There comes a time in almost every person’s life in which he or she will struggle with stress and anxiety. Everyday situations, work and the baggage of all the relationships we handle in our lifetime are almost always overwhelming. Moreover, all of this has an impact on our nervous system, body, and therefore, on our overall mental and physical health.
Numerous studies show that stress and stress-caused insomnia greatly compromise our health and duration of the life span. In fact, they are the main cause of our health issues. Mild or severe, we can always find a way to eliminate them and have a happy and productive life. One of the greatest therapeutic tools among the holistic and natural approaches to the problem is the weighted blanket.
With modern solutions and design, today’s high-quality Baloo weighted blankets should be present in every household. Using it regularly or in times of need, you will allow yourself the benefits of this great therapeutic tool without any side effects.
What is a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket is a blanket that resembles a regular one with addition to the weight of it. Moreover, a weighted blanket should weigh 8-10% of the user’s body, which makes it much heavier than the usual one. The additional weight is provided by glass-made microbeads sewed inside the blanket. They are stored and secured in small pockets that are evenly spread onto the blanket’s surface.
The weighted blanket can be customized for every user in order for the weight to be accurate. Also, modern solutions offer blankets that are made from any preferred fabric, size, and design.
Why is the Additional Weight of the Blanket Beneficial for Human?
The benefits of a hug or touch are universal for all humans and animals equally. Proven with facts and with experience, we know today that the additional weight that a hug adds on our body triggers changes in our nervous system. That is why a hug from a close person is so soothing and calming. Having this in mind, psychiatrists have come to the conclusion that it would be beneficial to their patients if they design a blanket that will mimic a hug and a “grounding” touch.
When the exact amount of pressure or weight is put on the body and provided by the weighted blanket, a person is experiencing what is called a deep touch pressure stimulation –DTP. The DTP stimulates the nerve ending underneath the skin surface and, therefore, triggers consecutive processes in the nervous system. Moreover, it acts like an instant switch between sympathetic (fight or flight response) and parasympathetic (rest and digest state) nervous system.
Both autonomic nervous system departments are using different hormones (chemicals) in order to control the body.
1. Sympathetic nervous system –
it’s triggered by the release of the stress hormone – cortisol. In times when a person is under stress or in a dangerous situation, cortisol is released. This means that the body is ruled by the sympathetic nervous system and controlled by the adrenaline hormone. The body perceives stressful situations as a serious danger and releases signals for the person to either fight or flight. A prolonged state of stress and anxiousness will get the body stuck under the jurisdiction of the sympathetic state.
2. Parasympathetic nervous system –
it’s the rest and digest state of the body. Anytime we are relaxed and calm our body is ruled by the parasympathetic nervous system. The hormones that are released in this state are the so-called happiness hormones- Serotonin, dopamine, endorphins, oxytocin. When the body is in this state it is also able to relax and fall asleep under the influence of the sleep hormone melatonin.
The Weighted Blanket is an Instant Switch to Rest and Digest State of the Body
A prolonged state of stress usually results in anxiety. Anxiety results in panic attacks, insomnia, and restlessness. And we’ve all been there. This is a state in which the body is constantly releasing cortisol and gets stuck under the sympathetic system. This causes damage to the body since it’s unable to bring the balance back and in most situations can’t fall asleep.
The weighted blanket is an instant switch. Once it’s put on the body it signals the parasympathetic system to take over the body functions. The release of the happiness hormones starts. They put the body into a calm and relaxed state. This results in a feeling of satisfaction and happiness. Moreover, these are all powerful chemical reactions that can overrule any worrisome thought and negative feelings.
All the Benefits of Using a Weighted Blanket
Everything that is explained previously in the text leads to several conclusions. The instant relaxation that the body enjoys brings great benefits for the overall health of the person and its cognitive abilities. As a conclusion, here we will list all the benefits you will enjoy from the use of a weighted blanket on a regular basis.
- Keep your body calm and reduce stress
- Deal with anxiety issues and symptoms
- Reduce depression symptoms
- Re-establish healthy sleep-wake cycle
- Reduce insomnia
- Improve concentration and focus
- Helps alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
- Helps with muscle cramps
- Helps in reducing the symptoms of AHDH and autism
