Weighted Blankets

The popularity of weighted blankets has significantly increased in recent years, with many individuals embracing the trend and asserting that these specialized blankets have contributed to enhancing their nightly sleep. These blankets not only provide warmth, but also apply a consistent, gentle pressure across the body, creating a feeling akin to being hugged or held.

As a result, weighted blankets have been linked to various health benefits, including reducing stress and alleviating anxiety, which can lead to a more restorative night’s sleep.

What Are Weighted Blankets?

A weighted blanket is precisely what its name implies — a specially crafted fabric that is considerably heavier than a standard blanket. It is typically filled with glass beads, plastic pellets, or layered materials that contribute to its density and weight.

What is the Function of a Weighted Blanket?

Although they may look similar to a comforter, these two types of bedding serve different purposes. Comforters primarily function as insulators to keep you warm, whereas weighted blankets are intended to exert gentle pressure on your body.

Weighted blankets were initially created as therapeutic devices and recommended by occupational therapists who utilized these blankets for decades to assist clients in managing sensory overload. They were used by children with autism and adults with sensory processing disorders during the 1970’s.

In the 1990’s they became widely available gaining traction among the general population as manufacturers began to target “casually anxious” individuals who frequently experienced feeling overwhelmed by contemporary stressors.

Some companies promote the numerous advantages of these blankets, from alleviating insomnia to diminishing nighttime anxiety and reducing stress.

If you deal with racing thoughts, agitation, or overwhelming anxiety, some evidence suggests that wrapping yourself in a weighted blanket could provide a rapid, drug-free pathway to calmness and emotional balance. However, it is best to use a weighted blanket while following a Mineral Balancing Program that can get to the root cause of anxiety, insomnia, and stressors and use the weighted blanket as a tool to assist you on your Mineral Balancing Program.

I love my weighted blanket and use it nightly. However, some clients do not like weighted blankets so one’s experience with a weighted blanket may vary from person to person. If you decide to purchase a weighted blanket, be realistic about your expectations and realize that results may vary. Purchase a weighted blanket that can be returned if needed.

Are Weighted Blankets Recommended for Everyone?

If you have the following issues, you may want to check with your doctor before using a weighted blanket:

Sleep Apnea

Sleep Disorders

Respiratory Problems

Small or Young Children - (the added weight may be too constrictive and create difficulty moving while under the blanket)

Diabetes

Asthma

COPD

Circulation Problems

High Blood Pressure

Individuals who are Claustrophobic

While a weighted blanket helps me sleep much better, I also implement many other techniques for improving sleep that you can read in this article SLEEP HYGIENE.

CONTACT ME if you have questions regarding, weighted blankets, sleep issues, or any other health concerns.

The entire contents of this website/article are based upon the opinions of Doreen McCafferty NLC, unless otherwise noted. Individual articles are based upon the opinions of the respective author, who retains copyright as marked. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from the research and experience of Doreen McCafferty, NLC and her community. Doreen McCafferty encourages you to make your own health care decisions based upon your research and in partnership with a qualified health care professional. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your health care professional before using products based on this content. All information in this article is for educational purposes only and not designed to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional and is not intended as medical advice.