Why People Are Rushing Out To Buy Weighted Blankets
July 17, 2019
source: 9TopBest
Have you heard about the weighted blanket trend? Unlike fashion fads, this trend is a positive one that’s definitely here to stay. Weighted blankets can offer multiple health benefits, and you can even make your own (if you’re confident with a sewing machine, that is). So what exactly is a weighted blanket, and why are they so popular?
According to Medical News Today, weighted blankets are blankets lined with evenly distributed weight. This weight will vary based on who the blanket’s intended user is. This unique blanket is designed to be not only warm, but also mimic the feeling of being held by way of providing gentle pressure.
Weighted blankets are meant to imitate “deep pressure touch stimulation.” This pressure has a calm, soothing effect on those using the blanket, and can boost moods while also targeting stress and anxiety. When people hug, the brain releases the chemical oxytocin. This special hormone lowers blood pressure, slows your heart rate, and provides a feeling of ease. Weighted blankets are meant to mimic a gentle hug.
In addition to relieving stress and anxiety, weighted blankets can also combat insomnia. Putting gentle pressure on the body releases the chemical serotonin, which is also responsible for elevating mood. Melatonin is another chemical linked with serotonin production, and melatonin promotes sleep and regulates sleeping cycles. The gentle pressure of a weighted blanket is also meant to mimic being swaddled, and provide the user with a feeling of warmth and safety.
Weighted blankets were originally developed to help combat symptoms of anxiety in people with autism. However, they can also be used to manage and reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep disorders, and nervous system disorders. If you think you might benefit from sleeping with a weighted blanket, why not give one a try?