The Surprising Effect a Weighted Blanket Had on My Sleep
Whole-body cuddling for better sleep
When my girlfriend told me to try this weird-looking, heavy blanket, I didn’t think much of it. She got this weighted blanket for her daughter but wanted me to try it first.
I had never heard of weighted blankets before.
However, I instantly loved the velvety feeling of the blanket and agreed to use it for one night.
The heaviness reminded me of my childhood days at my stepfather’s mum’s house. She would always give me two blankets — one very heavy quilt and a feather blanket on top. I loved the feeling of security and warmth. This is what I felt when I fell asleep under the weighted blanket.
Luckily my girlfriend’s daughter didn’t like the blanket, so I have been able to use it consistently.
And I don’t over-exaggerate when I say it has truly transformed my sleep.
What is a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets have been used for therapeutic reasons but have recently become more mainstream. Also known as anxiety blankets or gravity blankets can be helpful for people with ADHS, autism, PTSD, and anxiety disorders.
These blankets typically weigh between 5 and 30 pounds and are made from stitched squares filled with micro glass beads or plastic pellets.
When you sleep with a weighted blanket, you experience the effect of deep touch pressure stimulation, which simulates a feeling of being held or hugged.
Traditionally deep touch pressure stimulation has been used to relax the nervous system. It can help reduce anxiety, relieve symptoms of depression and lessen pain perception in fibromyalgia patients.
Weighted blankets come in different sizes and can be used by adults and children.
How sleeping with a weighted blanket affected my sleep
For as long as I can remember, I have had sleep issues. The problem was not falling asleep. Instead, I have issues staying asleep. The slightest noises wake me, and I often struggle with interrupted, restless sleep.
