If you sometimes have an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, you may have restless leg syndrome (RLS), a recognizable condition that affects up to 10 percent of Americans. It’s common when sitting in the car or in a plane for an extended period, or in a meeting or classroom and it can also happen when lying in bed at night. The cause isn’t known, and there are no definite cures, although there are steps you can take to minimize the discomfort.
A weighted blanket for restless legs can be a help for anyone who is prone to RLS while trying to fall asleep. A weighted blanket for restless legs is just what the name suggests, a blanket that contains a heavier filling than a regular blanket, meaning it applies a certain amount of pressure to the body. That pressure is meant to be comparable to someone’s hug, and the pressure reduces cortisol and increases the body’s production of the various hormones that help us to relax and tell us it’s time to sleep.
You can expect to pay somewhere between about $100 and $200 for one of these heavier blankets, although it’s well worth the extra cost. The majority of people who use one to help them fall asleep maintain they fall asleep faster and stay asleep for longer. Most blankets contain either glass beads or plastic pellets, which gives them that extra weight. And as a rule of thumb, the blanket you use should weigh about 10 percent of your body weight. Smaller blankets are available too, that only cover part of the body, for those who don’t like the idea of their entire body covered.
There are actually several benefits of using a weighted blanket to treat restless legs. Using the blanket soothes and calms the nerves in the legs that are causing your restless legs, and the pressure and feel of the blanket can help to calm you and reduce anxiety. The pressure on the legs also boosts overall circulation, increases relaxation and helps to send positive messages to that part of the brain that controls our neurological system. All of this makes it easier to get a good night’s sleep. As many of us know, not getting enough sleep can in turn lead to a whole list of health concerns or other issues.
Like other remedies for RLS, a heavier blanket may not work for everybody, although it’s certainly worth a try.
No Comments