Looking for a new way to reduce insomnia, stress, and anxiety? According to research and first-hand information, gravity blankets can be an effective tool. They exert a gentle pressure that is not much different from the coiling that provides oxytocin hormone secretion. In addition, you can use them anytime in the comfort of your home. In the past, gravity blankets – also known as anxiety blankets – were mainly used by therapists and psychiatrists, but nowadays they are much more common. It is even possible to find gravity blankets for adults and children on the internet and in the markets.
So what’s the deal with these blankets? As you might expect, these are a heavier type of blanket. They offer warmth and comfort as well as therapeutic benefits that you can easily reach on a daily basis. You may have heard of the use of gravity blankets for anxiety and insomnia. How can a blanket affect these common health problems? The idea behind the gravity blanket is that the extra weight it adds to its filling makes it a nice hug for the wearer. Due to the extra fill of the blanket, a lightweight is added that you will not see on your normal blanket. This blanket has a sedative effect on the body, which creates a feeling of relaxation.
Gravity blankets, like all other blankets, come in a variety of colors and fabrics and you can choose from. So what’s in them? Many manufacturers use glass beads or plastic pellets. They can weigh between 2-13 kilograms. Proper blanket weight depends on the weight of the user. In the past, these blankets were made for professional use, but now they are also entering normal homes. It has become more common for adults to use them for anxiety and sleep problems.
Detailed Information About Gravity Blankets
Benefits of Gravity Blankets
How do gravity blankets work? Their potential benefits have not been studied in great detail, but there are many promising results. In a Forbes article, the following lines come to the fore: “Gravity blankets can also alleviate symptoms in people with insomnia, chronic pain, and restless leg syndrome. They are also good for deep psychological disorders and can potentially affect depression sufferers. It also has an impact on people with autism. ”
Do gravity blankets relieve anxiety? It is said to be a very calming tool for anxiety. According to one study, the deep touch of the blanket gives the wearer a sense of security, relaxation, and comfort, which improves anxiety. Although there is not much work on gravity blankets, the feeling of deep touch is said to have a calming effect on both anxious children and adults, autism and attention deficit.
The gravity blanket mimics a hug, which can lead to an increase in the secretion of oxytocin, known as the love hormone, and thus helps to lower heart rhythm and blood pressure. Therefore, it is said to have a calming effect. Further studies are necessary, but some people say that the positive benefits of the blanket mainly stem from the increase in melatonin production and the support of serotonin secretion that increases happiness.
Using a gravity blanket can also improve sleep quality. Raj Dasgupta, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Health, is an associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Southern California, indicates that gravity blankets can help those with chronic pain, anxiety, and depression to sleep better and adds: “It’s like hugging the best for a long time. It’s a good alternative to taking soothing hypnotic medications (sleeping pills) at night.” He also states that these will not solve everything and that good sleep hygiene is necessary.
Gravity blankets are sometimes used in individuals with autism, but in a randomized controlled study of 67 subjects in 2014, gravity blankets did not affect longer sleep, faster sleep and less awakening in children with an autism spectrum disorder. However, the children and their families liked these blankets, and in the process, they were well tolerated.
How to Use and Where to Buy Gravity Blankets?
You can contact the stores or the internet to get them. What is the best gravity blanket? The best blanket is the one with the most suitable weight for its user. How heavy should it be? The most common advice is to determine 10% of your own weight and add a few pounds on it. Read the manufacturer’s recommendations for ideal weight because they can vary. For example, if you cover one more thing, you may not need to add an extra two pounds.
Under ideal conditions, the gravity blanket should comfortably wrap your entire body and thus put equal pressure everywhere. It should fit your body’s length and height. They are not made to replace your existing quilt, but they are also produced in sizes that fit their size. If you are going to buy a gravity blanket the size of your bed, it shouldn’t hang from the sides because it can easily slip to the floor while you sleep.
