted blanket applies a gentle and yet firm pressure that could help soothe the anxiety caused by sensory disorders and help you get a restful sleep.
You will get better sleep.
You might experience fatigue due to a lack of sleep or poor quality sleep. Even though you think that you are getting a good night’s sleep every night, you might not be getting a restful one and this can be the reason why you wake up tired. Switching your regular blanket for a weighted one can improve your sleep quality. You might start falling asleep faster, sleep for longer, and even finally feel rested when you wake up.
It can ease mental disorders.
You might benefit from the therapeutic touch of the weighted blanket. It could help you deal with traumatic events and ease other mental disorders like depression and even obsessive-compulsive disorder. Even though OCD is unique for everyone — just like with stress, it’s linked to low levels of serotonin. The deep pressure might work as therapy by boosting serotonin and keep the OCD symptoms under control.
Bonus 1: you need to choose the right blanket.
While we can’t fall asleep without a blanket, choosing the right one is crucial for a good night’s rest. Blankets made from polyester are easy to wash and care for, but they are not the best choice when it comes to getting better sleep. Polyester is a synthetic material, which means it doesn’t breathe and won’t allow your body to regulate its temperature, causing you to feel hot and sweaty.
Bonus 2: maybe you should get a second blanket.
The study confirmed that couples who tend to have a poor night’s sleep have more severe and more frequent fights than those who wake up well-rested. People who get a good night’s sleep, on the other hand, are more likely to be in a good mood, have lower stress levels, and be more patient. Many couples can be helped by sleeping under different blankets. Some couples sleep better on different beds or even in different rooms. And this in no way spoils the marriage relationship.
Source: nowiveseeneverything
