What is the Relationship Between Weighted Blankets and Sleep

Sneeze-Free Snoozing

“A blanket should be non-allergenic for sensitive folks,” says Tracey Marks, MD, an Atlanta psychiatrist and author of Master Your Sleep. Dust mites, a common allergy and asthma trigger, thrive in blankets and other bedding. When the tiny bugs set off your symptoms, sneezing and wheezing may keep you up at night.

If you’re allergy-prone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend avoiding down-filled comforters. Wash other blankets once a week in hot (130 degrees F) water and dry in a hot dryer to kill dust mites.

No-Stress Pressure

“In psychiatric care, weighted blanket are one of our most powerful tools for helping people who are anxious, upset, and possibly on the verge of losing control,” says Karen Moore, OTR/L, an occupational therapist in Franconia, N.H. These special blankets are filled with weighted pellets, which are sewn into compartments to keep them evenly distributed. Weighted blankets are also sometimes marketed for general use as an aid to sleep and relaxation.

“These blankets work by providing input to the deep pressure touch receptors throughout the body,” Moore says. “Deep pressure touch helps the body relax. Like a firm hug, weighted blankets help us feel secure, grounded, and safe.” Moore says this is the reason many people like to sleep under a comforter even in summer.

If you want to try this type of blanket, the best weight depends on your body size and personal preference. However, 15 to 30 pounds is typical for adults. “Input from a doctor or occupational therapist is advised for elderly individuals and anyone with a medical condition,” Moore says. She adds that weighted blankets are not recommended for people with respiratory, circulatory, or temperature regulation problems or those recovering from surgery.

Snuggly Softness

Choose a blanket fabric that’s “easy on the skin,” says Dr. Marks. Some people like a fuzzy blanket, and others prefer a smoother texture. But in either case, a gentle fabric that babies your skin can help soothe you to sleep. In contrast, a rougher fabric, such as wool, can irritate your skin and cause itching that keeps you awake.

Let tactile preference be your guide. One fabric to consider is cotton, which is both soft and breathable—two qualities that enhance comfort.

Cozy Familiarity

Security blankets aren’t just for toddlers. “Adults can also have serious preferences for a particular blanket,” says Dr. Hoagland. “Regularly using a favorite blanket for sleep can help to develop a conditioned response so that sleep onset is quicker.” In fact, many sleep centers ask patients to bring their own blanket and pillow from home, which helps them fall asleep more easily.

Once you find a blanket you like, use it every night. If you have trouble sleeping when away from home, consider taking the blanket with you.

A weighted blanket is a tool that can really improve people’s sleep. Wholesale Weighted Blankets Not only that, anxiety, depression and other problems can be solved with the help of weighted blankets.Weight blankets are becoming more and more familiar, and stories of weight blankets and sleep are spreading around the world.