Weighted blankets are said to promote relaxation and make it easier to fall asleep by inducing sleep and the release of feel-good hormones while reducing the production of natural steroids such as cortisol.
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The most important consideration when choosing is its lightness or weight. Other factors that can influence your decision are material, size, color, price, and whether you can return the blanket if you are not satisfied.What should I consider when buying a weighted blanket?If you're having trouble relaxing and falling asleep, a weighted blanket is perfect for you. However, these products are not for everyone. Many sleepers report feeling more relaxed and less anxious when sleeping under a weighted blanket, but some may find it claustrophobic or cramped. Blankets may also be inappropriate, but some models recommend more temperature control than others.
Consider the following factors when browsing blankets of different weights:
priceThe average price for weighted blankets of all sizes ranges from $100 to $300. Different models have different prices depending on the weight you choose. Otherwise, the price remains the same no matter which size you choose. Include shipping costs in your shopping budget, if applicable.
weightA general rule of thumb is to choose a blanket that weighs about 10% of your body weight. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. In fact, blankets weighing 5% to 12% of your body weight are comfortable. The best way to determine the best blanket is to try different weights.
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high quality materialsWeighted blankets made from quality materials cost a little more than average, but you can usually expect these models to be more durable and long-lasting. Cheap fabrics and clothing made from plastic pellets wear out quickly, especially when washed and dried in a domestic washing machine.
cover materialA weighted blanket should be chosen based on the feel and texture you want. Some of these blankets have a cotton or microfiber cover for a smoother feel, while others are made from wool for a softer, more comfortable feel. The weighted blanket has a two-sided design, each with a different feel.
Easy to cleanMost weighted blanket covers are removable and can be washed and dried in a domestic washing machine. In some cases, you can wash the entire blanket at home. Alternatively, the blanket may need to be spot cleaned or dry cleaned to prevent premature wear.
breathabilitySome weighted blankets come with breathable cover fabrics and internal components to keep you cool at night, while others can absorb and trap body heat. Together with their weight, they can cause overheating.
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Weighted blankets are said to reduce stress and promote a feeling of relaxation, which can help you fall asleep faster. This sensation is designed to simulate Deep Pressure Touch (DPT), a therapy that relieves anxiety by distributing your weight evenly across your body. DPT is similar to a full body hug. Several studies have shown that DPT is highly effective in reducing anxiety in both children and adults when properly treated.
Weighted blankets are often touted as therapeutic for people with certain conditions such as autism, depression, and PTSD, but there is little overall research to support these claims. As with any product, pay attention to the manufacturer's medical information.
Who Shouldn't Use Weighted Blankets?Some people should avoid weighted blankets, or at least consult a doctor before using them. Talk to your doctor about weighted blankets if you have problems. Some weighted blanket manufacturers actively discourage people with these conditions from using their products.
Another potential deterrent is Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is a sleep disorder characterized by heavy snoring and short short breaths during the night. The weight of thick blankets can restrict airflow, which can exacerbate respiratory episodes associated with apnea.A person with her OSA, partly due to obesity, may not be comfortable under a weighted blanket. You may be particularly prone to breathing problems in
People who are generally claustrophobic may find weighted blankets too stuffy.If you tend to feel uneasy indoors or your body is stressed, use it to help you relax and fall asleep. Please consider other methods. Finally, weighted blankets pose a choking hazard to children under the age of 3 or weighing less than her 50 pounds.At least two of her children have died after using weighted blankets.
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Weighted blankets benefit a wide variety of sleepers. Whether formally an insomniac or not, those who struggle to fall asleep at night are more relaxed and less anxious under a weighted blanket, which is a common finding among adults, teens, and adults. Applies to young people, and her children over the age of 2. This is especially true if work, family, or other issues are overly stressful.
Which weighted blanket is best for kids? Seriously?Consult your pediatrician or family physician before choosing a weighted blanket for your child. For some adolescents with insomnia, weighted blankets may not be as effective as other strategies such as: For example, establish and maintain a strict bedtime routine or avoid water several hours before bedtime.
Weighted blankets are generally considered safe for children over the age of 3 who weigh more than her 50 pounds. We recommend following the "10% rule" when choosing a blanket for your child. If you don't, you're making a mistake. Blankets that are too heavy can harm children over the age of 3.
Many weighted blankets are designed specifically for children. Weighted blankets for children weigh between 3 and 10 pounds. If your child weighs over her 100 pounds, an adult or child blanket may be suitable.
Again, consult your doctor before deciding which blanket (if any) will be the most effective sleep strategy for your child.
Do weighted blankets make you hot?Blankets provide some warmth and insulation, but should not be overly hot.Like traditional blankets, whether a weighted blanket sleeps cool depends largely on its material composition. Most weighted blankets have an outer shell that cushions the body and an inner shell that encloses beads and particles. Some upholsteries, such as cotton or viscose, are more breathable, while others are warmer. The contents of the inner shell also have a thermoregulatory effect. Models with thicker padding tend to sleep warmer than models with little or no padding.
Due to their construction, some blankets promote more airflow than others. The knitted blanket has a cutout design that allows air to circulate freely and keep you cool even when the blanket is heavy. Also, the comforter doesn't allow air to circulate, so I often end up sleeping very hot.
Laura LeMond, owner of Mosaic Weighted Blankets, believes weighted blankets are growing in popularity as we learn to naturally relax under our weight and fall asleep faster. A sleeping solution.A 2015 study found that 31 participants who slept on a weighted blanket slept better and tossed and turned less. Participants felt that using the weighted blanket helped them sleep more comfortably, better, and safer.
The people doing this research are from college. Managing research in a university environment requires a myriad of hurdles to overcome before hiring anyone!So yes, the research is credible and supported by the IRB (a review process that students and professors must go through before conducting research).
Consistency is key to conducting an effective study, which means that the blanket size, blanket weight, room in which the study is conducted, etc. must all be the same. Having more control over variables can make it easier for other researchers to replicate the study and see if the results can be replicated in other populations or settings.
The study took room temperature into account, weighed each blanket to make sure they were the same, and even standardized the environment in which people tested the blankets.
At this point I would like to point out that research without controls is sometimes better for everyday use, since there are no controls in the real world. (: All studies were targeted and none was methodologically better than the other compared to controls.
The only "flaw" I see in this study is that there is no accurate average of supine vital signs. After some digging, I found that the average is slightly different from what the researchers found. The difference is small, probably insignificant, but worth the attention of all skeptics!
You might be thinking, they only tested for five minutes, who only lay down for five minutes? You're right, at least I don't know anyone. The researchers, however, defend this by citing Grandin (1992), who says that changes through the ceiling can be observed within minutes, and if there is no significant change within five minutes, it can be said that healthy adults can fall asleep safely A blanket to sleep peacefully.
Again, they are testing if this can be used for people in crisis situations, so 5 minutes is enough. As anecdotal evidence, as a 120-pound woman, I slept with a 23-pound blanket and had no issues with the weight of the blanket.
Weighted blankets are generally safe for people without pre-existing medical conditions and related vital signs.I believe the researchers would be more willing to extend the experiment beyond five minutes if each of these participants used the correct weight.Other studies have used weighted blankets in their nighttime studies, providing more evidence that weighted blankets are generally safe for humans.Because the participants were adults, the study did not consent to the use of weighted blankets for children.
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