A weighted blanket may be unsuitable for people with certain medical conditions, including chronic respiratory or circulatory issues, asthma, low blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and claustrophobia.
Furthermore, a small study in the journal Occupational Therapy in Mental Health found a 30-pound weighted blanket is a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety in adults. Out of a total of 32 adults, 20 reported lower anxiety after use. The size of your blanket will depend on your own weight (more on that later).
A weighted blanket may be unsuitable for people with certain medical conditions, including chronic respiratory or circulatory issues, asthma, low blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and claustrophobia.
The short answer is yes, you should sleep with your weighted blanket every night just like any other blanket. It's okay to miss a night here and there, but in order to maximise the psychological benefits of Deep Pressure Stimulation you need to sleep with your weighted blanket consistently during the week.
Sleep position matters. Side sleepers should choose a lighter blanket than back or belly sleepers. Weighted blankets work well for side sleepers by using Deep Touch Pressure, which helps you feel relaxed and less stressed. Sleeping on your left side may help improve digestive health and reduce heartburn symptoms.
They are used as a sensory modality by occupational therapists. Increasingly, they are used on behavioral health units for calming patients and helping them to sleep.
Weighted blankets have been shown to relieve the unpleasant symptoms of RLS. This comes down to something called Deep Touch Pressure therapy, which happens when you place evenly-distributed weight over your body, triggering pressure points that help in the production of some key relaxation and sleep hormones.
If you choose to use both, the weighted blanket can be placed either on top or below your bedding. It's all about your preference! Cover your entire body: For full relaxation, cover your entire body from your shoulders down to your feet.
It Can Be Uncomfortable
A blanket heavier than 35 pounds is more likely to cause discomfort because: It will place too much pressure on your joints throughout the night. It will make you feel restricted. The blanket begins to cause your body temperature to rise.
If you're looking for a complementary approach to managing your arthritis pain, a weighted blanket could be a great option. Weighted blankets can potentially reduce your pain and stress, all while giving you the best sleep of your life.
Since they mimic the sensation of being held, weighted blankets also have the same health-promoting benefits of hugging, such as decreased stress, lower blood pressure, and improved mood. Weighted blankets are also considered a form of deep pressure therapy (DPT).
They are safe to use for sleeping throughout the night. However, they are not for everyone. They are not recommended for children under the age of 2, for example. If you have conditions including obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, or claustrophobia, you should consult with a doctor before pulling up the covers.
The position you sleep in makes a difference when choosing a weighted blanket. Stomach sleepers, for instance, will likely find that using a weighted blanket increases the pressure on their lower spine, which can cause low back pain throughout the day.
Weighted blankets may help some people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or ADHD who are overstimulated by noise around them. At bedtime, the blanket's pressure may help them feel safe and protected. They calm down and get some rest.
Those with sleep apnea should likely avoid the use of weighted blankets, as they can further restrict breathing. Those with chronic respiratory or circulatory conditions should also typically avoid using weighted blankets.
Other studies have found regular use of a weighted blanket lowers anxiety. The pressure of the blanket activates your parasympathetic nervous system, lowering your heart rate, which leads to an overall feeling of calmness, according to Penn Medicine.
The short answer is yes, you can use a weighted blanket with a duvet. But be sure to put the blanket on top of the duvet for best results.
We recommend laying your Baloo on top of the sheets, but under your comforter or other blankets. This keeps your weighted blanket close to your body and also allows you to easily add or remove layers as needed for warmth. But it's really a matter of personal preference and what feels the most comfortable to you!
A Weighted Blanket Could Be A Game-Changer. To fight back pain, many people are turning to a natural solution to eliminate their pain: weighted blankets. Weighted blankets have a unique ability to use therapeutic pressure to reduce pain while improving our overall health.
What are the pros and cons of this trend? Pros: using a weighted blanket offers a drug-free way to help you cope with anxiety, fall asleep easier, sleep deeper, and wake up feeling restored. Cons: conventional weighted blankets can be too hot to sleep under and aren't eco-friendly.
Weighted Blanket Care Guidelines
Machine Wash and Dry: When machine washing, choose a bleach-free, gentle detergent, and wash your blanket in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle. Avoid fabric softeners. Choose a light or medium dryer setting and periodically fluff the blanket while it's drying.
Weighted blankets are heavy, so they can trap heat and moisture, making a person sleep hot. However, some weighted blankets are breathable and have a heat-wicking material to keep the body cool during sleep.