Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Elderly

Benefits of Weighted Blankets for Elderly

Weighted Blanket Benefits
May 4th, 2021 5 minute read

Weighted blankets have become more and more popular, especially for treating insomnia related to anxiety, as well as for addressing sleep issues in children. What you may not realize is that a weighted blanket for seniors also comes with benefits. Quality sleep may be harder to come by later in life, but the benefits of weighted blankets for the elderly can alleviate some of the factors that contribute to poor sleep in older adulthood.

Sleep Issues in Older Adults

It’s no secret that sleep quality can decline with age. In fact, research shows that during older adulthood, there are several shifts in sleep that can make it harder to feel rested. For example, older adults tend to take longer to fall asleep, spend less time asleep, and wake more often during the night. They also spend more time awake in the middle of the night, sleep more lightly, and spend less time in deep sleep. Given these sleep disturbances that occur during older age, it is not surprising that one study found that around one-fifth of adults aged 65-74 and aged 75 and above reported struggling with insomnia.

Why Healthy Sleep is so Important in Older Adulthood

Before learning about the benefits of a weighted blanket for older adults, it is important to understand why quality sleep is so vital for this age group. Some people may be quick to dismiss sleep disturbances in older adulthood, because they believe that the elderly truly just need less sleep. This simply is not the case. In fact, research shows that older adults who suffer from chronic insomnia show significant cognitive impairment when compared to older adults who do not suffer from insomnia. For instance, poor sleep in the elderly contributes to declines in memory and attention. Another study found that poor sleep is strongly linked to physical decline among the elderly, suggesting that healthy sleep is necessary for both mental and physical functioning as we age.

What causes poor sleep in the elderly?

There are numerous factors that can increase the risk of poor sleep in older adults, which is where the benefits of weighted blankets for elderly become relevant. Factors including depression, stress, physical health problems, dementia, and inflammation seem to be related to sleep disturbances among older adults. The good news is that a weighted blanket for seniors can help.

How Weighted Blankets for the Elderly Help with Sleep

A weighted blanket for older adults helps by addressing issues, such as depression and physical health problems, that can worsen sleep quality for the elderly. In a study of patients with psychiatric disorders, those using a weighted blanket at night stayed asleep longer and felt less fatigued during the day. The weighted blanket also reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety, suggesting that this tool can improve insomnia for older adults who struggle with sleep as a result of mental health symptoms. Science also shows that weighted blankets relax the nervous system, so a weighted blanket for seniors can provide a calming effect and help a person settle down to sleep, especially when issues like pain or a health problem are getting in the way of rest.

What to Expect from Weighted Blankets for the Elderly

In summary, weighted blanket benefits for the elderly can be expected to address the issues that interfere with sleep in older adulthood. By calming the nervous system, a weighted blanket for seniors can help you to transition through the stages of sleep instead of awakening frequently at night. The deep touch pressure from a weighted blanket can also ease aches and pains from health problems, so you are not lying awake due to discomfort at bedtime or throughout the night. You may find that a weighted blanket provides so much comfort that you are able to sleep more deeply, instead of being aroused from sleep. All of this adds up to a more restful night of sleep, more energy during the day, and improved mental and physical wellness.

Aricove Weighted Blankets for the Elderly

If you or a loved one would benefit from weighted blankets for the elderly, Aricove offers a premium bamboo weighted blanket made from breathable, moisture-wicking fabric that ensures a comfortable night of sleep. For older adults struggling with pain, we recommend our weighted blanket of 10 lbs to prevent too much pressure from being placed on the joints. In addition, we offer 15 and 20 lb versions of our cooling, bamboo weighted blanket, so there truly is something to meet every need. Our weighted blankets also have natural antimicrobial properties and are suitable for sensitive skin.

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