70% of French people1 report having had sleep problems in the last eight days and 38% of women are particularly affected by this health problem, saying they are dissatisfied with their quality of sleep. To overcome this problem, multiple solutions exist: relaxation, sport, no screens before bedtime… but also weighted blanket ! Here is our top 5.
What is a weighted blanket?
The weighted blanket is a blanket heavier than a classic duvet because it is made and sewn with weights. Most often it is filled with small glass marbles or stainless steel to weigh heavy in the fabric. The weight is evenly distributed throughout, weighted blankets can weigh up to 12kg. According to the recommendations, a weighted blanket should represent around 10% of body weight total: if you weigh 60 kg, you must choose a 6 kg duvet. THE blanket weight triggers a feeling of serenity and wholeness as it simulates the feeling of being hugged in someone’s arms. This immediately reassuring sensation would reduce stress.
A weighted blanket is used in case of insomnia or stress at bedtime. Indeed, this type of heavy cover stimulates the body through deep pressure, allowing the body and mind to relax. Feeling the weight of a weighted blanket is not unpleasant, quite the contrary, the feeling is both comforting and soothing. Once lying under the weighted blanket, the body relaxes, the heart rate slows down, the level of stress and anxiety decreases and the two main hormones of well-being are then produced:
- Serotonin also called happiness hormone, reduces stress and calms tension. This same serotonin is then transformed into melatonin.
- The famous melatonin sleep hormone which puts our body in condition for a good sleep, it helps to fight once morest insomnia and sleep disorders
According to a study2 carried out by Swedish scientists from the Institute of Neurology and Physiology at the University of Göteburg, the results were able to demonstrate that the use of a weighted blanket had a positive effect on sleep people studied. Their sleep was found to be calmer and their body movements were less, indicating a better quality of sleep. Study participants also reported that they felt they slept better and deeper, not less than 63% of adults tested were able to see a reduction in anxiety symptoms following using a weighted blanket.
Why use a weighted blanket?
Use a weighted blanket or therapeutic blanket is a natural way to Find sleep without side effects and without creating dependency or addiction as can be the case with benzodiazepines or sleeping pills. Falling asleep occurs more quickly, more easily, some people also have the feeling of having a more restful sleep.
It is important to choose the right weighted blanket, it should not exceed more than 10% of our weight. We have selected 5 of them:
The Gravity Weighted Blanket
- Excellent quality
- Beau design
- Stimulates by deep pressure
- Machine wash
Cosi Home Weighted Blanket
- Very soft, pleasant to the touch
- Relaxation totale
- Machine wash
- Integrated carry bag
Weighted Blanket Brentfords
- Feeling of serenity and calm
- Child-friendly models
- Keep warm
- Hand washing
Weighted Blanket GNO Solutions
- Solid material
- 100% cotton
- Allows you to breathe and keep you warm
- Machine washable.
Amazon Basics Weighted Blanket
- 8 integrated loops to attach the cover to the cover
- Oeko-Tex certified
- Relaxing and gentle
- Hand cleaning
1. Ifop study: Sleep problems: the evil of the century? A majority of French people concerned.
2. Study of the University of Gothenburg: Evaluating the Safety and Effectiveness of the Weighted Blanket With Adults During an Inpatient Mental Health Hospitalization
Read also:
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How many hours do you need to sleep to be healthy?
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How to choose the right duvet?
