Sensory Weighted Blankets For Insomnia:
Can They Make You Sleep Better?

Sleep is a vital part of life. In fact, it’s one of man’s basic needs. It plays a pivotal role in good health and well-being, as it enables the body to rejuvenate from a whole day’s work. Getting enough sleep can help protect your physical, mental, and emotional health.

In some cases, however, people suffer from sleep problems that hinder them from getting a good night’s sleep. Sleep problems, including sleep apnea, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, snoring, and anxiety may affect one’s health in many ways.

There are many remedies available to address sleeping problems. One of the most promising remedies today is a weighted blanket. But, how can something so simple be a solution to insomnia, stress, anxiety, and more? We all know that a messed up sleep can create a long list of problems, that can wreak havoc on one’s health.

To know how do weighted blankets help you sleep better, read on.

What Exactly is a Weighted Blanket?

Weighted blankets have become popular over the last few years, thanks to their insomnia and health benefits to people who are having a hard time falling and remaining asleep.

Weighted blankets are just like as they sound like. They have extra weight on them to help users have a good night’s sleep. Basically, there are two types of components that make the blanket heavier – glass beads or plastic pellets.

A weighted blanket helps reduce anxiety, lower the physiological indicators of stress such as increased pulse rate and blood pressure, and provides calming effects.

Blankets with weight in them are used in people with sleeping disorders. But, these can also be used in people with sensory processing disorder and autism.

Weighted Blankets For Insomnia – 4 Proven Ways To Help

1. Deep Touch Pressure Therapy

The science behind weighted blankets often stems from deep touch pressure (DTP). Deep touch pressure refers to the weight being distributed on the body. For some people who use them, it’s as if the pressure is in the form of a hug or a massage.

Deep touch pressure generates sensations in the body just like from cuddling, squeezing, holding, and hugging. This way, the body releases serotonin, an important chemical in the body that’s very important for mood regulation and feeling calm. It also eases anxiety and depression.

2. Melatonin Release

Using a weighted blanket for insomnia and during sleep will naturally help increase melatonin levels. Melatonin is an important hormone that controls the circadian rhythm. It’s the cycle that determines when people go to sleep and when to wake up. Thus, melatonin is responsible for the body’s internal clock and helps you avoid periods of insomnia altogether.

When melatonin levels are low, people will find it very difficult to fall asleep. There are many ways that hinder melatonin release, including irregular sleeping schedules or using unnatural lighting late at night.

So, how does it help with melatonin release? It’s quite simple – serotonin is vital for the body to create melatonin. If weighted blankets help release serotonin, it can also help increase the levels of melatonin.

3. Hug-like Sensation

Hugs make people feel secure, safe, at comfortable. When individuals hug, the body releases a hormone called oxytocin. Oxytocin helps slow down the heart, lowers the blood pressure, and gives a feeling of relaxation.

Using a weighted blanket makes you feel secure if someone’s hugging you. You will feel more relaxed and calm, leading to a restful sleep. Aside from that, weighted blankets are beneficial to people with sensory needs who may need tactile response to feel safe and secure. If a person feels irritable and uncomfortable, these feelings may trigger an increase in the heart rate and breathing problems, leading to anxiety. Weighted blankets make people feel safe and comfortable, especially children with autism.

4. Weight Can Reduce Turning And Tossing During Sleep

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that can negatively impact your sleep. Also dubbed as Willis-Ekbom Disease, it’s a condition that causes uncomfortable sensations in the legs, leading to an irresistible urge to move them. These sensations often occur at night, disrupting sleep.

Weighted blankets are heavier than conventional blankets, reducing turning and tossing at night. These can be great remedies for people with RLS since even if they move their legs often, it will not create the same impact because the blanket is heavier.

Weighted Blankets For Insomnia – A Match Made in Heaven

Using them is a natural way to help you sleep better and fight insomnia, without the need for medicine or other medical or chemical treatment options. Many studies have proven that weighted blankets can help people sleep better and reducing the risk of sleep problems. They do not only help people with anxiety and insomnia but other mental health issues, too. These include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, aggression, and bipolar disorder, which have all been linked to low serotonin levels.

To see which are the best weighted blankets on the market today you can visit our thorough buying guide or check out our detailed reviews here. If you have any questions, please drop me a line in the comments section below. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Last Update - July 13, 2020