{"id":28409,"date":"2018-09-05T07:00:13","date_gmt":"2018-09-05T11:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/restonic.com\/sin-categorizar\/weighted-blankets-help-sleep-better-4569"},"modified":"2024-08-21T11:37:49","modified_gmt":"2024-08-21T15:37:49","slug":"weighted-blankets-help-sleep-better-4569","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/restonic.com\/es\/blog-es\/weighted-blankets-help-sleep-better-4569","title":{"rendered":"Weighted Blankets \u2014 Can They Really Help You Sleep Better?"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"ManAll you need to know about the latest sleep-inducing craze<\/h2>\n

What\u2019s a weighted blanket? It\u2019s a quilted blanket with a fair bit of weight to them because they incorporate pellets, weighted disks or glass beads to add heft (usually about 15 pounds worth). The weight is designed to soothe sleepers using deep touch pressure (DTP) and compression therapy, which help promote relaxation and boosts the release of serotonin and dopamine, the feel-good hormones.<\/p>\n

How do weighted blankets help you sleep?<\/h2>\n

\u201cWeighted blankets feel good to most people because the pressure they provide is often quite calming (the way a hug or a massage can be),\u201d says Dr. Lynelle Schneeberg<\/a>, a clinical sleep psychologist, assistant clinical professor at Yale University and director of the behavioral sleep program at The Sleep Center at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center. \u201cSome people find that they feel less restless in bed, too, when they use them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Dr. Temple Grandin, a renowned animal expert who has autism, was instrumental in their development after conducting research on the calming effects weighted blankets had on animals and humans alike. They are especially popular for use with children who have attention deficit disorder and autism. There has been a fair amount of research done about their effectiveness for these conditions and insomnia\u00a0<\/a>as well.<\/p>\n

What the research says about weighted blankets<\/h2>\n

A 2015 Swedish study found that \u201ca weighted blanket may aid in reducing insomnia through increased tactile and proprioceptive inputs, may provide an innovative, nonpharmacological approach and complementary tool to improve sleep quality.\u00bb Research from 2005 when weighted blankets were becoming more mainstream stated participants had a 63% reduction in anxiety with a 30-lb version and 78% said they preferred weighted blankets as a calming tool.\"\"<\/p>\n

Anecdotal evidence echoes those findings. A reporter for NBC News wrote about her experience\u00a0<\/a>using one to calm her racing mind and found she was less restless and able to sleep through the night with a 15-pound version.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey’re worth a try,\u201d says Dr. Schneeberg, \u201chowever, they can become something that a person becomes dependent on (as a \u201csleep onset association\u201d or \u201csleep crutch). Since they can be heavy and hot (not to mention difficult to pack!) this has the potential to become a problem if you travel.\u00bb<\/p>\n

One option for weighted blanket users is to go the compression route, for a more portable option. She points out that there are some stretchy Lycra bed wraps that can provide a similar sensation without using weight. They\u2019re light, cool and easy to pack. They were developed for kids on the autism spectrum, but an adult could use them too.<\/p>\n

How to buy a weighted blanket<\/h2>\n