Weighted blankets have been skyrocketing in popularity in the last few years due to the many perceived sleep benefits they offer. Having problems sleeping is something we don’t wish on anyone. However, there are many people with difficulties falling asleep and staying that way during the night. In today’s article, we’ll talk about weighted blankets for side sleepers specifically and how they can help you sleep better.
How can weighted blankets help side sleepers?
Decrease Stress
The use of a weighted blanket can be quite powerful if you’re looking to decrease stress levels. Anxiety can disturb your sleep in many ways, causing you to be entirely unable to fall asleep (also known as insomnia) and reduce its quality. However, deep pressure stimulation can have a calming effect on the body, which is where the weighted blankets come into play. It can help reduce any anxious thoughts and focus on the physical sensation you’re feeling instead.
Boost Levels of Sleep Chemicals
We don’t need any studies to know that spooning and cuddling with your partner or someone you love will always make you feel better. However, if you want scientific proof, it’s known that such actions can effectively trigger your body to release oxytocin (famous as the “love hormone”). When released, it effectively promotes sleep, making it easier to relax by naturally decreasing stress levels.
Reduce Restlessness
RLS or Restless Leg Syndrome is a more common issue, affecting almost a tenth of the world’s population. It can negatively impact your sleep, but we want you to know that you are not alone in this! Unfortunately, it can seriously affect one’s ability for a natural sleep cycle, which will lead to a lack of deep sleep. The good news is that by using a weighted blanket, you will most likely be able to reduce the feeling of having restless legs. Therefore such blankets can help by reducing anxiety.
Fall Asleep Faster
Weighted blankets are able to produce a calming effect on the body when used, which can naturally help you relax and be comfortable. Using one will rid you of the state of nervousness you might be in and allow you to fall asleep a lot quicker. Such products have a lot of substantiated benefits, but to be able to experience them, you’ll have to know how to get the right blanket for your body type and sleeping style. If you don’t know how to choose the appropriate size and weight, check our article on it here. You have to keep in mind that weight and size aren’t the only things to consider, but your sleeping position as well.
Are weighted blankets for side sleepers a good idea?
Weighted blankets can be beneficial no matter what your sleeping style is. However, it’s important to acknowledge that if you’re a side sleeper, you should consider getting a less heavy blanket since the weight won’t be evenly distributed throughout your entire body. You don’t want to end up placing too much stress on your hips and joints. The best way to pick the right size for a side sleeper will be a blanket that’s 7% of their body weight instead of the commonly used 10%. This way, you’ll be able to experience the many benefits such a product can offer. Another way to choose a blanket for a side sleeper will be to subtract 5 to 10 pounds of the typically used 10%.
Final Words
Some weighted blankets are much hotter than others, which can negatively impact your ability to fall asleep and remain asleep throughout the night. After all, we want to find a high-quality, breathable option that will make it better, not worse. If you’re a side sleeper that doesn’t want to be overheated, we have some amazing cooling weighted blankets to suggest. Hush will provide you with a constant, comforting hug whenever it’s needed. Made of a super comfortable microfibre material and non-toxic glass sand, this blanket will blow you away! Overall, the Hush easily edges the competition to choose the best blanket out there for side sleepers. The raving reviews online can support our findings as well, so if you’re on the market for a weighted adult blanket that will keep you snug, Hush is the one! You can even see the Black Friday special here.