So Dr. Angela got a weighted blanket several months ago and she has been using it every, single, night. I’m seeing lots of other people using these and talking about how it’s affecting their sleep.

So let’s talk. What’s the deal with these weighted blankets and how do they work?

First and foremost it is a blanket, typically the size of a throw blanket. However, inside, the blanket is filled with a weighted material such as plastic pellets and they come in all kinds of different weights.

The way that it works is by using the principles of Deep Touch Pressure or Deep Pressure Stimulation to promote relaxation. This can help symptoms that include: autism, sensory processing disorder, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and even depression.

Obviously, with those types of symptoms, there is a multitude of benefits that you can receive by using these. I don’t want to go on forever so I’m going to give you just 3 benefits you can expect from using one of these.

1. Improves sleep Quality: Everything always feels better after a good night’s rest. Not everyone who suffers from poor sleep has actual insomnia. Sometimes it is just the fact that you have a poor quality of sleep. Using a weighted blanket can improve the quality of your sleep through the stimulation of that deep touch pressure principle. It helps to boost the release of serotonin, helping you get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer.

1. Reduces Anxiety: There are 40 million people in the US that deal with the anxiety of some form. With a weighted blanket being very similar to a firm but gentle hug it can help reduce the feeling of anxiety. Some people even use weighted wraps, which are smaller and more portable, in the office or their cars!
   
2. Aids with sensory processing disorder: Sensory processing disorder has been described as an information blockage in the brain that can lead to anxiety and/or panic attacks. This disorder can be especially challenging for children with autism as they don’t know how to explain what they are going through. The weighted blanket can have a significant “calming effect” in children and adults that deal with this regularly.

So there you have it! There are other ways that weighted blankets can help you sleep better but this is a great place to start.

Long story short, if you are having problems sleeping and are looking for a solution that doesn’t involve drugs this is a great place to start.

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