The Benefits of Using a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets have skyrocketed in popularity over the last two years thanks to their benefits becoming more mainstream.

If you are just hearing about weighted blankets now, don’t worry, we’ll cover everything you need to know about what weighted blankets are, as well as why they are helping tons of people improve their sleep.

The interesting thing about weighted blankets is that they have been around and in use for years with the special needs community. This is a typical pattern for therapeutic products. They are used first for those who need them most, then they slowly become mainstream as people realize that they can benefit almost anyone.

The reason they have become mainstream is that people have started to realize that weighted blankets work for anxiety and typical sleep issues, and aren’t just for children, but work great for adults as well.

Most adults, as well as children, could use a little extra help relaxing and improving sleep. Weighted blankets are great for the following conditions:

Anxiety
ADHD
Autism
SPD
Depression
Restless Leg Syndrome

WHAT IS THE WEIGHT IN THE BLANKET

The material can determine the feeling of the blanket, as well as how easy they are to wash. A weighted blanket can have many different materials that make it heavier. Two of the most common ones you will find are glass beads or plastic pellets. However, you can come across blankets that have rice, millet, or even lead to them (avoid the lead).

We were lucky enough to test out an amazing Duvet style weighted blanket from CMFRT and it has one of the nicest blankets I have seen to date.

WHY DO WEIGHTED BLANKETS HELP?

Mimicking a hug

Research has shown that hugs may make a person feel at ease. When people hug, the body releases the hormone oxytocin. This hormone helps reduce blood pressure, slows the heart, and provides a feeling of relaxation.

The weighted blanket essentially imitates the warmth and security that a hug provides. Both the blanket and hug use a gentle, firm pressure that goes deep within the body giving a sense of repose that allows the body to relax.

Releasing serotonin

Researchers have found that pressure put on the body in certain areas triggers the release of chemicals in the brain, including serotonin, that triggers a reduction in stress while improving mood.

Release of melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone that promotes sleep and helps regulate the sleep cycle. The hormone is linked to the production of serotonin, so the pressure that triggers this chemical will also lead to melatonin production.

Improves sleep

The pressure of the weighted blanket may provide a comfortable environment for a person to fall asleep in.

Theoretically, the blanket is thought to create a sense of being swaddled, and the physical connection that the person feels with the blanket gives a sense of warmth and safety. As a result, the mind eases and the body can relax.

WHAT WE LOVED ABOUT THE WEIGHTED BLANKETS FROM CMFRT

I loved this blanket for many reasons and so did my son, first let’s talk about the proprietary silica blend that promotes even weight distribution without feeling bulky plastic beads. This is so much better than feeling the beads like we have in other blankets.

The blanket also has a warm minky microfiber and a 100% Clima-cool cotton side allow for comfortable use during winter or summer. Let’s be honest most people with sensory issues love soft material there is something soothing about it so this was a major positive for us.

The duvet cover is genius because you can easily take it off and wash it, especially with all of the wonderful germs going around this winter!

I also love the fact that the weighted blankets even come in sizes big enough for adults to fit on a queen size bed!

You can listen to our whole review below as well and see the blanket in action!