As it gets colder outside, in weight The blanket Be a popular choice for heating. Some people say the extra stress helps them reduce daytime worries and fall asleep faster.
But research on the effectiveness of weighted blankets is limited.
Weighted blankets come with added weight in the form of glass beads, pellets, cotton or some other filling. Scientists haven’t studied exactly how blankets work, but they have some ideas.
The firm touch of a blanket can calm the brain’s fight-or-flight response, said Dr. Neil Walia, a sleep medicine specialist at UCLA Health.
“Evenly distributed weight on you tells your body, ‘Hey, you’re in a calm environment,'” he said.
Extra stress can also signal the brain to release the love hormone, also known as oxytocin. Valia said it is produced during bonding and cuddling, and can also reduce anxiety.
For most healthy adults, experts say choose one. The blanket That is about 10% of their body weight. So a 150-pound person might choose a 15-pound blanket.
Weighted blankets are not recommended for babies or toddlers because they can impede movement and breathing.
People with insomnia, sleep-related disorders or breathing problems should consult a doctor before using a weighted blanket.
Blankets are not for everyone and everyone gets the best out of their blankets differently. For example, some people may find them too hot to use in the warmer months.
And extra swaddling comes at a price: Standard weighted blankets can range from $50 to $300, depending on size, weight and material.
While she is watching TV or drinking a glass of wine, James takes her out of the closet to open it.
Lucy Taylor, a freelance writer from Wales, uses her blanket to fall asleep when her anxiety flares up in the winter.
“If my body is relaxed, my mind follows,” she said.
Can weighted blankets improve sleep?
There isn’t a ton of research on whether weighted blankets really work, and the studies that do exist are on small groups. Most studies do not focus on average sleep. Instead, they investigate whether weighted blankets can help people with chronic sleep problems, mental health conditions or developmental disorders.
There is some indication that weighted blankets may help with anxiety, chronic pain, and sleep. But the research is not conclusive.
A study of 120 insomniacs found that weighted blankets helped them sleep better than light blankets. Another study of 67 children with autism found that a weighted blanket didn’t affect their sleep at all – but the children and their parents preferred it over a regular blanket.
And a third study of 94 adults with chronic pain found that heavier blankets didn’t affect sleep, but were better at reducing pain than lighter ones.
While there’s still no strong evidence to back up the benefits of weighted blankets, sleep experts say there’s nothing wrong with trying them if you’re willing to splurge.
Dr. Daniel Baron, a sleep medicine specialist at Weill Cornell Medicine, recommends it to his patients after other traditional treatments and medications.
“If it doesn’t hurt and it can help, it’s worth a shot,” he said.