Weighted blankets are becoming more and more popular for their therapeutic benefits, but what exactly are they and how do they work? We’ll explain everything you need to know about weighted blankets, including the benefits of using them.
How weighted blankets work
The blanket itself is made from a combination of materials, but the weight can range from 5 to 20 pounds. It’s evenly distributed across the blanket and feels like you’re lying on a cloud.
This uneven distribution helps your body relax and fall asleep more quickly because it’s easier for your muscles to relax when they’re not being pushed into an uncomfortable position by heavy blankets.
What are the benefits of weighted blankets?
One of the most common benefits of weighted blankets is that they improve sleep. It’s not uncommon for people to have trouble sleeping, especially when they’re anxious or stressed out. Weighted blankets can help alleviate some of these symptoms by creating a calm environment around you that encourages relaxation, helping you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer.
Weighted blankets also reduce anxiety and stress levels—a key component to managing ADHD or other mental health disorders like depression or bipolar disorder—by calming your mind through gentle vibrations without disturbing your sleep patterns in any way (unlike massage therapy). They can even help with pain management by providing an alternative method of relaxation while giving back some muscle tone after long periods spent sitting at your desk job reading reports from your boss about how awful everything is going wrong again this week (it’s not). Last but certainly not least: weighted blankets make life much easier for autistic children because having something touch their skin increases sensory input which in turn leads them towards self-awareness as well as social interaction with other humans who may be willing(/able)to talk about feelings openly without fear being judged negatively
Are there any downsides to weighted blankets?
There are a few downsides to weighted blankets. They can be expensive, and they’re not exactly easy to clean or store. If you have a pet that likes to chew on things, this could pose some issues for your furry friend—or for you if the blanket starts unraveling in pieces!
We’ve talked about how weighted blankets can help children with autism spectrum disorders learn more effectively as well as adults with disabilities like cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy (among others). But if you’re considering purchasing one yourself, here’s what we recommend:
Things to consider before buying a weighted blanket
Before you buy a weighted blanket, there are some things to consider.
- Weighted blankets aren’t a cure-all; they won’t solve all your problems. You need to be able to afford the blanket and the replacement ones as well if you’re going to use it regularly. You also need to choose a blanket that is the right size for your body (if possible). If this isn’t possible, then choose another type of weighted item instead!
Weighted blanket dosage for kids and adults
In order to use a weighted blanket safely, you will want to follow these precautions:
- Weighted blankets should not be used with infants or children under the age of 5. For example, if your child is 1 year old and has never been exposed to a weighted blanket before, you should wait until they are at least 2 years old before introducing one into their bedroom.
- If you have an infant who weighs less than 20 pounds (9 kg), we recommend waiting until they reach their second birthday before using a weighted blanket. This way, their head can support more of their own weight without becoming too heavy for them—and also so that there’s enough time for any excess pressure on their skull from those extra pounds in your hands!
Takeaway:
Weighted blankets are a great option for people who have anxiety and insomnia. They can also be helpful for people with autism, ADHD and other conditions that make it hard to fall asleep.
If you’re looking for ways to relax or help your child calm down before bedtime, weighted blankets are worth considering.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand more about weighted blankets. If you’re interested in learning more about how they can help your child sleep better, check out our blog post on the topic. We also have more articles that detail other benefits of weighted blankets:
