What is a Weighted Blanket? - Benefits and Uses

How Do Weighted Blankets Work?

Weighted blankets act like a hug, using a technique called deep pressure stimulation (DPS) to make the user feel more secure and comforted while they sleep. This is a deep touch pressure applied to the body — by hands, tools, or blankets — that can relax the nervous system. Weighted blankets also give a similar experience to the “hug machine” by lightly pressing on the body and stimulating a similar release of oxytocin.

Pressure on the body can increase the release of serotonin in the brain. This neurotransmitter is sometimes called the “happy” chemical because it creates a sense of calmness, relaxation, and well-being. Weighted blankets act as a form of deep pressure therapy that can increase the amount of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. These are “feel good” chemicals that can cause the user to feel a sense of calm, happiness, and well-being. Weighted blankets have been used to treat symptoms of autism, sensory processing disorder, and depression for this reason. 

Who May Benefit From a Weighted Blanket?

Those with anxiety or those who have trouble sleeping often find success when they replace their comforter with a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets provide symptom-relieving benefits to people with conditions such as insomnia, autism, and more.

Those That Suffer From Alzheimer's

One common symptom of Alzheimer’s disease is depression. Fear and fatigue can manifest when people with Alzheimer’s try to make sense of the world and aren’t able to. A weighted blanket has been shown to decrease these feelings of depression and anxiety in some cases.

Those That Struggle with Sleep Disorders

As we’ve mentioned, weighted blankets are helpful when it comes to inducing sleep and improving sleep quality. For this reason, many people with insomnia find weighted blankets helpful in achieving the sleep they need. 

Those With Autism

Another common use of weighted blankets is to lessen negative symptoms for those with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). One common symptom of autism is trouble sleeping, and weighted blankets have the ability to provide calmness and relaxation in order to improve sleep. .

Those That Suffer From PTSD

Weighted blankets have been successful in treating some of the negative symptoms of PTSD by relaxing the nervous system. This can help patients with trauma relax, feel more grounded, and feel safe.

Are Weighted Blankets Worth It?

Weighted blankets have grown in popularity in recent years because of the many benefits they possess. If you’re someone who struggles with sleep, autism, Alzheimer’s, PTSD, or you just like to feel cuddled in your sleep a weighted blanket is definitely worth a shot. 

Weighted blankets have many uses and can provide numerous benefits for those suffering from conditions like anxiety and pain. They can also be helpful for those who experience sensory issues or who are on the autistic spectrum.

When buying a weighted blanket, it’s recommended to buy one that is 10 percent of your body weight for the best results.

Experience stress-free, peaceful sleep all year round

My Blanket USA offers a wide selection of weighted blankets so that you can find the perfect one tailored to you and your needs. Our blankets come in three sizes (Twin, Queen, King) and three different weight levels (12lbs, 15lbs, 20lbs), making it easier for you to find the unique one to fit your body! It is also made with quilted channels that keep weight evenly distributed so you can experience the best results. When using a weighted blanket, it can be helpful to include nice soft sheets and a fluffy pillow to round out the perfect, cozy sleeping situation.

Invest in an improved and soundless sleep by clicking the link below and shopping our weighted blanket collection today!