Everything you need to know about weighted blankets

You may have seen online and in the news that weighted blankets are popping up here, there and everywhere, but what exactly are they and what is all the fuss about? Insomnia and restless sleeping are on the rise. Many people are finding that stresses and strains from everyday life are preventing them from being able to switch off and causing anxiety.  Here we’ll explain the benefits, and why investing in a weighted blanket may be something to consider.

First things first, what exactly is a weighted blanket? Known also as a pressure blanket or gravity blanket, these have been developed initially to assist those suffering with sensory-processing disorders such as autism, as a natural therapy form to ease their stress and calm their anxieties. The weighted blanket creates a swaddling sensation, which causes the body to relax as it feels secure. 

Reminiscent of a hug, the weight of the blanket is thought to ease the effects of anxiety and present a sense of calm. The glass microbeads gently and evenly push your body downwards, replicating the feeling known as 'grounding', which in turn alleviates stress and stimulates deep pressure touch.

Not only do they have a positive effect on hormones and bring a relaxed-like state, but they are also very helpful to those suffering from sleep problems. The swaddling sensation grounds the sleeper and can promote less anxious-thinking and restlessness. 

Research has also been shown that they can help with depression, anxiety, PTSD, stress, restless leg syndrome, and other pain elements.

In addition to better sleep and more relaxed quality of life, you may be wondering what else can this blanket do?

You may have heard of the hormone melatonin, but to give you a quick science lesson, it’s a hormone that is proven to help regulate our sleep cycle and is praised for promising a good night’s sleep. Melatonin is closely linked with serotonin, which is triggered by using a weighted blanket, which hand in hand causes melatonin to be released.

For those who suffer from panic attacks, using a weighted blanket can help during symptoms. The grounding sensation that we’ve described, pushes your body down and stimulates deep pressure touch, which in turns causes the body to react and releases a calming feel.

When travelling, anxiety can rear its ugly head and make even the simplest commute debilitating. Not only that but when going on holiday, which should feel relaxing and exciting, can end up feeling like the worst place to be. With unfamiliar places and packed planes and potentially a language barrier it can be a highly stressful situation for anxiety sufferers. 

On your next holiday, try taking a weighted blanket for when you’re struggling and enjoy a moment of calm amongst the hustle and bustle. 

The elderly can adopt different sleep patterns as they spend more time at home, especially by taking naps during the day, making it more difficult to switch off at night. Reviews have shown that sleeping with a weighted blanket can improve your sleeping patterns and help you drift off sooner. If purchasing for an elderly person, we’d always recommend ensuring that the size and weight are correct, and never leave them unattended whilst using one.

We’ve launched a beautifully soft cover that can encase your throw to give it a cosy feel, so wrap up and feel the comfort. Not only that, but it's also beautifully textured and welcome addition to your bedroom look and feel. 

We hope that you found this helpful, but please don’t hesitate to contact our Sleep Expert in customer service if you have any further questions. If anxiety and problems sleeping are something that you’re struggling with, read our tips here.

Browse our weighted blankets sizes and weight options today, and see what all the fuss is about. Also, shop our luxury bedding to create your perfect sleep haven, and drift off night after night.