Weighted blankets have become increasingly popular due to their therapeutic nature, but do they really live up to the hype? Read on to find out more about the health benefits that come with being weighed down in your sleep.
Do you have difficulty sleeping? Whether it be tossing and turning all night, waking frequently during the night or having trouble falling asleep, everyone has felt the frustration of not getting a good night’s sleep. In fact, the 2020 Philips Global Sleep Survey found that less than half of adults worldwide are satisfied with their sleep.
Enter weighted blankets. Making use of what is known as deep pressure touch stimulation (DPTS), weighted blankets provide the calming sensation of being hugged and embraced, whilst keeping its users still and supported until morning. This wellness tool has been hailed by many as a cure-all for issues such as anxiety, stress and insomnia. Read on to find out how you can benefit from incorporating a weighted blanket into your bedtime routine.
#1
It Improves Your Mood
Designed to mimic the feeling of a warm embrace, the blanket’s gentle, soothing pressure encourages the release of oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin in the body. Often referred to as our happy hormones, this trio of brain chemicals has a positive impact on our mood, as well as our motivation, productivity and overall wellbeing.
#2
It Decreases Anxiety
If you often find your mind racing when you’re trying to fall asleep, a weighted blanket could be the answer. Especially useful for restless sleepers, the deep pressure of the blanket relaxes the nervous system and promotes the release of cortisol, which is the human body’s main stress hormone. The production of dopamine and serotonin also has a calming effect that can help to relieve anxiety, combat stress and alleviate symptoms of depression.
#3
It Boosts Your Immune System and Alleviates Pain
Weighted blankets make use of deep pressure touch stimulation to simulate the sense of human touch. Studies have shown that the sense of touch helps to strengthen the immune system by decreasing blood pressure and heart rate, boosting blood circulation and promoting the production of oxytocin and serotonin, all of which work hand-in-hand to help relieve pain.
#4
It Promotes Deeper Sleep
A 2015 study found that people who use a weighted blanket experienced higher quality sleep and increased sleeping time. This is because when serotonin is produced, melatonin is subsequently released. Known as the sleep hormone, melatonin promotes sleep and helps to regulate the sleep-wake cycle by helping your body relax.
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