A weighted blanket is a tool that can help a person to achieve sleeps. A weighted blanket work by applying pressure to the bodies of the sleeping person. Most individuals who struggles to sleep feel restlessness or racing minds while attempting to fall asleep.
In these instances, the person can use a weighted blanket to provide the individual with a feeling of calm. While weighted blankets dont work through magic, the blanket itself do work to provide deep pressure stimulation to the body. Deep pressure stimulation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps the body to naturaly producing chemicals like serotonin and melatonin.
How to Choose the Right Weighted Blanket
These chemicals aid the body in feeling relaxed and calm, thus contributing to the sleeping process. To purchase the correct weighted blanket for an individual, the person should use a weight chart to determine the correct weight for that persons body. Generally, the rule of thumb for those searching for a weighted blanket is to choose a blanket that weigh approximately 10% of the body weight of the individual who will be sleeping with the blanket.
For instance, an individual who weigh 150 pounds should choose a blanket that weighs 15 pounds. A blanket that is too light will not provide the necessary pressure for some individuals to feel calm, while a blanket that is too heavy may make it difficult for those individuals to use the blanket while sleeping. An individual could select a blanket that is more slightly heavier in weight in the case of the individual who is selecting the blanket for the first time.
Several factors will come into play when the individual is purchasing the blanket. The weight of the individuals body and their age will factor into the blanket that is purchased. For instance, a small child who weigh 50 pounds should use a blanket that weighs 5 pounds.
An adult who weighs 170 pounds should use a blanket that weighs 15 or 17 pounds. However, individuals who is of the senior population may require a blanket that is lighter in weight due to the potential issues with there joints or muscles. An individual who suffers from arthritis or who does not have much energy may benefit from a lighter blanket.
Additionally, individuals should supervise children between the ages of four and twelve while using a weighted blanket. A childs blanket should weigh less than 10% of their body weight so that they can remove the blanket from the bed themselves. The size of the blankets that an individual will purchase and the type of fill that will be within the blanket are also factors to consider when purchasing a weighted blanket.
The blanket should be the appropriate size to fit within the sleeping individuals bed. Blankets come in sizes such as twin, full, queen and king. Single individuals may need either a twin or queen size blanket, while those who sleep in king sizes or taller individuals will require a king size blanket.
Finally, the blankets come in a variety of different fill. For instance, blankets with glass beads will remain cool and even while the individual sleeps. Plastic pellets are a more budget-friendly blanket.
Blankets with steel beads are thin and cotton fill allow for the blanket to breathe. These features may be important to consider, as individuals should test the blanket for a few weeks to see how they’re body reacts to the blanket. Overall, there are several benefits of incorporating the use of a weighted blanket into an individuals sleeping routine.
For instance, weighted blankets can help to reduce feeling of anxiety. This is due to the way that weighted blankets can help to lower the amount of cortisol in an individual. Additionally, individuals with insomnia may find benefit from the use of weighted blankets because they will fall asleep faster.
Individuals with sensory problems, such as those with autism or ADHD, can benefit from weighted blankets to reduce sensory overloads. Individuals with restless legs or PTSD may also benefit from the use of weighted blankets. Finally, those who experience chronic pain may benefit due to the way in which weighted blankets can dull overactive nerves.
Despite the benefits of using weighted blankets for the body, there are certain groups of individuals who should not use weighted blankets. First, babies and individuals under the age of two should not use weighted blankets. Second, individuals who are unable to remove the blanket themselves should not use weighted blankets.
Third, individuals with breathing problems, such as sleep apnea, should not use weighted blankets. Fourth, individuals who tend to overheat while sleeping should select blankets that contains cooling fabrics. Finally, individuals should spot clean the covers of the blanket each week.
Because the blankets are often heavy, it is important for individuals to always read the washing directions for the blanket before attempting to clean it. You should of checked the label first.