These blankets can be filled with small balls, pouches, discs, and even flax seeds. They may also be a mixture of these materials and a mixture of materials such as lighter cotton. If you’re looking for a more traditional feel, you might want a blanket with mixed padding. As with standard blankets, it is important to choose one that you will enjoy a wide variety of fabrics and colors. Does it keep it too hot? It may be, but it doesn’t have to be. According to the materials they have a temperature range. The gravity blanket can be used by covering it all over your body or thrown over your shoulders. It can be used while sleeping and awake. The best use will be determined by your doctor’s recommendations and your personal preferences.
Are There Potential Dangers for Gravity Blankets?
Are gravity blankets reliable? Keep in mind that these can be especially dangerous for children. In 2014, a gravity blanket was found to be linked to the tragic death of a 7-month-old baby. In addition, a 9-year-old boy with autism in Canada drowned mainly due to blankets. The use of these blankets in infants is not recommended. If the child is going to use these blankets, it must be under adult supervision and physician approval.
In addition, it is not recommended if you have the following discomforts:
- Diabetes
- Breathing problems such as asthma and sleep apnea
- Blood circulation and blood pressure problems
- Sensitive skin, irritations, and open wounds
- Claustrophobia
If you want to get a gravity blanket as a reinforcing treatment for a medical condition, first consult your doctor for the correct weight, size, and duration of use. Also, if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or have a condition and are taking medication, consult a doctor. Always consult the pediatrician before using it on children.
Gravity Blanket: A Traditional Solution to Anxiety and Sleep Problems
The use of a gravity blanket, which is a natural therapy method that can be used by almost everyone, provides the same relaxation during a massage. Pressure applied to the body not only brings physical relief but also a psychological advantage. The predominant quilt pressure, which is effective on the skin surface, has a relaxing effect, especially in occupational diseases, insomnia, and autism-related problems. Blankets weighing approximately 5-10 kg are suitable for all children from the age of 4 years., young people, adults and the elderly.
Especially in the case of stress management needs, anxiety disorders and anxiety that the urban people are exposed to, human needs can be met with deep touch pressure. This is the desired result to be obtained by wrapping infants in the carriage. All researches show that the use of a gravity blanket gives an effective result in the elimination of emotional disorders. The quilts that distribute their own weight evenly throughout the body give a feeling of embrace and support the feeling of safety. The gravity quilt therapy that embraces you, makes you feel that you are not alone, can be addictive in a short time due to its physical and emotional advantages. While this delicate pressure on the body provides an increase in serotonin, this creates a feeling of well-being. The spontaneous and short-term conversion of serotonin to melatonin means that the body is idle by cortisol suppression.
One’s tending to activities where he/she will feel comfortable in the event of anxiety, tension and stress is a technique used to treat anxiety in natural ways. In clinical studies started especially in children, the use of a gravity blanket has been tried to be used as therapy in candidates with emotional disorders. The result showed that many psychological problems, including insomnia, show signs of spontaneous recovery over time. Stress, which almost controls daily life, negatively affects the quality of human life. Anxiety disorders, which eliminate the pleasure of doing ordinary activities, sometimes seen as the total cause of the destruction of life energy, affect life by affecting the sympathetic nervous system. It is possible to get rid of the problem by providing gravity quilt support during these periods when the body is almost in an alarm state.
How Deep Touch Stimulation Affects the Body?
Deep touch stimulation can be activated in many different ways. The aim of this stage is to increase the hormone melatonin and serotonin naturally. The system, which reduces troublesome cortisol release by suppressing it, is effective in controlling the problems experienced in a short time. Gravity blankets can be used not only when lying down, but also on the shoulders while relaxing or watching TV. Gravity blankets, a recommended method for both adults and children, also help to eliminate the effects of insomnia, which can be described as a type of sleep disorder. Blankets or quilts that act as stimulating the nervous system can be used as a therapy in many diseases including anxiety. Products that are effective in the treatment of fluctuations of emotion, anxiety, mental depression and depression the following day in people who cannot sleep or whose sleep quality is not good can be considered as a physical and psychological sedative.
