Apr 26, 2021
Do Weighted Blankets Work? We Set the Record Straight
Yes, weighted blankets work by providing deep pressure stimulation to the nervous system, which increases happiness hormones and decreases stress hormones.
If you’re on the hunt for safe, effective ways to get more sleep and reduce anxiety — hey, aren’t we all? — then you may have heard a thing or two about weighted blankets. These cuddly companions are designed to envelope you in gentle pressure, like a great-big hug, providing the comfort you need to quiet the mind and help you relax. But do they actually work? Let’s take a closer look. (Hint: The answer is a resounding yes!)
Studies on Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets are thought to help reduce feelings of anxiousness and help improve quality of sleep in healthy adults as well as those with specific conditions. Whether you’re a skeptic or simply want to be an informed buyer, you probably want to see some cold, hard data. Luckily, there have been a few valuable studies proving the efficacy of weighted blankets to help us understand not only if, but why, they work so well.
One showed that deep pressure stimulation — that’s the subtle weight the blanket puts on the body — helped reduce anxiety in 63 percent of people and was the preferred calming modality by nearly 80 percent. Other studies have found that weighted blankets helped improve sleep of people with ADHD and children with autism.
Because the concept of the weighted blanket is still relatively new, there isn’t a ton of research out there yet. At Gravity Blankets, we believe that, when given the opportunity to try one, our best-selling Gravity Blanket would help people who suffer with anxiety and sleep issues. The results were clear: When using our weighted blankets, 76 percent of people fell asleep faster and woke up feeling more rested.
Why They Work
We know that weighted blankets can provide some great benefits in the form of stress reduction and sleep improvement, but why? In short, it has to do with the phenomenon of deep pressure stimulation (DPS), a form of touch therapy which puts gentle weight and pressure on the nervous system to achieve a series of positive effects.
When you experience DPS, your body registers it as a comforting hug, which helps reduce stress hormones like cortisol while simultaneously boosting feel-good hormones like serotonin, as well as the sleep hormone melatonin. When the body’s stress hormones decrease and positive hormones increase, we experience physical effects such as relaxed muscles, a slower heartbeat and deep breathing.
This results in an overwhelming feeling of calm, happiness and relaxation, which helps ward off feelings of anxiety and combat sleeplessness. High-quality weighted blankets are also designed to help you relax and de-stress because they’re made of supremely soft materials that help you sink into a state of comfort, whether you’re watching TV on the couch or tucked into bed.
Are Weighted Blankets Safe?
Are they safe? Absolutely! You’ll need to make sure you have the right amount of pressure and go with a reputable manufacturer like Gravity Blankets. Weighted blankets are a healthy, non-addictive solution that won’t bring on any uncomfortable side effects. Just make sure to choose the right option.
A Self-Care Game-Changer
The great thing about using gravity blankets is that this form of therapy doesn’t require the help of a professional. All you need is your blanket, a set of luxury bedding and some time to unwind. While weighted blankets aren’t a miracle cure — you should still see a professional if you’re experiencing severe symptoms of anxiety or insomnia — they’re a safe and healthy tool to add to your self-care toolkit, and they might just change your life.
Still not sure? Try one for yourself! Gravity Blankets offers a 30-day return policy on all of our weighted blankets, so you can try one yourself without risk.
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