4 Surprising health benefits of using a weighted blanket

In the myriad of fads in the health and wellness industry that come and go causing more harm than good, it seems though once in a while there are some that come to stay. Although it has entered mainstream use just recently, the weighted blanket is not a modern innovation and certainly not a trend 🙅

Used for centuries in acute psychiatry for the myriad of benefits it provides, today it is available in many modern forms to all seeking proper support for mental and physical health. 

The positive press the weighted blanket has received over several years has made this therapeutic tool very popular and one of the most purchased therapeutic products available. Accordingly, many brands have presented weighted blanket solutions that are modern, minimal and effective 😯 A Baloo Living queen size weighted blanket is one choice that provides a clean, simple and effective solution for people seeking improvement of their overall health with the effects of the weight.

Among some of the primary benefits of the blanket provides that we’ve all read about somewhere, like stress and anxiety relief as well as a sleep aid, a weighted blanket brings many additional, not-so-obvious advantages. Pretty amazing and surprising indeed, in order to understand how these benefits occur, we should first take a look at how the blanket performs and what are the provided effects so we have facts behind the words 😀

The blanket and the effects

Simple as it can be, a weighted blanket resembles a regular one with the main difference in weight. The additional weight of the blanket is provided by microbeads sewed in small pockets over the sheer surface of the blanket. The number of microbeads added determines the overall weight of the blanket 🛏

The idea behind the weighted blanket is for it to resemble a hug, the comforting, grounding feeling that the touch of another human’s body brings. Moreover, the pressure that the blanket puts on the body resembles the same positive effects of a hug that is universal to all humans 🤗

The slight pressure that is put onto the body when snuggled under the blanket stimulates the nerve endings beneath the skin. Scientifically called the deep pressure touch, this stimulation of the nerves signals the central nervous system that the body is safe and secure 🥰 Consequently, the nervous system activates the parasympathetic nervous system also known as the “rest and digest” state, that puts the body to rest promoting feelings of calmness, relaxation and induces deep sleep. 

Resulting in decreasing stress and anxiety feelings, and helping a person to sleep better, these effects have proven to bring excellent benefits.

So, what are some of the other not-so-obvious advantages of using a weighted blanket? Let’s take a look.

1. Mood improvement

From what was explained previously we are now aware that the blanket acts as a switch for the nervous system. Instantly activating the work of the parasympathetic system means increased levels of “happiness hormones” 🤩 Moreover, the parasympathetic system uses certain hormones that make chemical reactions relevant to the achievement of the rest and digest state. These hormones are endorphins, dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin. The elevation of the levels of these hormones brings a positive mood which is why they are mostly called the hormones of happiness. These powerful chemical reactions promote the feeling of satisfaction, calmness, happiness, thus making a person feel content. Note that the chemical reactions inside our body are way more powerful than any worrisome thought, therefore, it is safe to say the blanket is your happy place 🥰

2. Improved memory and focus

We all know from personal experience how the quality and duration of sleep affect our day at work, our productivity and focus. When regularly using a weighted blanket for a night’s sleep, most sleep problems will be eliminated 😴 Not only that the problems will be solved, but the effects of the blanket increase the quality of the sleep time. In simple words, as the blanket keeps the body relaxed and at peace for a long time it contributes to brain health improvement. Consequently, in time, our memory and focus will improve and we can enjoy a clear overview of the work and sharp mind to perform any task with excellence 👍

3. Increased concentration

Known to be used in the treatment of ADHD and mostly in kids, a weighted blanket has proven to be an effective tool for increased concentration. Many users that are performing daily tasks that require exceptional concentration and focus, decide to use the support of the blanket while working 💻 Putting the blanket on your lap or over your shoulders when reading, learning, and working, will help increase the concentration. Of course, this is also related to hormonal changes. The hormones released from the pressure are directly related to improved concentration. It’s simple: are you able to perform better when you are happy or stressed? Yes, it’s the effect of happiness hormones that support success! 🤩

4. Prevents the development of mental stress

Truth to be told, anxiety, stress disorders and even depression are very common these days 😔 It’s totally obvious why people have reached out to therapeutic tools such as the weighted blanket. The stressful and fast-paced lifestyle leaves no one immune to developing common mental instability. Moreover, these mental states are mostly caused by the reduced secretion of happiness hormones. It all starts with the stress that if it becomes constant the body loses the balance and it is unable to ever get back to rest and digest state 😕

When under stress for a longer period of time the levels of stress hormones in the bloodstream elevate rapidly leaving the body unable to relax and fall asleep. Moreover, the body is stuck in constant alert feeling and the health problems that occur out of this state are numerous. Regular use of the blanket can help the body find the balance between the sympathetic and parasynthetic system changes back, thus eliminating the possibility of developing a mental disorder or illness 🛌