You’ve probably heard of weighted blankets before – the sleep accessory that five years ago, very few people knew about, has had a meteoric rise in popularity since discovery of the ways they transform sleep. Just as memory foam mattresses have overtaken their traditional counterparts, they’ve become appreciated amongst those who struggle with sleep deprivation as a way of accessing comfortable and high-quality rest.
But what exactly do we mean when we say owning a weighted blanket benefits your health? Here’s everything you need to know.
Where it all began
Weighted blankets started off as a tool for parents of children with autism, who were shown to respond to the even distribution of pressure resulting in undisturbed sleep. Soon after, studies began to indicate that the feelings evoked by weighted blankets: that of being embraced or swaddled, benefited more than just children, but almost anyone, especially those struggling with a lack of sleep.
While smaller companies started out by making weighted blankets, they were picked up and optimized by experts in the sleep industry. Currently, it’s possible to find a weighted blanket for every type of sleeper: hypoallergenic, blankets with temperature control capabilities, knitted weighted blankets, and many more.
Weighted blankets and mental health
One of the most significant discoveries surrounding the use of weighted blankets during sleep is the marked improvements in the mental health of sleepers looking from anything between mild stress relief to having clinically diagnosed anxiety.
A lack of sleep has been shown to be a cause of stress, and the vice versa is also true. A lack of sleep, therefore, ends up creating a vicious cycle for those who deal with high-stress situations on a regular basis.
Making sure you have the best mattress possible for your sleeping style and using it in conjunction with a weighted blanket can have a really significant impact on your sleep patterns, especially if you suffer from stress.
Weighted blankets and Willis-Ekbom disease
Popularly known as restless leg syndrome, if you find yourself unable to keep your leg still for too long, no matter if you’re at home or not, you may need to find a long-term solution to resolve the issue.
Restless leg syndrome tends to be the result of an overactive nervous system, which makes it hard to calm the mind and tell the body when it’s time to go to sleep.
The best weighted blankets use gentle pressure stimulate to counter these sensations, and primes your body for a deep night’s rest.
Weighted blankets and comfortable sleep
The profound impacts of a good sleep cycle has been well studied and documented. Better sleep cycles can lead to a marked improvement in focus, mood, heart health, anxiety, memory, and many other facets of human health.
If you haven’t already, it really is in your best interest to invest in the tools that allow you to access the best quality of sleep you can. This includes buying the most comfortable mattress for you – the best mattresses can vary depending on your sleeping style and habits. Memory foam mattresses tend to be a popular choice for those looking for the optimum balance between comfort and support.
Since weighted blankets can seriously impact the quality of your sleep, it stands to reason that they’re also a way to enable you to access all the health benefits that come with a regular sleep cycle. Investing in the best mattress and weighted blanket for you can make all the difference between a restful night’s slumber and three cups of coffee to get by the next morning – so be sure to do your research.
