Although weighted blankets (a.k.a. gravity blankets) have been around for a long time now, only recently have people started looking into Weighted Blanket Health Benefits. One of the main benefits is improved sleep but there are a lot of other great things these blankets can do for you too.
Promotes Melatonin Production
Melatonin is a hormone that’s known to help promote and regulate your sleep cycle (a.k.a. Circadian rhythm). This is because the weighted blanket is able to help you secrete serotonin which results in the production of melatonin.
Reduces Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome
Anyone who’s been diagnosed with restless leg syndrome will tell you that they feel as though something is creeping and crawling up and down their legs at night. This frequently results in interrupted sleep which leads to fatigue. Some people have said that their symptoms decrease when something heavy (e.g. a weighted blanket) is pressing down on their legs.
Improves Mood
It’s normal to feel depressed sometimes. Regardless of what causes us to feel this way, it’s important to find a solution. With a weighted blanket, you’ll receive deep pressure therapy which can help improve your mood because it results in the production of serotonin. These blankets also help alleviate your cortisol (a.k.a. stress) levels so you feel better overall.
Lowers Anxiety Levels
Anxiety disorders have a huge impact on our lives (e.g. interrupting sleep patterns, causing sleep disorders, weight gain, weight loss, mood swings). Unfortunately, not only adults are feeling this way but so are our children. Research shows that using a weighted blanket before a stressful event occurs can help calm your nervous system, which may lower your anxiety levels.
Improves ADHD Behavior
Some people who have ADHD have discovered that they can concentrate better when they have a weighted blanket on them. This is because the blanket makes you feel more secure. If you use a blanket in the daytime you can get the same results from a weighted vest or lap pad.
The Bottom Line
While more research needs to be done on Weighted Blanket Health Benefits it isn’t surprising that more people are turning to them today. These blankets were originally designed to help with sensory disorders but now they’ve been seen to help with other things like insomnia, restless leg syndrome, anxiety, and sleep disorders. Which gravity blanket you choose to use will depend on the weight you need and your budget but it’s great to know that there’s something out there for everyone.
