Using a Weighted Blanket Some Tips and Benefits
For me, the weighted banket has been a revelation. I definitely sleep deeper, better, I fall asleep faster after waking up in the middle of the night (when that happens).
You can search the web for the benefits of sleeping with a #weightedblanket. Just like babies get swaddled and it makes them feel safe, adults can also benefit from being “swaddled”. Our version of being “swaddled” is the weighted blanket. You can search its effects for yourself, and you should. Some anecdotally reported benefits of using a weighted blanket are: the feeling of being secure from a weighted blanket may encourage your body to produce feel-good hormone oxytocin which can relieve pain, may help lower stress levels and might alleviate depression while possibly boosting your immune system. It can also help you sleep better at night by encouraging feelings of safety and security.
What kind and size blanket should you use? After consulting with your doctor and clearing it with them, you can shop online for a weighted blanket. I use one that weighs 10% of my body weight. That may not be a bad rule of thumb (I am a 200 pounder and use a 20 lbs. blanket). Also the length and width should be appropriate for your height (I am 6’2” and use an 80”x87” king size blanket).
Note: Young children under the age of 3 or weighing less than 50 pounds should not use a weighted blanket because of the risk of suffocation.
The weighted blanket may not be for everyone Experiment and see. I bought two for my kids, and one of my kids loves it, and the other kid does not (they are 18 & 16).
The one I personally bought is the same as my friend Chad Lefevre, who uses the following blanket and recommended it to me:
#FridayFavorites #adieglgorel