If you’re having difficulty sleeping, weighted blankets could be just what’s needed to help. They provide deep pressure stimulation (DPS), similar to being hugged or swaddled, which helps calm your nervous system and trigger the release of natural serotonin levels in your system.
Studies have demonstrated that weighted blankets can improve sleep quality while relieving symptoms of anxiety, depression and fatigue. They may even provide comfort to some with autism or fibromyalgia conditions.
Increases Serotonin Levels
Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of using a weighted blanket as an aid for better sleep to boost serotonin levels, an essential brain chemical associated with anxiety and depression. Achieving higher serotonin levels may improve mood while helping regulate sleeping cycles and ensure more restful nights’ rest.
People suffering from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which is an anxiety condition related to trauma events, will find relief when sleeping under a weighted blanket. The pressure provided by the blanket feels like a warm hug while increasing serotonin production for improved mood-boosting.
Studies have also demonstrated that deep touch pressure stimulation (DTP) from weighted blankets can trigger the release of melatonin hormones, helping promote sleep and regulate your sleeping cycle. Not all blankets offer DPS; therefore it’s wiser to choose one with small diamond pockets for less insulation and greater direct body contact in order to quickly activate DPS quickly and effectively.
Reduces Anxiety
Anxiety is a perfectly normal emotion, yet when it begins to consume your life it can become unnerving and lead to stress, depression and sleep disturbances.
Utilizing a weighted blanket for better sleep helps you relax, decreasing anxiety levels and helping you fall asleep faster, which may improve the quality of sleep as well as overall health benefits.
One reason that weighted blankets can be so effective in treating anxiety is because they simulate deep pressure stimulation (DTPS). DPS involves applying gentle yet firm pressure to certain nerve endings in order to stimulate them and induce the release of neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin for improved mood regulation.
Pressure therapy, similar to hugging or being swaddled, can help switch from the sympathetic nervous system to parasympathetic. Coupled with grounding techniques, this form of pressure can relieve anxiety and promote restful sleep.
Reduces Cortisol Levels
If you suffer from anxiety or other forms of stress, weighted blankets can provide much-needed relief. Weighted blankets reduce cortisol levels – the natural stress hormone which has been shown to cause low immunity, high blood sugar levels and digestive issues – while offering additional comfort.
Weighted blankets help activate serotonin and melatonin neurotransmitters that regulate our mood, sleep quality and appetite regulation. These neurotransmitters play an integral part in managing emotions such as happiness, insomnia and appetite regulation.
This can help people feel calmer, less anxious, and more relaxed – ultimately aiding their ability to fall asleep quickly.
Under stress, people’s bodies react by producing cortisol – the stress hormone which prepares your body for flight or fight – which makes sleeping hard during periods of high anxiety. Thus making it even harder to restful sleep.
Weighted blankets activate a neurotransmitter called deep pressure touch stimulation (DPTS), which in turn activates serotonin and melatonin production and help promote relaxation and sleep. Furthermore, weighted blankets lower cortisol levels to break the cycle between stress and restful restfulness.
Reduces Insomnia
People suffering from insomnia often report using a weighted blanket to help them fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep throughout the night, as well as feel more relaxed and rejuvenated during the day.
Use of a weighted blanket may help your body produce more serotonin, an essential factor for combatting insomnia as serotonin helps produce melatonin – essential in producing restful nights’ rest!
Studies have also indicated that weighted blankets can aid sleep for adults suffering from anxiety and depression, since insomnia often hinders recovery for these mental health conditions.
One Swedish study published in 2020 explored the effect of weighted blankets on patients suffering from major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and ADHD. After four weeks, those using weighted blankets reported less insomnia, improved sleep maintenance levels, higher daytime activity levels as well as fewer symptoms of fatigue, depression and anxiety.