Gravity blanket models can be used under any conditions and when needed. Those who want to improve their ability to cope with stress can support the increase in melatonin by taking this product on their shoulders while relaxing, at the computer or reading a book. The ability to cope with the problem naturally can be improved by suppressing cortisol secretion, which causes anxiety for various reasons in a short time. A more comfortable, healthy and quality rest period supports the body’s self-renewal and contributes to the strengthening of the immune system.
Does Gravity Blankets Really Provide Psychological Support: A Scientific Approach
When I heard the idea of a gravity blanket that claimed to relax people, reduce stress, and contribute to solving many psychological problems, I remembered my old blanket. For many years, every time I had a hard day, I would go home and relax knowing that I would cover my beloved blanket. Clinging to my heavy blanket made of wool would give me the feeling of hugging someone I love and maybe even myself. I don’t know if my ability to cope with stress has developed or because the blanket is too old, but one day we left with my blanket. When I heard the gravity blanket idea, I felt intuitively close to it. Therefore, I wanted to read the researches on the subject and see if the voice inside me was telling the truth. Do scientific studies support these claims, how can a heavy blanket cause such effects? Continue reading if you are curious about the answers to the questions.
As the name implies, the gravity blanket is a gravity cover. The construction is similar to the construction of the quilt. Just as an equal amount of wool, feather or cotton is laid on the duvet surface, a special material is used which is predominantly on the blanket. For this purpose, just like quilts, a material is placed instead of cotton in the pocket-shaped spaces between two layers of fabric. Thus, the blanket exerts pressure on the body. This additional pressure leads to an unnamed feeling (deep pressure stimulation in English), which we all know quite well. This feeling is most powerful when we embrace each other with the people we love. Embracing leads to a pleasant feeling of being cared for, but the pressure applied during embracing has some positive effects that go beyond being cared for. The deep and overwhelming pressure on the body has a physiological effect that directly helps in sleep disorders, reducing stress and anxiety.
The weight of these blankets generally ranges from 1-1.5 kg to 10 kg. They even weigh more than 10 kg. The recommended amount of weight is determined by age and body weight. Although it is generally recommended that the blanket is of a weight of 7 to 11% of the body weight, it is essential that the person feels better at what weight. Gravity blankets vary depending on the weight and material used but are quite expensive compared to normal blankets. However, if we consider the comparison between the two in terms of their impact, and if the need for psychological support has become a necessity, the gravity blanket is no longer an expensive option.
Using gravity blankets can have many different purposes. These include:
- Alleviating stress and anxiety,
- To regulate blood pressure,
- Balancing the pulse,
- To promote deeper and prolonged sleep.
The pressure created by the weight of the blanket is not restrictive and obstructive but makes it a little difficult to move. The same effect is aimed at the swaddle of babies. With this pressure, the body relaxes, the muscles relax and this makes it easier to fall asleep. Sleeping is easier when blood pressure and pulse are stabilized. Therefore, those who suffer from insomnia are the biggest supporters of gravity blankets. With the movement of the body, the pressure exerted by the blanket leads to a massage-like effect. Applying gentle pressure to the body is one of the best ways to relax the body. Blankets are also designed as a tool that can be used in self-care produced with this basic idea.
Those suffering from:
- Lack of attention,
- Hyperactivity,
- Autism,
- Sleeping disorders
- Restless leg syndrome and
- Nervous system disorders are among those who benefit most from the relaxing and soothing effect of the blanket. In gravity blankets, some tactile elements are used as well as weight. Special fabric, button, special stitches, and patterns, etc. are among them.
