What is a weighted blanket? Why should you buy one?

Nowadays, for most of the people, weighted blankets have been counted as a way to relieve stress and healthy sleeping habits, and consider this routine of using a weighted blanket is for a good reason. 

Research suggests that weighted blankets can benefit people in many ways like achieving easy and relieving sleep even in lesser sleep hours. It is also beneficial to deal with some serious sleeping issues like anxiety, insomnia, and many other conditions.

Let's examine how weighted blankets work. All the benefits and risks of using these therapeutic weighted blankets are as follows. 

What is a weighted blanket?

Weighted blanket is a therapeutic blanket for everyone who wants to relax. The blanket weighs somewhat between 5 and 30 pounds, and the weight in the blanket creates a specific amount of pressure which increases serotonin, (a chemical in your human body that makes you feel stress-free and calm). 

It has become a popular way to attain peaceful sleep for everybody because people hardly get enough sleep time due to hectic work schedules, these days. 

Why should a person use a weighted blanket in daily life?

Weighted blanket is a premium blanket that is stuffed with thousands of glass beads which is different from regular blankets. These micro glass beads stuffed in fabrics like Cotton, Bamboo muslin, Tencel, etc. exert a unique weight on the body of the person. 

The blanket serves a soft touch and feel that gives an experience of being held or hugged and makes the person sleep instantly without any effort. 

Some of the mainstream benefits of using a weighted blanket are:

• relieves the body ache
• reduces symptoms of anxiety
• improves the quality of sleep 
• relieves symptoms of insomnia
• helps in falling asleep in no time
• helps in increasing concentration and focus
• promotes a happier mood and enhances calm
• reduces travel fatigue and tiredness

Who can enjoy the benefits of a weighted blanket?

Researchers have studied the effective impact of weighted blankets in the alleviation of physical and emotional symptoms in everyday life. For everyday sleep issues, the only right solution is a weighted blanket. The weighted blanket is just like a regular blanket with the only difference of being stuffed with micro glass beads and fabricated with premium materials like Cotton, Bamboo muslin, Tencel, etc.  

The weighted blanket can be used by everyone, it’s not confined to any specific section of society or people. Each and every person can avail the benefits of the weighted blanket, there is no need for any sleep disorders or any other mental disorder to exist.  

The blankets are available in different weights and sizes designed as per the bodyweight of the individual. There are different blankets available for kids (kids blankets) in accordance with their body size and weight. Similarly, for elderly people, the blankets are curated differently as King size blankets and Queen size blankets.  

Are there any risks of using a weighted blanket?

There are no such risks involved in using a weighted blanket.

However, as per the manufacturers, the use of weighted blankets should be restricted for toddlers or infants under 5 years old, as it may cause an increase in the risk of suffocation. So, it is always advised for the parents to consult a pediatrician before trying a weighted blanket for their child.

Even for elder people, it is advised to consult a physician before using a weighted blanket. 

It might not be suitable for people with: 

• Asthma (which causes difficulty in breathing at night)
• Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (which causes difficulty in breathing especially while sleeping)
• Claustrophobia (a tightness by a weighted blanket can be triggered while breathing).

Conclusion

In general, the deep pressure stimulation of a weighted blanket has a calming and relaxing effect that promotes sleep. This way, the tense, anxious, and restless person can enjoy a relaxing sleep for as long as they need to. And when you are in pain, this special blanket can help relieve your pain. The weighted blanket enhances sleep quality. So, sleep more in less time.