As children, we’re accustomed to having a favorite sleeping companion in the form of a soft toy, or even blanket, to help fight off the threat of pesky night-time monsters, keep us company, and lull us into a gentle and deep sleep.
While we do eventually grow out of these habits, they might be more useful than we could’ve realized. Weighted blankets have experienced a great rise in popularity over the past few years.
Adults who struggle with a lack of sleep find a lot of success using weighted blankets, which have been touted as helping with other chronic issues such as restless leg syndrome, anxiety and have said to improve focus.
So how exactly do weighted blankets work, and why are they worth investing? Here’s everything you need to know:
How Weighted Blankets Work
Weighted blankets are filled with pellets (made of different materials depending on the type of blanket you opt for) which help distribute a uniform amount of pressure across the body as you sleep.
Originally created for children who were diagnosed autistic to experience a more restful sleep, weighted blankets found a real rise in popularity when it was realized their benefits extend to a wide range of people.
Finding research that supports the use of weighted blankets for those who deal with mental health issues and even just generalized insomnia can get tricky. There do tend to be some medical explanations for why so many people might find them as effective as they are.
The sensation experienced when using a weighted blanket is not unlike that of a long, extended hug. This sense of security and comfort allows the body to relax, encouraging a deeper and more extended period of rest.
Picking The Right Weighted Blanket For You
You’ll need to take several different factors into account when you’re trying to pick the right weighted blanket for yourself. When it comes to sizing, most experts recommend picking something that comes between 7-12% of your body weight, for a good amount of comfort that doesn’t feel suffocating.
You’ll also want to take into account the factors that are preventing you from accomplishing a peaceful night’s sleep currently. For instance, if you experience night sweats on a routine basis, or your bedroom can get particularly stuffy during the summertime, you’ll want a cool weighted blanket, specifically engineered for the purpose of regulating your body temperature through the night.
Similarly, the best-weighted blankets tend to be created with ease of maintenance in mind. Look out for hypoallergenic and stain-resistant variants, and keep in mind that certain blankets will be better suited for wear and tear than others.
Benefits To Your Sleep Cycle
Weighted blankets have a myriad of positive effects on those who struggle with a lack of sleep. Their calming effect can have a positive impact on those who struggle with anxiety and sensory processing disorders.
Since they encourage a much healthier sleep cycle than you might usually be used to, you also have the benefit of experiencing all the perks of being well-rested. Your reduced levels of stress, improved energy and focus, will all be a direct impact of the higher quality sleep you experience.
If you’re thinking more deeply about how to improve your sleep cycle, you may also wish to invest in the best mattress possible for your sleeping position. Memory foam mattresses are a popular choice for those who prioritize comfort and support equally in their rest.
The molding capabilities of memory foam mattresses mean they cater to a wide variety of sleep positions, making them the best mattress to compliment the use of a weighted blanket. While it might seem a little outlandish for a blanket to have such a deep impact on the way you experience rest, it’s well worth taking the risk and trying one out for yourself. You can thank yourself later!
