- The Physiology Behind Weighted Blanket Therapy
- Weighted Blanket Therapy for Sleep
- Additional Benefits of Weighted Blanket Therapy
- The Safety of Therapeutic Weighted Blankets
- Enjoy Better Sleep with Aricove Weighted Blanket Therapy
Sometimes, getting quality sleep can be a challenge, but weighted blanket therapy can help. For those who struggle with conditions like anxiety, which can certainly interfere with healthy sleep, a therapeutic weighted blanket can provide a relaxing effect and make for a more peaceful slumber.
The benefits of weighted blanket therapy aren’t just hype – they’re actually backed by science.
The Physiology Behind Weighted Blanket Therapy
A sleep therapy weighted blanket works because of the physiological effect it has on the body. According to the Journal of Medical and Biological Engineering, weighted blankets are a form of deep touch pressure, which can relax the body by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which has a calming effect. By applying deep touch pressure, weighted blankets can also reduce the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, which is activated in response to stress.
The scientists proved this to be true by conducting a study with weighted blankets among patients who were undergoing an anxiety-provoking dental procedure. They found that the use of a weighted blanket during this procedure reduced the heart rate, showing that weighted blanket therapy can activate the parasympathetic nervous system and calm the body.
Weighted Blanket Therapy for Sleep
Weighted blanket therapy has been found to reduce physiological arousal and provide a calming effect for people undergoing a dental procedure, which leaves many people wondering if the benefits of a therapeutic weighted blanket actually extend to sleep. Fortunately, they do, according to the research.
A recent Swedish study found that when people struggling with insomnia used a weighted blanket, they slept for longer and moved less during their sleep. They also reported that they enjoyed using the blanket, found it easier to settle down for sleep, and felt more rested in the morning.
This suggests that a sleep therapy weighted blanket does, in fact, improve sleep. This may be especially true for people who suffer from anxiety-related insomnia since a review of the research shows that these blankets are beneficial for reducing anxiety levels. What this means is that if anxiety is keeping you awake at night, weighted blankets can provide relief so that you can get the quality sleep you need to feel your best.
Additional Benefits of Weighted Blanket Therapy
While therapeutic weighted blankets can improve sleep, especially for those who are anxious or having difficulty settling down for sleep, this is not the only benefit of these blankets.
People may also find that they experience pain relief when they use a weighted blanket. There isn’t much research evaluating whether weighted blankets reduce pain, but studies on massage therapy suggest that weighted blanket therapy could be useful for pain. Since massage therapy and weighted blanket therapy both apply deep pressure to the body, it seems the two would have similar effects on people who suffer from pain.
A 2017 study in Pain Medicine found that when patients with osteoarthritis in the knee received massage therapy, they felt more relaxed, had a better quality of life, and were better able to perform daily activities. Using a weighted blanket on the legs can provide relief for those dealing with pain from conditions like arthritis or muscle soreness, leading to better sleep and an overall improvement in wellbeing.
The Safety of Therapeutic Weighted Blankets
Although the benefits of weighted blankets have been established in multiple studies, some people may still question if it is safe to sleep with extra weight on the body. The good news is that it is.
Scientists have evaluated the safety of using a weighted blanket by assessing changes in vital signs, like blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels when using weighted blankets. They have determined that vital signs do not change in any significant way with the use of therapeutic weighted blankets. This suggests that you can enjoy the benefits of these blankets without worrying about any serious risks to your health or safety. In fact, you can expect your health to improve if you are able to get better sleep.
Enjoy Better Sleep With Aricove Weighted Blanket Therapy
If you’re ready to see what weighted blankets can do for you, Aricove has a range of products available to meet your specific needs.
For adults, we offer a weighted blanket in 10, 15, and 20 pounds, with a 5-pound blanket available for children. We also have a weighted blanket duvet cover, which protects your blanket and is machine washable. Made from premium bamboo, our weighted blankets are silky to the touch and also breathable for hot sleepers.
If you’re struggling with insomnia because of pain or anxiety, we are here to help. Children who have sleep problems because of nightmares, ADHD, or autism can also enjoy the relaxing effects of Aricove weighted blanket therapy.