1. CALM DOWN
Weighted blankets provide deep touch pressure or DTP. DTP is about gently applying pressure to the body to increase the release of serotonin, a chemical in the body that promotes relaxation.The pressure from the weight causes the body to produce serotonin and endorphins, chemicals our bodies naturally use to feel relaxed or calm.
2. SLEEP BETTER – WITHOUT MEDICATION
Heavy blankets are mostly used for those with autism or sensory processing disorder, but more and more often they are being used for those with sleeping disorders, like insomnia or restless leg syndrome, as well as people who simply would like to improve their sleep overall.
The soothing effect of a weighted blanket can create a more comfortable environment for falling asleep by imitating the feeling of being swaddled tightly in bed. This close physical connection provides a sense of warmth and safety, making it easier for the body to relax.
A Study from Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders (2015) found that a weighted blanket helped those with insomnia sleep better, simply because it helped them feel more settled before bed.
3. REDUCE YOUR STRESS & ANXIETY
A weighted blanket is a safe way to lower your stress level and help you reach a relaxed state.
The “relaxed state” results from serotonin production, which is necessary to release melatonin — the sleep hormone, which helps determine when we go to sleep and wake up based on our circadian rhythm.
This means it’ll be faster to fall asleep, reduce anxiety, go into deeper sleep, and move less throughout the night.
4. EASE YOUR PAIN
Heavy blankets trigger the release of oxytocin, a hormone that slows down your heart rate, reduces blood pressure, and promotes feelings of relaxation.
By applying Deep Touch Pressure to the body to increase the release of serotonin, this in turn relaxes the nervous system and then causes a chain reaction in the body that releases an overall sense of calm and peace. Benefits include reduced pain, better sleep, improved focus, lower anxiety levels, and improved social interaction.
5. SOOTHES BEHAVIOUR DISORDERS
Weighted blankets have a long history of use in a type of occupational therapy called Sensory Integration therapy. This treatment is used to help people with autism and other disorders to focus on sensory experiences which experts say may boost these individuals’ ability to regulate their emotions and behaviour. Weighted blankets are one tool therapists use to provide “deep-touch pressure.”
Deep-Touch pressure helps to calm that arousal level in the system and to help with self-regulation.
It also has been proven to assist with general anxiety, repetitive and obsessive-compulsive behaviors; oppositional and aggressive behaviors; sleep related difficulties; depression and autism spectrum conditions.
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