Weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets that can weigh anywhere between 5 and 30 pounds. Manufactures state that as a general rule a weighted blanket should be 5-10 percent of your body weight. The weight from these blankets activates a deep pressure stimulation which may help calm anxiety and provide some stress relief. Deep pressure stimulation has been shown to relax the nervous system and doesn’t have to be completely hands on such as a massage or trigger point therapy.
One of the primary uses of weighted blankets is to calm the symptoms of anxiety. Other uses may include treatment of insomnia, chronic pain, depression, and osteoarthritis. There have been no major medical trials that I am aware of, but there are plenty of testimonials from successful patients on improving calmness and sleep. The ultimate conclusion is that the health risks of trying a weighted blanket are minimal so it is worth a trial, particularly if you are looking for relief from any of the concerns above. Even if it simply provides more restful sleep, this may translate into daytime benefits as well. Similar anxietycalming techniques are used in anti-anxiety wraps for sound-nervous dogs and swaddling for fussy infants. Know that manufacturers state these should not be used for toddlers under 2 years old.
Learn more about weighted blankets.
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