How a weighted blanket helps get rid of insomnia. Answered by a doctor

How a weighted blanket helps get rid of insomnia. Answered by a doctor

Told in what cases the product can help.

Manufacturers of weighted blankets promise to solve problems with sleep. Is it so?

It is worth starting with the fact that insomnia is not a syndrome, but a symptom that can be caused by anything. From anxiety (which, by the way, can also be a sign of, for example, depleted adrenal glands and imbalance of hormones) to a disorder of the central nervous system, lack or excess of hormones, lack of certain vitamins, etc.

candidate of medical sciences, doctor of integrative, preventive and conventional medicine, nutriciologist

Therefore, it is necessary to solve the problems of night rest deficit only by correcting the root cause. If there are no disorders in the body, a heavy blanket can help to cope with insomnia caused, for example, by stress, problems in personal life and at work, CNS disorders and psychological disorders.

In which cases of “insomnia” a weighted blanket can help

• Minor stress (non-chronic, one-time), a hard day, excitement before a trip or after an active day, feelings of fear, psychological problems.

• Neuropsychiatric developmental disorders, such as ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). Swedish scientists have found that weighted blankets reduce the child’s sleep activity through less contact with the fabric and surfaces. The brain then receives fewer impulses and does not respond to stimuli.

• Some disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Due to the even pressure, the sleep product increases the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, thereby improving homeostasis (self-regulation).
• Mental disorders. Swedish researchers suggest that heavy blankets have a calming effect and reduce the activity of systems in the body.

Who is better off not using heavy blankets?

• First of all, of course, newborns, infants, children under three or four years old.

• Do not use such blankets in apnea (suspension of breathing in sleep) and asthma.

• If there are pathologies of blood circulation – only after consultation with a doctor.

What are the advantages of the product

In general, weighted blankets are not a new technology, but not sufficiently studied. Both doctors and scientists have not come to a consensus on the “effectiveness” of such blankets.

There are several studies, the results of which are summarized in the following conclusions:

1. It is believed that a sound sleep under even pressure promotes the active production of oxytocin and serotonin – hormones that regulate sleep-wake cycles and energy levels. The product also suppresses the production of cortisol, a stress hormone.
2. Using these blankets is comparable to a good massage, except for the spot work on the muscles.
3. A heavy blanket can help you feel safe and secure.
4. Often such products are also hypoallergenic, as they are stuffed with synthetic materials like plastic balls or pellets, sand or metal balls, buckwheat husks.