Over the last few years, weighted blankets have gained popularity thanks to the increased popularity of their benefits. Deep pressure therapy or deep touch therapy is used in weighted blankets. In the simplest form, it refers to a deep level of pressure equally distributed throughout the entire body.
While this may be good for your mental health, on the flipside, are weighted blankets bad for circulation? Do they constrict bloodflow throughout your body?
In addition to their positive effects on your overall health, weighted blankets are also proven to be helpful in treating certain medical conditions. Many people worldwide use them to lower anxiety, autism symptoms, and ADHD symptoms. Some also use them to sleep better. There are some people who have concerns about circulation with a weighted blanket. However, this shouldn’t be an issue. This article provides the answer to help you determine if weighted blankets are suitable for you.
The answer depends on who is using the blankets. Weighted blankets can decrease circulation in patients with circulatory conditions and diabetic problems. This is because their bodies have circulation issues already, and blankets of this kind can exacerbate the problem. Moreover, weighted blankets are not recommended for toddlers since their bodies cannot handle the additional pressure, causing circulation problems.
It is recommended that you stop using the blanket if your child has heart problems, breathing problems, epilepsy, or problems with blood circulation. However, those without heart, breathing, or respiratory issues do not suffer from circulation issues. The purpose of a weighted blanket is to exert pressure on your body.
If they do not, you can’t take advantage of their sleep-enhancing properties. Patients who suffer from insomnia can consequently sleep better and benefit from psychological benefits. Even though your blanket might restrict circulation, your body can easily handle the pressure if you are not suffering from any pre-existing conditions.
You are probably aware of the circulation issues connected to weighted blankets. Let’s take a look at whether it will help you or not. As long as you don’t have issues with your heart or breathing, you can use a weighted blanket if you suffer from the following problems.
Anxiety is a common problem that many people experience. The feeling of unease and worry causes your heart rate and stress level to rise. You might also lose track of what is most important to you. A weighted blanket can ease stress and lower your blood pressure. As a result, they reduce stress levels and heart rate by relaxing the autonomic nervous system.
Some people suffer from insomnia, while others do not. Lack of sleep can result in fatigue sometimes. Getting the right amount of sleep is essential, but it’s also essential to get a restful, rejuvenating sleep. Healthy sleep is also known as good sleep hygiene.
Utilizing a weighted blanket can help to improve your sleep hygiene. The deep touch pressure stimulation of weighted blankets stimulates serotonin, which allows you to sleep faster. With moderate but gentle pressure, it is possible to stay asleep longer and wake up feeling rested.
Lack of focus is one of the most common attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) features. Children and adults may experience this issue. Many people with ADHD have difficulty completing tasks, while others tend to be impulsive and restless.
Weighted blankets, which provide deep touch pressure stimulation, reduce anxiety through a calming, soothing effect. Furthermore, since deep touch pressure is also beneficial for mood and sleep, it is excellent for ADHD sufferers.
DPT lowers cortisol levels in cases of autism disorders, soothing their nervous systems. The occupational therapists discovered that DPT could help, but some people with autism suffer from sensory processing disorders, making it difficult for them to receive touch. For this purpose, squeeze machines, which apply gentle pressure, or heavy lap pads are traditionally used. However, nowadays, weighted blankets are replacing the use of squeeze machines and lap pads.
Those suffering from PTSD often feel constantly in danger. The PTSD sufferer knows that they are safe, but their body still functions in “fight or flight,” especially when triggered. Imagine how exhausting this must be mentally and physically.
Here’s when a weighted blanket comes in handy. Weighted blankets can help people calm down as they calm their central nervous system. Occupational therapists often use weighted blankets to help patients in psychiatric care. Weighted blankets can assist individuals in reducing anxiety and regaining control of their emotions.
Everyone experiences stress, and you do not need to be suffering from chronic stress to feel the negative effects. It doesn’t matter if you’re having a bad day at work, having a fight with your spouse, or having a mountain of bills piling up; stress can wreck your health.
Weighted blankets are effective in reducing stress. Research shows deep touch pressure stimulation therapy is effective for reducing stress. You don’t need an expensive therapist or equipment to get stress relief from a weighted blanket.
For infants, weighted blankets are not recommended. Children’s use of weighted blankets should be accompanied by an adult and approved by their healthcare provider. Furthermore, it is generally recommended that you avoid using a weighted blanket if you have any of the following conditions:
Weighted blankets are sometimes used in conjunction with medical treatment for various conditions, so be sure to ask your healthcare provider what weight, size, and amount of time they recommend. Additionally, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or have any medical conditions, you should consult your healthcare provider before using a weighted blanket. Make sure that your child’s pediatrician is aware of all the risks associated with using a weighted blanket with him or her.
If you don’t suffer from diabetes or pre-existing problems with blood circulation, then a weighted blanket won’t affect your pulse or heart rate. Individuals with pre-existing medical conditions should also stay away from weighted blankets. Among these conditions are diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and obstructive sleep apnea.
Weighted blankets do not raise blood pressure. Additionally, it minimizes the risk of developing other health conditions linked to high blood pressure, such as stress. Studies have shown that people who use a weighted blanket have lower blood pressure, pulse oximetry, and pulse rate.
Also, participants feel calmer and don’t feel restless as they did before. There are also signs of decreased anxiety. Does this mean weighted blankets cause hypertension? Not necessarily. Weighted blankets do not cause high blood pressure because your body eliminates and heals most issues related to high blood pressure.
Weighted blankets are absolutely worth the investment. However, depending on your personal situation, they may not be right for everyone. How important is a good night’s rest to you? Does it seem difficult to fall asleep? Is anxiety difficult to deal with? Or, do you prefer wrapping yourself tightly in your blankets to feel the pressure? If so, you might benefit from sleeping with a weighted blanket.
A weighted blanket may help reduce the pain caused by arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other conditions. Overnight, a weighted blanket stimulates your nervous system and relaxes your muscles. As a result, the tension built up during the day due to stress or prolonged sitting or standing is released.
Does a weighted blanket contribute to poor circulation? Absolutely not! You can actually prevent blood clots from forming using a weighted blanket, which regulates blood circulation. Weighted blankets can dramatically improve your quality of life when used correctly and for the right person.
You can overcome problematic issues like insomnia, anxiety, and depression that affect day-to-day activities. If you do not have any pre-existing medical conditions, you may consider getting a weighted blanket. This will help you enjoy a good night’s sleep while reducing depressive and anxious symptoms.
Mike is one of the lead editors at Weighted Living and the author of this article. He's become fascinated with weighted products (a bit too much we think) and loves to see all the different ways they can improve our loves. He's written quite a few weighted product guides as well.
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Weighted Living features a range of articles, guides, and product recommendations for everything weighted. We believe anyone and everyone, including yourself, can enhance the way they live by simply adding a bit of weight into their life. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
