13 Remarkable Benefits of Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets, as a type of deep pressure therapy, provide numerous advantages such as elevated serotonin levels, decreased heart rate, and many others.

1. Produces a Calming ImpactUsers of weighted blankets often report a soothing effect. For this reason, they are commonly used for those who are stressed or have disorders that cause hyperactivity. Weighted blankets have been proven beneficial in calming a wide variety of individuals, from college students to animals.
2. Enhances Serotonin GenerationA weighted blanket can increase the flow of serotonin to your brain. Serotonin is involved in the sleep-wake cycle by regulating sleep stages and influencing sleep depth. Deep-pressure touch has been shown to stimulate the release of serotonin, enabling the user to sleep more peacefully and soundly.
3. Reduces Nervous System ActivityWhen the autonomic nervous system is overly active, it can lead to anxiety, hyperactivity, and numerous other problems. Weighted blankets can put your nervous system into a “rest mode,” alleviating the effects of anxiety such as shortness of breath or a rapid heart rate.
4. Decreases Nighttime MovementIf you find yourself tossing and turning at night due to anxiety, a sleep disorder, or other reasons, having a weighted blanket on top of your body while sleeping can help reduce movement. Studies support this assertion. The “cocooning” gentle pressure provided by a weighted blanket can decrease nighttime movements, resulting in more restful sleep.
5. Eases Symptoms of Restless Leg SyndromeWeighted blankets can relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes involuntary and rapid movement of the legs, usually when a person is attempting to fall asleep. It has been observed that applying pressure to the legs for an extended period can reduce RLS symptoms.
6. Provides Relief for FibromyalgiaPeople with chronic pain, such as those with fibromyalgia, have found comfort through the use of a weighted blanket. The blanket can help ease symptoms while also breaking the cycle of anxiety and depression that often accompanies the illness.
7. Lowers the Incidence of SeizuresNot all individuals who use a heavy blanket will experience the same benefits, but potential positive effects include a reduced occurrence of seizures. Deep pressure stimulation has positive impacts on the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the body to experience an overall sense of well-being.
8. Decreases Heart RateWeighted blankets can lower heart rate. Touch therapy has been found to decrease heart rate, and a weighted blanket simulates touch therapy, offering similar advantages. The calming and grounding effect can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety or other illnesses that cause a rapid heart rate.
9. Comforts Panic DisordersWeighted blankets can help individuals feel less anxious and improve sleep quality, making them a potential option for managing panic attacks. This enables people of all ages to lead more normal lives, get better sleep, and improve in many other respects.
10. Increases a Sense of SafetyWeighted blankets, especially when wrapped around the body to create a swaddling effect, have been shown to increase feelings of safety. This sense can be beneficial in other areas of your life, including improving sleep and even helping with sleep anxiety.
11. Aids in Managing OCD
    Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has been associated with low serotonin levels. As mentioned previously, a weighted blanket can help increase the release of serotonin in the body. Using a weighted vest during the day can be beneficial, but at night, a weighted blanket is ideal.
12. Calms Individuals with Sensory DisordersA weighted blanket can soothe children with sensory disorders. Many parents of children with sensory disorders find that a weighted blanket is a useful tool. This is because of the feeling of comfort and security it offers. The therapeutic relief of a weighted blanket can also extend to those with other developmental disorders.
13. Induces and Improves Studies have shown that people who use a weighted blanket often notice they stay asleep longer, have fewer interruptions during sleep, and experience overall improved sleep. There have also been reports that a weighted blanket can help people fall asleep faster.