WELLNESS
Everything You Need To Know Before You Start Sleeping With A Weighted Blanket
By MARICA LAING
What To Expect
Weighted blankets help lower the likelihood that you’ll wake in the middle of the night which leads to a better quality of sleep. Sleep expert Michael J. Breus explains they create a “soothing sensation of being gently held, which creates for many people a deep sense of relaxation and calm that makes it easier to fall asleep."
How They Work
Penn Medicine notes that weighted blankets provide what is known as pressure therapy to the body. Pressure therapy triggers the body’s parasympathetic nervous system which will make your heart rate slow down, thereby decreasing your stress levels, which is a dream for people suffering from anxiety.
Many Benefits
Weighted blankets can help people who are suffering from symptoms of depression, according to Healthline. They increase the quality of sleep and your body will receive therapy while you doze, but it’s always wise to consult with a doctor about your symptoms.
Alleviate Anxiety
Penn Medicine explains that anxiety is living in a constant state of worry or uneasiness that can have you obsessing over normal everyday situations. The pressure from a weighted blanket will signal to your autonomic system that all is well and will switch your body from a state of worry to rest mode.
They Mimic A Hug
The reason you feel better after a good hug is that they cause a chemical reaction in the body that leads to the production of oxytocin. This hormonal release will make you feel super relaxed, as it slows down your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure.