Weighted blankets are a relatively new product, but they have quickly become popular for their potential to improve physical and mental health. Weighted blankets work by providing deep pressure stimulation (DPS), which is a type of therapy that uses gentle pressure to calm and relax the body. DPS is thought to work by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the “rest and digest” response. This can help to reduce stress, anxiety, insomnia, and improve sleep quality. To explore some top-quality weighted blankets, check out Mosaic Weighted Blankets.
History of Weighted Blankets for Therapy
Weighted blankets have been used in therapy for people with sensory processing disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), for many years. These blankets can help to provide a sense of calm and security for people with ASD, who may be sensitive to sensory stimuli.
In recent years, weighted blankets have also been shown to be beneficial for people with a variety of other conditions, including anxiety, insomnia, stress, PTSD, ADHD, depression, chronic pain, restless legs syndrome, and restlessness during pregnancy.
Who Could Benefit from Weighted Blankets?
Weighted blankets can benefit people of all ages, but they are particularly popular with people who experience the following:
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Stress
- PTSD
- ADHD
- Depression
- Sensory processing disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Chronic pain
- Restless legs syndrome
- Restlessness during pregnancy
Who Are Weighted Blankets Popular With?
Weighted blankets are popular with people of all ages, but they are particularly popular with adults who experience anxiety, insomnia, and stress. Weighted blankets are also popular with parents of children with sensory processing disorders, such as ASD.
Benefits of Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets have been shown to be beneficial for a variety of physical and mental health conditions. Here are some of the specific benefits of weighted blankets:
- Reduced stress and anxiety: Weighted blankets can help to reduce stress and anxiety by providing a calming and grounding effect. The gentle pressure of the blanket can help to soothe the nervous system and reduce feelings of worry and fear.
- Improved sleep quality: Weighted blankets can help to improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. The blanket can also help to keep people still while they sleep, which can reduce sleep disturbances.
- Reduced pain: Weighted blankets can help to reduce pain by increasing the production of endorphins, which are hormones that have pain-relieving effects. Weighted blankets can also help to reduce muscle tension, which can contribute to pain.
- Improved mood: Weighted blankets can help to improve mood by reducing stress and anxiety. Weighted blankets can also help to boost serotonin levels, which is a neurotransmitter that is associated with happiness and well-being.
- Boosted cognitive function: Weighted blankets have been shown to boost cognitive function in people with ADHD and other conditions. The blanket can help to calm the mind and promote focus.
- Reduced inflammation: Weighted blankets can help to reduce inflammation by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
- Improved immune function: Weighted blankets can help to improve immune function by promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
Conclusion
Weighted blankets offer a number of potential benefits for people of all ages and with a variety of conditions. They can help to reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep quality, reduce pain, improve mood, boost cognitive function, and reduce inflammation. Weighted blankets are also a safe and effective way to improve overall well-being.
If you are interested in trying a weighted blanket, there are a number of different brands and retailers to choose from. Be sure to choose a blanket that is the right weight for you and that is made from high-quality materials.
Glossary
Here is a glossary of terms used in the article:
- Deep pressure stimulation (DPS): A type of therapy that uses gentle pressure to calm and relax the body.
- Parasympathetic nervous system: The part of the nervous system that is responsible for the “rest and digest” response.
- Sensory processing disorder: A condition that affects the way a person processes sensory information.
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior.
- Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): A neurodevelopmental disorder that can cause hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsiveness.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): A mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.
- Chronic pain: Pain that persists for more than three months.
- Restless legs syndrome: A condition that causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations in the legs.
- Restlessness during pregnancy: A common symptom of pregnancy that can cause difficulty sleeping.
More Slow Fun
- Common Eating Disorders to Recognize, Acknowledge, and Address
- The Dire Consequences of Existential Anxiety: When the Fear of Uncontrollable Events Leads to Trauma and Illness
- Sciatica is a pain in the ass (and the hip and the back and the leg and the foot)
- Slow sleeping might be the most important part of a fun slow life
- Concept2 indoor rower rowing challenges and how to participate