Improve Your Sleep with a Weighted Blanket
What Are Weighted Blankets?
Weighted blankets are the new and improved upgrade to your typical comforter. You may have heard about them through friends or social media posts, but what exactly are they?
As the name would suggest, they are literally weighted blankets. They look like your average blanket but are heavier.
Sewn right inside the pockets of the blanket are small objects meant to add some weight to them: things like pellets, discs, or polypropylene/glass plastic beads. Don’t worry though, because the blanket is still made with comfort in mind. It isn’t completely hard and rough; there is still a soft exterior. However, it is not exactly plush or meant to be lounged on. It is solely meant to be slept under.
Benefits of Weighted Blankets
People often use weighted blankets to treat sleeping problems.
There are aspects about being “weighed down” that allow people to sleep easier. In recent years, they have become increasingly popular. The pressure exerted by these blankets can help with a lot of issues. Depending on your needs, a weighted blanket might work for you.
Anxiety
One of the biggest problems that anxiety can cause is am elevated heart rate. This can keep a person from being able to get comfortable and adds to agitations and worries. Many people who suffer from anxiety report that it impedes their ability to get a good night’s rest.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Those who suffer from ADHD often have problems with fidgeting. This energy can disturb them when they are trying to get a good night’s sleep. The added pressure activates their touching sensory modalities much in the way that “fidgeting toys” keep them occupied during classes.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Sensory stimulation helps alleviate the stress of those suffering from autism. The mild and systematic pressure of these blankets may provide comfort and allow relaxation.
Even if you don’t have one of these concrete diagnoses, you can still benefit from a weighted blanket.
For example, you don’t have to have anxiety for these blankets to lower your heart rate. This lowered heart rate could be beneficial to anyone to get themselves ready for bed. These blankets may alleviate the tension brought about by stress that you didn’t even realize was keeping you from a good night’s sleep.
Benefits of Weighted Blankets
Some people might be wondering if weighted blankets actually work: they do! Of course, everyone will have their own individual experiences when it comes to the efficacy of such products. However, research has indicated that these blankets are more than just some fad.
Medical professionals have recommended them to people who are looking to improve their sleep, especially if they suffer from some of the common disorders mentioned above.
They are a risk-free way to try to combat sleeping problems as they are completely drug-free and don’t require any real change to your schedule. There are different types of weighted blankets that can fit your needs. For example, lighter ones for children are often available.
Additionally, they are made of different materials to help fit your budget.
Cleaning a Weighted Blanket
As you can imagine, it’s not a great idea to simply throw one of these into the washing machine without. These blankets should be washed alone on gentle, in either cold or warm water. You need to be extra careful and pay attention to the weight of the blanket, too.
If your blanket weighs more than 10 pounds, it might be a good idea to take it to a laundromat. The commercial washing machines there are typically stronger than your home models.
You should also never put it in a dryer. Simply let it air dry instead. This may take a while, but it will keep the quality of the blanket intact by reducing heat damage (and limit the risk of damaging your dryer).
You can also reduce the frequency of washing your weighted blanket by using a cover or duvet. These act like a pillowcase for your blanket and helps keep them cleaner. Using a cover also adds a fun element to because it allows for personalization. You can get these covers in a wide assortment of styles and designs.
Washing a weighted blanket is as easy as washing your bed sheets and shouldn’t be something to worry about.
Final Notes
If you have trouble falling or staying asleep, you might benefit from a weighted blanket. They come in many different sizes (so don’t worry if you have a queen-sized bed or a twin), and different weights as well. Prices will vary depending on the type of material used, so you should be able to find one within your budget as well.
Weighted blankets have helped people with anxiety, restless sleep, and feeling more relaxed overall. Be sure to do a little bit of research before you buy, and then get ready to enjoy a good night’s sleep.
