Suffering from anxiety?

If so, have you thought about trying a weighted blanket?

As a clinical psychologist I will be happy to share all of the ins-and-outs with you, so you can determine if these blankets are just what you have been looking for.

I have also included the benefits, weight, and purchase location for each blanket with the goal of helping you decide which is the best one for you.

Ready to get started? Great, let’s go!

What is a Weighted Blanket?

A weighted blanket is a very heavy blanket that can reduce anxiety symptoms for some people. It can also improve insomnia and autism symptoms.

These blankets usually weigh between 2 and 35 whopping pounds. Way heavier than your average bedspread, down, quilt, or comforter.

Mental health professionals are starting to tout this type of blanket as a safe and effective alternative or supplement to anti-anxiety meds or other anxiety-based treatments.

Note: It is important to consult your physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist before substituting (or adding) weighted blankets to your prescribed treatment plan.

In other words, weighted blankets can be used with your existing treatment plan – with your doctor’s permission. The good news is researchers have found that these blankets can actually help reduce symptoms, so you can better manage your condition.

The Top Weighted Blankets for 2019

Benefits

Weighted blankets can help ease anxiety symptoms in children, teens, and adults. And, the good news is these blankets are generally safe to use. These blankets can also help you relax and sleep better at night.

How do they work?, Weighted blankets help reduce symptoms by using pressure to “weigh” your body down. This technique is called “grounding” or “earthing” and its intended effect is to relax your body – i.e. mind, muscle, blood pressure, joints, and more.

Weighted blankets are also good for triggering DPT (deep pressure touch) – a therapeutic approach that uses steady and direct pressure to ease high levels of stress, tension, and anxiety. (1)

In fact, recent studies suggest that “earthing” or “grounding” may even help lower nighttime levels of the stress hormone, cortisol.(2) Your brain tells your body to produce excess amounts of cortisol when you are highly stressed and/or when it feels that something is about to attack you.

As a result, your body responds with a “fight or flight” reaction. High levels of cortisol can, in turn, lead to a compromised immune system, elevated blood glucose (blood sugar levels) and gastrointestinal distress.(2)

Moreover, high cortisol levels, especially when they do not quickly return to “normal”, can cause a host of health conditions such as: (3)

• Anxiety

• Depression

• High Blood Pressure/Hypertension

• Emotional Distress

• Sudden Weight Gain

• Insomnia

The pressure from the weighted blankets can promote calmness and encourage relaxation, thus reducing symptoms. In addition, it can trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin, hormones responsible for the “feel good” sensation in your body. Dopamine and serotonin can help alleviate emotional distress like stress, anxiety, and depression.

A study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine suggests that “grounding” the human body during sleep is an effective way to regulate cortisol production in the body. (2) These researchers found that “grounding” provides normal, 24-hour circadian rhythms for those who have so much stress and anxiety that it is affecting their ability to sleep soundly at night.

Research results also indicate that “grounding” helps decrease cortisol production in some people during their sleep cycles. And, as a result, they not only experience better sleep, but also a reduction in chronic pain, lower levels of stress, happier moods, and/or fewer anxiety and depression symptoms. (2)

Weight

As mentioned above, the actual weight of a weighted blanket can vary from 2 to 35 pounds. However, your own weight is a major determinant of how heavy your blanket should be to garner maximum results. Some manufacturers suggest that adults purchase weighted blankets that are no more than 10% of their own body weight.

For children, on the other hand, manufacturers suggest using blankets that are at least 10% of their body weight with one or two extra pounds added to them. Consult your doctor as to how heavy your weight blanket should be to receive the best possible results (i.e. a reduction in anxiety symptoms).

Note: You may also want to choose a blanket that is composed of natural fibers, like 100% cotton. Why? Because they are breathable, so you won’t sweat as much. Avoid synthetic fabrics like polyester, because they are usually much hotter.

A recent study found that 30-pound weighted blankets are safe and effective for easing anxiety. In fact, out of the 32 adult participants, approximately 63% reported a reduction in anxiety symptoms. (4)

It is important to remember that weighted blankets aren’t for everyone, especially if you have a health condition that is negatively affected by heat or pressure. Therefore, before purchasing a weighted blanket, discuss this option with your doctor.

Article published at - https://tinyurl.com/56ttvxma