A Weighted Blanket is a therapeutic blanket that offers many benefits, including reduced anxiety and better sleep. It was first developed for use in helping individuals with mental health conditions, dementia, and autism spectrum disorders. After being proven beneficial, it was eventually released as a mass-market product.
A weighted blanket is a great way to help your child sleep at night. They can help improve sleep patterns and reduce symptoms of ADHD and anxiety. Sleeping with a weighted blanket can also help your child improve their attention span, which is essential for learning. Using a quality knit weighted blanket that is around 10 percent of your child’s body weight is important. This is about one to three pounds for young children.
Benefits
Weighted blankets may also benefit individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This disorder can be triggered by traumatic experiences, including physical assault or severe car accidents. In addition to helping these individuals feel less vulnerable, they may also help those who suffer from panic attacks sleep better. These blankets help promote the production of neurotransmitters and calming hormones that can alleviate the symptoms of panic attacks.
Weighted blankets are also effective at reducing stress and anxiety. Research on weighted blankets shows that they improve sleep quality and reduce pain and anxiety. This makes them a great choice for individuals with mental conditions and sleep disorders. They also help those with back pain. So, a weighted blanket might be the perfect solution for you if you are suffering from sleep issues.
A weighted blanket can also help children with autism sleep better at night. This therapy has been shown to reduce cortisol levels and increase the production of dopamine and serotonin neurotransmitters. These are important nutrients for children with autism, essential to improving their sleep.
Cost
While a weighted blanket can be quite therapeutic, they are a relatively expensive purchase. The cost of a weighted blanket is largely determined by the type and quality of the material used. Many manufacturers use plastic poly pellets instead of steel beads, which cost more but last longer and are easier to clean.
A weighted blanket can be purchased online or in retail stores. Make sure to ask about the blanket’s quality before buying it. Some blankets are custom-made, while others are mass-produced in factories overseas.
The price of a weighted blanket is often higher than it’s worth, so it’s important to shop around. Fortunately, most manufacturers offer free ground shipping to the contiguous U.S., as well as to Canada. While weighted blankets are generally safe to use, they are not ideal for those with respiratory problems or neuromuscular disorders. They also can get quite hot.
The production process of a weighted blanket is far more expensive than a regular blanket. These blankets use multiple components, such as glass beads, and require more labor and materials. In addition, the weight of the blanket increases with the amount of material it contains.
Another factor that contributes to the cost of a weighted blanket is the filling. Some are filled with plastic pellets, while others use dry grains or pebbles. While the latter is the most affordable option, it’s not machine-washable and is subject to pest infestation. Rice, for example, can rot in a weighted blanket, attracting bugs and other pests.
Unfounded claims
Weighted blankets are becoming increasingly popular for their potential to aid sleep. However, there are some concerns about their use. Although some evidence supports their service, they aren’t the safest product. They should not be used by young children or people who cannot take them off.
Weighted blankets can reduce anxiety and stress for patients. And since they are comfortable, weighted blankets are a great choice for those who want a little extra comfort.
A weighted blanket is believed to increase the amount of serotonin and decrease cortisol, two of the body’s natural chemicals. Serotonin regulates mood and contributes to the onset of sleep. It also plays a role in melatonin production, which controls sleep timing. Meanwhile, cortisol is a hormone that affects the body’s ability to relax and wake up.
Weighted blankets may be an effective and safe intervention for people who have insomnia. However, it’s important to remember that they aren’t miracle cures for insomnia and are not quick fixes. While they can help people with insomnia, the research behind them is scanty.
Final Take
Before buying a weighted blanket, you should ensure it meets the following requirements. It should be made of breathable, soft materials. The filler should be of a suitable size. Various materials can fill the blanket, including grains, sand, plastic pellets, and steel balls. You can also use dried foodstuffs like rice. However, do not go for cheap materials like sand or stones, as these will not provide the proper weight distribution. The best option is to go for glass beads, as they are smaller than sand particles and, therefore, will give the right level of weight distribution.
