One of the best feelings in the world is wrapping up in a cozy blanket — but that feeling is even better when you’re wrapped in a weighted blanket. While people have been raving about these blankets for years now, the masses became interested in weighted blankets during the COVID-19 lockdown. If you can’t get a hug from your friends and family, the next best thing must be a blanket, right? Here’s how weighted blankets can enhance your sleep:
What is a Weighted Blanket?
These blankets are designed to have more weight than typical blankets, and they can be between 2-13 kilograms. There are currently two styles of weighted blankets: knitted and duvet.
In knitted weighted blankets, dense yarn is woven into the fabric to create a heavier blanket that will hold you while you sleep. Duvet-style weighted blankets actually use plastic or glass beads to add weight to the blanket. When deciding between the two styles of weighted blankets, it really comes down to personal preference, however duvet-style weighted blankets tend to be heavier.
Weighted Blankets Help You Sleep?
The therapeutic technique behind weighted blankets is called deep pressure stimulation. Essentially, the blanket provides a constant firm pressure that naturally makes the body feel a sense of calmness. Weighted blankets have numerous other notable benefits that will enhance your sleep, including the following:
Provide Comfort and Relaxation
Wrapping yourself up in a weighted blanket may give you the necessary hug you need after a long day. The extra weight will provide you with a sense of comfort and security, allowing your body to feel a deep sense of relaxation. Weighted blankets are deemed “security blankets” for this reason!
Alleviate Anxiety
It’s a common phenomenon to experience increased anxiety around bedtime. While this is a rather unpleasant experience, a weighted blanket can take some of the anxiety away by reducing your nighttime cortisol levels. Cortisol is a stress hormone that can contribute to anxiety. Studies have found that there’s a significant improvement in anxiety when using a weighted blanket at night.
Enhance Your Sleep
A study in the Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders concluded that weighted blankets positively impact sleep both subjectively and objectively. The researchers reported that the participants did not restlessly move around in their sleep. On the other hand, participants claimed that they felt their sleep was enhanced due to the introduction of a weighted blanket.
If you’re a kiwi looking to experience the fantastic benefits of a weighted blanket in NZ — we encourage you to add this extra sense of comfort to your sleeping routine!
