How Can Weighted Blankets Help You with Anxiety and Insomnia

Although a weighted blanket for adults or children offers many benefits, the majority of people use these products prevalently as a sleep aid or to alleviate anxiety. Nevertheless, you do not necessarily need to suffer from sleep deprivation to benefit from deep pressure stimulation.

Using a weighted blanket can come to a handy to generally improve the quality of your sleep so that you can feel more relaxed in the morning. Every day, many people seek a better and improved sleep, but in which way one of these blankets can effectively help you with anxiety and insomnia?

How do weighted blankets work?

Weighted blankets work because of DTP, Deep Touch Pressure. In other words, these products offer a gentle and firm hug through their weight, that is evenly distributed on your body. It is like receiving a hug from someone you love, but every time and everywhere you need it the most.

However, weighted blankets are not just a comforting solution to improve your sleep. In fact, research has shown that DTP can be useful in raising the level of serotonin in your body. You may have already heard of it as the hormone of happiness, that is responsible for keeping stress and anxiety away.

If your serotonin level goes up, then you gradually feel less stressed and ready to enjoy some sleep. There are several studies confirming that, because of their effects on your serotonin production, weighted blankets for adults can help you with anxiety and insomnia.

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Why do weighted blankets improve sleep?

Weighted blankets can improve your sleep in a variety of ways. First, they help your body produce more serotonin. In addition, they can enhance your body’s release of melatonin. This is a chemical that is generally used by your body to get ready for falling asleep. However, external factors such as bright unnatural lighting and irregular sleeping schedules can jeopardize and alter your body’s reaction to melatonin.

To put it simply, weighted blankets improve your sleep because they are heavier than regular blankets. Their weight affects your body in different ways, such as by stimulating your serotonin and melatonin levels. This pressure also comes in handy to deal with other sleep-related issues, like restless leg syndrome.

Can weighted blankets help me with anxiety?

Weighted blankets push your body downwards. This process is known as earthing or grounding and generally has a deeply calming effect on our bodies. DTP is now regularly used in therapies aimed at reducing chronic stress and high levels of anxiety.

Studies also underline that these products may be able to reduce your level of cortisol. This is also known as the stress hormone. When the level of cortisol is too high, your body can severely suffer from either physical or mental issues, such as depression, insomnia, anxiety and even weight game. Nevertheless, by providing an evenly distributed pressure on your body, you can promote relaxation and help cortisol level back down naturally.

A recent study reported that earthing your body, especially when sleeping, is useful to synchronise your cortisol and serotonin levels with their natural rhythm. By following a correct 24-hour circadian rhythm, you can sleep better and alleviate anxiety and stress.

Can weighted blankets help teenagers suffering from anxiety?

A recent poll has shown that at least one teenager out of ten suffers from anxiety. This feeling generally is more intense than the usual ups and downs that come with puberty. In fact, anxiety can lead to fear and panic. The symptoms of anxiety in teens tend to vary from person to person. However, one of those is often difficulty with sleep, that is also related to the inability to stay calm or relax. For this reason, it is crucial to address these problems as soon as possible.

One of the most effective ways to help teenagers manage their anxiety can be getting better sleep. A healthy sleep environment is thus essential and can be achieved through the use of a weighted blanket. Its gentle pressure can trigger an almost immediate sense of calm due to the effectiveness of the deep pressure touch stimulation. Teenagers can also use their weighted blankets while watching television, doing their homework or just relaxing on a sofa.

Should I buy a weighted blanket?

As we have seen, weighted blankets can really help reduce anxiety in both children and adults. They help you achieve a relaxed state, that also allows you to sleep more deeply. Grounding reduces night time levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. A night of better sleep has a positive impact upon your immune system, help you keep your blood sugar levels low and allegedly protect your digestive tract.