What Are The Advantages Of A Weighted Blanket For Anxiety?
Weighted blankets are proven to help both adults and children reduce anxiety attacks over time. These products are safe to use and help the individual achieve a relaxed state and sleep more deeply.
This product will help ground the body of the individual who suffers from anxiety during sleep. The process is known as “grounding” or “earthing,” which pushes your body downwards and has a calming effect. The blankets will also stimulate deep pressure touch or DPT – which is a type of therapy that uses hands-on pressure to reduce high levels of anxiety and chronic stress over time.
The latest studies show that grounding can reduce the levels of cortisol during your sleep. This is a stress hormone that is produced when your brain thinks that you are under attack. Stress will elevate your cortisol levels in order to create the fight or flight response. This will negatively affect your immune system. It will also adversely affect the digestive system and increase your blood sugar levels.
When your cortisol levels are elevated and don’t naturally drop down to the normal levels, it will cause multiple complications such as:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Weight gain
A weighted blanket can help break this cycle by providing deep pressure touch and promoting relaxation. This will trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin – which are neurotransmitters that will help you feel good. These hormones are very important to combat stress, depression, and anxiety.
The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine revealed that a recent study indicated that the grounding of the human body while sleeping is one of the most effective ways of synchronizing the natural cortisol secretion process. It will also activate the 24-hour circadian rhythms, especially in women. Grounding will help reduce the production of cortisol in the body during sleep. This will improve the sleep of the person and alleviate insomnia, pain, and stress.
Another research showed that a 30-pound weighted blanket was quite safe and effective in reducing anxiety in adults. There were 32 adults that participated in the study and 63% of these people reported reduced levels of anxiety.
How Heavy The Weighted Blanket Should Be?
You should consider your own weight when determining the weight of the blanket. Most of the experts recommend a blanket that is 5-10% of their body weight for an adult. For kids, the blanket should be 10% of their body weight plus 1-2 pounds. An occupational therapist or your healthcare provider is the best person to decide on the right type of weight blanket for you.
Make sure that you choose a blanket that is made of natural fiber like breathable 100 percent cotton. Synthetic fibers or polyester blankets are much hotter. Weighted blankets are not for everyone since they can add some weight and heat in the process. That is why it is important that you discuss with your healthcare provider before using such a product. In fact, you should avoid such products if you have a chronic health condition, have circulation issues, respiratory issues, going through menopause, or have temperature regulation issues.
Soothing Walls is the best place to shop for a quality weighted blanket. Some insurance plans cover this product – provided you have a prescription from your doctor. Call your insurance provider to find out if you are entitled to such a product. On the other hand, weighted blankets can be tax deductible since they are medical expenses.