{"product_id":"sleeptherap-weighted-anxiety-blanket","title":"SleepTheraP Weighted\/ Anxiety Blanket","description":"\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people find that adding a weighted blanket to their sleep routine helps to reduce stress and promote calm. In the same way as a hug or a baby’s swaddle, the gentle pressure of a weighted blanket may help ease symptoms and improve sleep for people with insomnia, anxiety, or autism.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-is-a-weighted-blanket--1\"\u003eWhat Is a Weighted Blanket?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeighted blankets are designed to be heavier than normal blankets. There are two styles of weighted blankets: knitted and duvet style. Duvet-style weighted blankets add weight using plastic or glass beads, ball bearings, or other heavy fill, whereas knitted weighted blankets are woven using dense yarn.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA weighted blanket can be used on the bed, couch, or anywhere you like to relax.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"weighted-blanket-benefits-2\"\u003eWeighted Blanket Benefits\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeighted blankets take their inspiration from a therapeutic technique called \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25871605\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\"\u003edeep pressure stimulation\u003c\/a\u003e, which uses firm, controlled pressure to induce a feeling of calm. Using a weighted blanket may have subjective and objective benefits for sleep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProvide Comfort and Security\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeighted blankets are said to work in the same way a tight swaddle helps newborns feel snug and cozy. Many people find these blankets help them doze off more quickly by promoting a sense of security.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eEase Stress and Soothe Anxiety\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA weighted blanket may help manage feelings of stress and \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32204779\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\"\u003eanxiety\u003c\/a\u003e. Since stress and anxiety often interfere with sleep, the benefits of a weighted blanket may translate to better sleep for those suffering from stressful thoughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eImprove Sleep Quality\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeighted blankets use deep pressure stimulation, which is thought to stimulate the production of a mood-boosting hormone (\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/33458912\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\"\u003eserotonin\u003c\/a\u003e), reduce the stress hormone (cortisol), and increase levels of melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep. This may help improve overall \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.sleepfoundation.org\/sleep-hygiene\/how-is-sleep-quality-calculated\"\u003esleep quality\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCalm The Nervous System\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn overactive nervous system can lead to anxiety, hyperactivity, rapid heart rate, and shortness of breath, which are not conducive to sleep. By distributing an even amount of weight and pressure across the body, weighted blankets may calm the fight-or-flight response and activate the relaxing parasympathetic nervous system in preparation for sleep.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlthough many people report improvements from these popular blankets, there is debate as to whether weighted blankets offer all of the benefits that manufacturers claim. As with any product touting medical benefits, it’s wise to proceed with caution.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAnyone who has persistent sleep problems should talk with a doctor, who can best assess their situation and determine whether a weighted blanket could be an effective part of a comprehensive treatment approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"who-can-benefit-from-using-a-weighted-blanket--3\"\u003eWho Can Benefit from Using a Weighted Blanket?\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWeighted blankets have potential benefits for all kinds of sleepers, especially those who experience a high amount of stress or who have certain medical conditions. In particular, weighted blankets may provide therapeutic benefits for those with autism, anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAnxiety and Depression\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany people with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.sleepfoundation.org\/mental-health\/anxiety-and-sleep\"\u003eanxiety\u003c\/a\u003e and depression find themselves trapped in a vicious cycle. Anxiety and depression can negatively affect sleep, and in turn, the lack of sleep exacerbates anxiety and depressive symptoms. The soothing effects of a weighted blanket may help improve sleep for people with these mental health conditions. One study found that weighted blankets helped \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32536366\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\"\u003ereduce insomnia symptoms\u003c\/a\u003e for people with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and ADHD.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eAutism Spectrum Disorders\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy activating the sense of touch, a weighted blanket may help people with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/29097980\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\"\u003eautism spectrum disorders\u003c\/a\u003e focus on the deep pressure of the blanket instead of other sensory stimuli from their surroundings. This pressure may provide comfort and allow them to relax even in situations that may be over-stimulating. Despite a lack of research on the \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/32051244\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\"\u003eobjective benefits for sleep\u003c\/a\u003e, children with autism often \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25022743\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noindex noopener noreferrer\"\u003eprefer\u003c\/a\u003e to use a weighted blanket.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sleep TheraP","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54832643014935,"sku":null,"price":999.0,"currency_code":"ZAR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1022\/5840\/9751\/files\/ec003c6f-0920-4e58-b850-2c0824da45dd.png?v=1788250870","url":"https:\/\/www.crownbrands.co.za\/products\/sleeptherap-weighted-anxiety-blanket","provider":"CROWN BRANDS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}