Anxiety or weighted blankets are specially made blankets where weight has been purposely added. Using one is often compared to getting a hug or having the feeling of wearing an X-ray apron. In this article, we will learn more about anxiety blanket benefits as well as other disorders that can be alleviated using this fantastic treatment.
Is It Similar to a Hug?
Various studies have revealed that hugs have a powerful effect on people. Using a weighted blanket produces the same result. More specifically, studies show that when you get a hug, your body releases oxytocin (a hormone) that lowers blood pressure, creates a feeling of relaxation and slows the heartbeat. It is one of the most valuable benefits of using weighted coverage for anxiety.
Setting aside personal opinions, it is essential for you to recognise that weighted blankets have been clinically proven to have many benefits. The keyword here is “proven”.
Weighted Blankets Naturally Spike Up Serotonin Levels
Serotonin is a brain chemical with which many anxious people lack, often to a significant detriment as it affects their mood. Weighted blankets help release more serotonin, the “happy” hormone. Weighted blankets have the same effects when applied to some areas of the body, making it one of the best benefits of weighted blankets for anxiety.
Improves Sleep
Sleep is another common struggle among anxious people. Weighted blankets also help because the extra pressure calms your mind and body while creating a comfortable environment. It makes it easier to slip into a deep sleep.
Also, it is thought that heavy blankets create a feeling similar to being swaddled, a tightly wrapped blanket used on babies to provide a sense of warmth and security.
Weighted blankets promote the release of melatonin.
Melatonin is a hormone regulator of the sleep-wake cycle f the body. It is secreted by the pineal gland in the brain and is essential for helping you sleep at night. The body produces it naturally, but for many people, they do not generate enough. Weighted blankets have been shown to trigger melatonin production due to the applied pressure, which promotes sleep and helps balance your sleep-wake cycle.
Who Can Benefit from Them?
Anxiety blanket benefits can be valuable to everyone, not just anxious people! Studies have shown that they play a significant role in reducing and managing the symptoms of other disorders as well:
- PTSD – post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosed in military personnel coming from the field, victims of trauma and abuse
- Sleep disorders – for example, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea
- Nervous system disorders similar to anxiety attacks
- Autism – a developmental disorder characterised by limited social interaction and repetitive behaviour
- ADHD or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, which is also a developmental disorder characterised by the inability to focus, hyperactivity and responses are not appropriate for the person’s age