Known for its stress relief and sleep benefits, a weighted blanket could be the answer to insomnia, low mood and anxiety. Looks article explains how they work and what to look for.
They’ll Boost Your Mood
A weighted blanket not only provides warmth and comfort. Thanks to it’s filling a weighted blanket offers added weight and a grounding effect on the body which increases relaxation. A weighted blanket has been shown to reduce anxiety levels by 60%.
The added pressure of a weighted blanket encourage your body to release serotonin and melatonin both which help you feel calm and encourage sleep.
Deep Pressure Therapy
Weighted blankets provide the same sensation you felt when swaddled as a baby, offering a familiar kind of comfort that alleviates and redirects external stressors.
Deep Pressure Therapy (DTP), occurs when pressure is applied equally across the body. This has been proven to have a calming effect on the nervous system and to help those with insomnia, anxiety, depression, autism, restless leg syndrome, ADHD and PTSD.
The Ideal Weight
Generally, a weighted blanket should be 10% of your bodyweight. Most blankets are available in a variety of weights, and it’s important to choose the right one for you. It should feel comforting, not too heavy and not too light. This will encourage the feeling of rest and relaxation and help you feel soothed.
Immediate Benefits
As the benefits are sensory, you can find immediate results from a weighted blanket. The pressure provides an immediate calming affect on the body and may also help stimulate the vagus nerve to activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which signals to the body it’s time to unwind.
Weighted Blanket Top Picks
John Lewis Weighted Blanket, £90
This comes in a variety of different weights, including a light option at 4kg which is perfect for first time users. John Lewis also has a range of weighted blankets for children.
Visit JohnLewis.com
Brentfords Weighted Blanket 4 kg, £21.99
Coming in a beautiful blush pink or grey this is a great all-rounder. Budget friendly this blanket is filled with non-toxic glass microbeads for even and gentle weight distribution and is made with softly spun recycled polyester for warmth and softness.
Visit Amazon.
Mela Weighted Blanket, £150
Winner of the London Evening Standards’ ‘Best Weighted Blanket Award’ in 2019, 2020 & 2021, this blanket is even guaranteed by a 30 night trial. Designed to encourage calm and a peaceful nights sleep.
Visit Mela.
