Ease Your Anxiety Symptoms By Using A Weighted Blanket

Aug 08, 2018 by apost team

Stress, anxiety, and general insomnia can wreak havoc on your ability to get a good night's sleep. If you can identify with the hopeless feeling of tossing and turning all night long, there's a new tool you can try using. Up to 40 million adults in the United States suffer from stress and anxiety according to the National Institute of Mental health.

Rather than relying on medications, some anxiety sufferers are getting the help they need to cope with their symptoms and get much-needed rest. Though it sounds so simple, these blankets are highly effective in some cases of anxiety. They induce Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation (DTPS), which mimics the same type of results you may feel after a refreshing body massage.

According to Dr. Temple Grandin, Ph.D., this Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation, "is the type of surface pressure that is exerted in most types of firm touching, holding, stroking, petting of animals, or swaddling.” Since pets and babies respond so well to these forms of touch, researchers started wondering if they could recreate the feeling with weighted blankets for kids and adults.

Occupational Therapist Karen Moore has words of high praise for weighted blankets. She calls them "powerful tools for helping people who are anxious, upset, and possibly on the verge of losing control.”

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You may be wondering what makes these blankets so comforting and soothing to those suffering from anxiety. The answer lies in our hormonal makeup. When you feel the pressure of a loving touch or hug, it can actually cause your body to produce serotonin, which is known to be a mood elevator. This hormone, which is also found in warm milk, produces melatonin, which relaxes you and helps you fall asleep. 

Weighted blankets get their weight from plastic poly pellets that are sewn into compartments that are distributed uniformly throughout the blanket. They come in different weights to meet the individual needs and preferences of different patients. The commonly recommended weight for adults is from 15 to 30 pounds.

Since growing in popularity, weighted blankets are now being produced more rapidly. These blankets come in a range of styles, weights, and price ranges. Try to find one that's right for you.

Before you decide to spend money on a weighted blanket it's important to talk to your doctor to see if this solution would be best in your particular situation.

Have you ever tried a weighted blanket? What do you think about this possible way to treat anxiety and insomnia? We'd love to know your thoughts! Pass this article along to help raise awareness of this exciting treatment option!

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation with your doctor. Your health is important to us!