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Who Can Benefit from Weighted Blankets?

worried child laying awake in bed clutching mechanical alarm clock

In our everyday lives so many of us struggle with stress; creating anxiety, insomnia and so many other unpleasant symptoms!  There are many options to treat these unwanted side effects of life and among a growing trend is deep pressure therapy provided by weighted blankets. Many ask if they really work, and the short answer is they work for many, but not all.  It is truly a personal preference on the avenue of therapy for which there is no “one size fits all” answer. For those who are considering purchasing one, there is usually the question of “How does it work?”  Let’s take a moment to look into the question. A weighted blanket is able to distribute even weight over the body, in whatever area it is applied, in order to provide ‘Deep Pressure Stimulation’.  But what does that mean?  It is equivalent to being wrapped up in a ‘hug’ which provides physical benefits to the body. On a chemical level, the pressure signals a person’s brain to produce more of the “feel good” neurotransmitters, such as serotonin.  At the same time the “fight or flight” triggers are reduced.  As a result, a person’s heart rate can ease and their blood pressure lower.  This, in itself, can make you feel better in the moment by reducing anxiety.  So many suffer from conditions including PTSD, Bipolar and many more that cause anxiety, and they can benefit from the shift in neurotransmitters.  But what about insomnia? If you need better sleep, or just to be able to go to sleep, the relaxation factor driven by the increased serotonin levels then aid the body into a process of converting the serotonin into melatonin.  And melatonin has been recommended as a supplement to support sleep. So if you simply struggle with anxiety or need a way to relax and sleep better, a weighted blanket might be just what you need! Contact us today to learn about about more strategies that may help your anxiety.