What Is a Stress Relief Blanket – Do They Work?

Stress is a common companion nowadays, and one way to deal with a rough day is to have a good sleep. A calming blanket may help you with that. These specialized blankets are said to have a calming effect, aren’t they? Let’s check this out! This article outlines all the nuts and bolts of stress relief blankets and the benefits they may bring.

Understanding Stress Relief Blankets

Stress relief blankets or anxiety blankets are products meant to help an individual relieve stress by applying pressure from the cover to the body. There are different stress relief blankets; the most popular type is the weighted blanket. Other types include cooling blankets for those who tend to oversweat. You can also find electric blankets that provide warmth. Weighted blankets use additional materials such as glass beads or plastic pellets. These features turn a cover into a heavy blanket. The weight is spread across the blanket, so it feels like you are being hugged tightly. Some cooling blankets employ moisture control fabrics or gel inserts. These features help control the body temperature. Electric blankets use heating units. Some people find this heat soothing.

The idea of getting a blanket for enhanced comfort is not new. The principle behind stress relief blankets is similar to wrapping a newborn in a baby blanket. A baby in its blanket feels comfortable and relaxed, like an adult, and can be relieved by the gentle pressure of an anxiety blanket. This connection shows that touch and pressure are important senses comforting regardless of the person’s age. The only significant difference is that while babies cease to use swaddling as they grow older, adults continue to derive comfort from weighted blankets.

The Science Behind Stress Relief Blankets

The idea behind stress relief blankets, especially the weighted ones, is based on a treatment method known as Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation (DTPS). This technique involves using light and evenly spread pressure on the body. All of these contribute to a soothing impact on the autonomic nervous system. DTPS stimulates the production of serotonin – a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of happiness. The pressure from the blanket may assist in decreasing cortisol levels, the body’s main stress hormone. This increases serotonin levels and reduces cortisol levels, which can help to calm down and relieve anxiety.

Potential Benefits of Stress Relief Blankets

Reduced Anxiety and Stress

The subtle pressure from a blanket can give a feeling of safety and coziness, which can effectively calm down a busy mind. For those who struggle with chronic stress or anxiety disorders, stress relief blankets may be useful as a non-drug approach to managing the symptoms. A self-soothing blanket can help you stay calm when feeling tense, for example, before a presentation or during a storm. The weight of the cover plays a comforting factor that helps the user feel more grounded.

Improved Sleep Quality

Using a heavy blanket may reduce the time it takes to fall asleep. For people suffering from insomnia or similar sleep disorders, a stress relief blanket could help them create a healthy sleep environment. The pressure from the weighted blanket may also decrease the amount of movement during the night. This is good for getting better sleep. After using the calming cover, you may wake up feeling more rested. Pain Relief and Management Stress relief blankets can be useful in relieving some forms of pain. The light, dispersed force may alleviate muscle spasms and let muscles relax. This may come in handy for those with chronic pain. The weight of the blanket may also be comforting in the case of fibromyalgia or restless leg syndrome.

How to Choose the Right Stress Relief Blanket

There are several things to consider when choosing a stress relief blanket. As for weighted blankets, they should be about 10% of the person’s weight. However, there’s significant variation depending on personal preference. Some people will prefer lighter or heavier covers. Size is another factor that has to be taken into account. The blanket should be large enough to cover the body without being too big. Otherwise, covering the body with the blanket will become a struggle. The choice of material may influence how comfortable you feel when wearing a cover. Check how warm or cool the product makes you feel. For those who easily overheat, a cooling blanket or fabric that circulates air over the skin is the one. Electric blankets can be advantageous for individuals who find warmth soothing. Follow all safety guidelines to prevent unwanted overheating or electrical hazards.

Potential Drawbacks and Precautions

Although stress relief blankets benefit many people, they are unsuitable for everyone. People with some medical conditions, including respiratory disorders or circulatory disorders, should consult with a doctor before using a weighted blanket. There’s also a risk of overheating, particularly using weighted or electric blankets. Users should regulate their body temperature and make necessary changes to the environment or the product. To others, the weight of the blanket might feel uncomfortable or restrictive rather than calming. Cost can be a consideration as well. Stress relief blankets are quite expensive when compared to other products of similar quality. You should weigh the potential benefits against the financial investment.

Alternative Stress Relief Methods to Consider

Stress relief blankets are not the only way to cope with stress and anxiety. Some other interventions include meditation, mindfulness, exercise, and relaxation techniques. You can try deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation. Some people require more than one of these approaches, perhaps in combination with using a stress relief blanket. Always seek advice from your doctor when planning for stress management, especially if you’re suffering from chronic stress or anxiety disorder.

Conclusion

Weighted blankets are incredibly useful for reducing stress, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Although scientific research is still limited, there are dozens of customer feedback about the perks of such a cover. However, as with any wellness product, consumer experiences may be different. Once you try a stress relief blanket, you can determine whether it might be a valuable addition to your wellness toolkit.

Author: Thomas Brown