The Scientific Explanation Behind Gravity Blankets
When we experience stress, our body reacts physiologically and our sympathetic nervous system is activated. Our bodies go from calm mode to exuberant mode where they prepare for the “war or run” response. The level of stress hormones rises. If we stay in this situation for a long time, that is, if our sympathetic nervous system remains active for a very long time, some health problems may occur. Excessive fatigue, adrenal (adrenal glands) burnout and chronic inflammation, such as an increased tendency to inflammation, and so on are among these. The sympathetic nervous system needs to be balanced with the parasympathetic nervous system, which controls the sensations of sedation and regeneration. This explains why our bodies need peaceful resting hours.
Research has shown that deep pressure on the body activates the parasympathetic nervous system and contributes to regulating hormonal fluctuations by promoting serotonin secretion. These changes in our body reduce stress and anxiety and reduce heart rate and blood pressure. In sleep monitoring tests conducted with the participation of people suffering from sleep disorders, gravity blankets have been observed to prolong uninterrupted sleep time.
In individuals diagnosed with autism, it was understood that the tactile properties contributed to the pressure exerted on the body by gravity blankets. It is often difficult for individuals in the autism spectrum to manage environmental stimuli appropriately. In these individuals, environmental stimuli are a serious source of stress and distress. The use of gravity blankets has been shown to allow both the mind and body to relax by making individuals in the autism spectrum feel safe and safe from the disturbing stimuli of the environment.
How to Make Your Own Gravity Blanket
Gravity blankets are used to cause a relaxing condition that can induce sleep in some individuals. Gravity blankets are designed to create pressure stimulation that promotes the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin helps to calm the brain, relieve anxiety or stress, and help the body achieve a good night’s sleep. The use of gravity blankets is increasing in popularity, and those suffering from insomnia, restless leg syndrome, autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) and bipolar disorder benefit from them. It can be purchased in advance or you can make it to your home on your own, the weight can be adjusted to suit you.
Cut the fabric into uniform square pieces and pin them into one of the blankets by placing them all on the same side. Sew the pieces of cloth, sew the blanket on three sides, and effectively cover one of the blankets with pockets, leaving the top open. Determine the amount of weight you want the blanket to have. You should add 5 to 15 percent of the user’s body weight. For example, if the person planning to use the blanket weighs 120 kilos, it weighs 6 to 18 kilos.
Measure the gravity material and place ¼ of the material in plastic storage bags. Close bags, press to remove as much air as possible. Place the bags in the blanket pockets, and then add a Velcro strip to the pocket tops. This allows you to easily open or close the pockets and adjust the amount of weight in the blanket or remove the laundry weight. Place the second blanket on top. Connect to three sides, leaving one side open. Place the Velcro on the open side of the blanket, giving you access to the interior and weights.
Best Gravity Blankets That You Can Buy Online
- Living Essentials Weighted Blanket with Bamboo Fiber Quilt Cover | (15 lbs, 48″x72″ Twin Size) | Heavy Blanket | 100% Cotton Material with Glass Beads | Dark Gray | Gift Box (Price: $88.90)
- Gravity Blanket Duvet Cover, Works with All Blankets, The Original Weighted Blanket, 48 Inches x 72 Inches, 1 CT, Navy (Price: $65.00)
- Snuggle Pro Premium Adult Weighted Blanket & All-Season Reversible Cover – 15 lbs Heavy Blanket for Sleeping, 60″x80″ Queen Size – Warm Minky | Soft Bamboo Cooling Weighted Blanket (Price: $79.97)
- Quility Premium Adult Weighted Blanket & Removable Cover | 20 lbs | 60″x80″ | for Individual Between 190-240 lbs | Full-Size Bed | Premium Glass Beads | Cotton/Minky | Grey/Grey (Price: $119.70)
- ZonLi Softest Weighted Blanket 12 lbs(48”x72”, Twin Size, Grey), Cooling Weighted Blanket for Adults, 100% Cotton Material with Glass Beads (Price: $55.99)
