Weighted blankets have become a regular component of many people's stress alleviation and healthy sleeping practices, and for good reason. Weighted blankets, according to research, may aid persons suffering from anxiety, autism, and sleeplessness, among other disorders.
Let's look at how weighted blankets function, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of utilizing these therapeutic blankets.
What exactly is a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets that range in weight from 5 to 30 pounds. The added weight's pressure simulates a therapeutic method known as deep pressure stimulation or pressure treatment.
Where can I find weighted blankets?
I bought my weighted blanket from Etsy but you can also find them on other sites like Amazon and The Market.
What are the advantages of utilizing a weighted blanket?
Deep pressure stimulation relaxes the neurological system by applying pressure. It simulates the sensation of being held or embraced. This technique may be beneficial for:
alleviate the sensation of discomfort
lessen anxiety symptoms
enhance sleep quality
alleviate depressive symptoms
It is not necessary for pressure treatment to be entirely hands-on. The pressure from a weighted blanket comes not from another person, but from wrapping the blanket over the body.
Weighted vests, for example, can provide deep pressure stimulation. According to one research, mental aid dogs frequently give deep pressure stimulation to assist owners.
Who may benefit from using a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets have been researched for their effectiveness in reducing physical and emotional problems. Although additional study is needed, preliminary findings suggest that there may be advantages for a variety of illnesses.
Anxiety
One of the most common use for a weighted blanket is to alleviate anxiety. Deep pressure stimulation can aid in the reduction of autonomic arousal. Many of the physical signs of anxiety, such as increased heart rate, are caused by this arousal.
Autism
Sleeping difficulties are one of the hallmarks of autism, particularly in youngsters. A short research study published in 2017 discovered that deep pressure treatment (brushing, massaging, and squeezing) had good effects on certain autistic adults. These advantages may also apply to weighted blankets.
Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
There have been relatively few research that look into the usage of weighted blankets for ADHD, however a 2014 study used weighted vests. Weighted vests have been utilized in ADHD therapy to increase attention and minimize excessive movements, according to the researchers in this study.
The study indicated that individuals who wore the weighted vest during a continuous performance test performed well. Falling off task, leaving their seats, and fidgeting were reduced in these subjects.
Insomnia and sleep disturbances
Sleep disturbances can be caused by a variety of circumstances. Weighted blankets can be useful in a variety of ways. The increased pressure may assist to reduce your heart rate and breathing rate. This may make it simpler to relax before you settle in for a good night’s slumber.
Osteoarthritis
There have been no studies conducted on the usage of weighted blankets for osteoarthritis. However, one research including massage treatment may show evidence of a relationship.
For eight weeks, 18 patients with osteoarthritis got massage treatment on one of their knees in this short trial. Massage treatment helped study participants minimize knee discomfort and enhance their quality of life.
Massage treatment gives deep pressure to osteoarthritic joints, therefore it's likely that utilizing a weighted blanket would provide similar advantages.
Chronic discomfort
Chronic pain is a difficult diagnosis to make. People who suffer from chronic pain, on the other hand, may benefit from the usage of weighted blankets.
Weighted blankets were proven to lessen feelings of chronic pain in a 2021 study conducted by researchers at UC San Diego. For one week, 94 people with chronic pain utilized either a light or a weighted blanket. Those in the weighted blanket group experienced alleviation, especially if they were also anxious. However, the weighted blankets had no effect on pain severity.
Medical procedures Weighted blankets may be beneficial during medical operations.
Weighted blankets were used on individuals having wisdom teeth extraction in a 2016 research. Participants in the weighted blanket group reported less anxiety symptoms than those in the control group.
A weighted blanket was used during a molar extraction in a comparable follow-up study on teenagers. These findings also revealed that using a weighted blanket reduced anxiety.
Because medical treatments can create anxiety symptoms such as elevated heart rate, employing weighted blankets may help to alleviate such sensations.
Do they have any effect?
In addition to the previous research, a number of new promising studies give additional evidence that weighted blankets can provide relief from physical discomfort or symptoms of other diseases.
Weighted blankets helped sleep in adults with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and ADHD, according to a 2020 study. In the study, 120 participants were randomly assigned to receive either a light blanket or a weighted chain blanket. After 4 weeks, individuals who utilized the weighted blanket experienced less sleeplessness as well as less weariness, sadness, or anxiety throughout the day.
A 2021 study, also conducted by Swedish researchers, discovered that weighted blankets assisted adults and children with autism spectrum disorder or ADHD in falling and staying asleep. The study comprised 48 youngsters and 37 adults who found it easier to relax during the day while sleeping with weighted blankets.
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