Top 5 Reasons to Try a Weighted Blanket

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Top 5 reasons to try a weighted blanket or weighted lap pad

 

What is a weighted blanket?

It is a heavy blanket filled with pellets that help distribute weight evenly across the body to promote relaxation.

Weighted blankets have long been used in the occupational therapy field as an aid for children on the autism spectrum and those suffering from attention deficit disorder (ADHD) or sensory issues. Similar to cuddling, hugging or squeezing, the blankets or pads provide deep pressure therapy that helps to calm the body and reduce the physical effects of stress, such as a raised heart rate and high blood pressure.

 

Top 5 reasons to try a weighted blanket

1/ Stress and anxiety

Stress manifests in the physical body in ways such as raised heart rate, short, shallow breathing and increased blood pressure. The deep pressure touch provided by weighted blankets can help reduce stress and anxiety by lowering the physiological indicators of stress. It also promotes the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate certain brain functions such as mood regulation, sleep, and memory. This helps the body to naturally switch from the parasympathetic nervous system (“fight or flight”) to the sympathetic nervous system (“rest and recover”).

2/ Insomnia

The positive calming effects of weighted blankets can also have a positive impact on sleep time and behaviour, allowing you to sleep longer and deeper.

3/ A complementary tool for many psychological, physiological and neurological conditions

It is not surprising then, that the calming effect of weighted blankets can be beneficial to people suffering from a wide range of conditions such as restless leg syndrome, depression, bi-polar, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), sensory processing disorder, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, neurological problems and even menopause.

4/ Chronic pain

Acute pain is usually a signal to the brain that an injury has occurred. Chronic pain is different, as it can last for months or even years after an injury occurred, often completely independent of the original injury or medical condition that started it. Chronic pain can lead to anxiety, irritability, poor sleep and depression. The deep pressure therapy provided by weighted blankets can be beneficial to those suffering from chronic pain by reducing stress and helping them sleep.

5/ Tool for self-regulation

Children who experience sensory overstimulation experience very real physiological symptoms. Weighted blankets can be used as a tool to promote regulation, calming and re-focusing. Children can easily use a weighted blanket to drape around their shoulders or their legs when seated, or covering their bodies when lying down. It can lower stress and provide a coping strategy for times when they feel anxious.

 

How much weight do I need?

For adults, it is recommended to use a blanket that weighs about 10% of their body weight. It is a matter of personal preference, though, and probably a good idea to try a couple before settling on the one you want.

It is not recommended to let children use weighted blankets unsupervised under the age of 6. Even then, children should be able to remove the blanket independently.

If you have a medical condition, it is recommended to consult a doctor or occupational therapist before using a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets are a complementary tool and should not replace medication and appropriate medical supervision.

 

What is a weighted lap pad?

A weighted lap pad is a sensory tool that applies deep pressure touch to the legs while seated. It functions much like a weighted blanket, but is smaller in size. The weighted lap pad is often used for its calming, grounding effect that allows the user to focus for longer.

 

Top 5 reasons to try a weighted lap pad

1/ Focus

The weighted lap pad applies deep pressure touch to a person’s legs, providing a calming, grounding effect and can help with focussing for longer. Many people claim that it helps them when studying, writing or working.

2/ Affordability

Weighted blankets can be expensive and weighted lap pads provide a more affordable option.

3/ Easier Washing

Lap pads are usually easier to clean due to their smaller size. Many weighted lap pads will have removable covers that are machine washable.

4/ More Discreet

Their smaller size also means weighted lap pads are a more discreet and comfortable option for the workplace. It is also easier to take it with you to work or school.

5/ Meditation tool

The calming, grounding effect of the weighted blanket can also be used as a meditation tool. Whether you meditate sitting in a chair, on the floor, or lying down, the weight of the lap pad can help you focus on the here and now.

Things to consider when choosing a weighted blanket or lap pad

Fabric – The fabric should be soothing but not overly distracting. A soft, plush fabric is usually a good choice.

Washing – Is it easy to wash? Some weighted blankets have removable weights to make the cover machine washable. Some are washable with the weights still inside but you should check that it is not too heavy to be washed in your washing machine. Weighted lap pads will often have removable, machine washable covers.

The Warm Buddy Warming Blanket

The Warming Blanket is 15″ x 19″ in size and weighs 4.5 lb. It can be used as a weighted lap pad when seated, or on the torso while lying down. You can also drape the Warming Blanket over you hips, lower back or any area of your body where you are experiencing aches and pains. It applies deep pressure touch to the body, helping to reduce the physiological indicators of stress.

The Warming Blanket can also be heated in the microwave for the added benefit of heat therapy, helping to reduce aches and pains and improve sleep. You could also add a few drops of essential oil to the heat pack after heating.

All Warm Buddy heat therapy products have undergone extensive testing and are recognised and sold as a Class 1 Medical Product.

The cover is made from a luxurious, soft fabric and is machine washable.

The Warm Buddy Warming Blanket is proudly made in Canada.

Sweet Dreams: 7 Reasons Why Sleep Is Good For You

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A recent study revealed that one in three Canadians is sleep-deprived. Given the known links between quality of sleep and mental and physical health, this is a very worrying statistic that needs to be addressed. Raising an awareness of the importance of sleep is vital, together with ways in which you can regularly sleep well. Scented heat wraps are very effective at promoting sleep, for example. Keeping electronic devices and other forms of stimulation out of our sight at bedtime is also crucial. 

Benefits of sleep to our health

Finding ways of getting to sleep seem tricky. However, heat therapy can be very helpful in this respect. Heat increases oxygen flow around the body, easing any aches and pains whilst also helping you calm your mind and ‘switch off’. Simply place a heat wrap on any areas of tension and relax into it.

To be well rested, we need to go through two stages of sleep: ‘quiet’ sleep, during which we gradually enter deeper and deeper levels of sleep, and Rapid Eye Movement (REM), which is when we dream. These stages all play a huge role in our physical and emotional health:

1. Sleep improves our mood

Sleep quality suppresses activity in the amygdala, which is the part of the brain responsible for emotions. By doing so, we are less likely to wake up feeling agitated or depressed, but rather refreshed and positive about the day ahead. One way of helping your mind to relax is to put all electronic devices away and allow yourself to enjoy the comfort of your bed. In this way, it is important to ensure that you have a supportive, high-quality mattress. There are various types of materials and sleep-inducing cushioning to choose from and it is worth putting the time into doing so.

2. Sleep makes you strong

It may be surprising to know that during sleep, your muscles are growing. While you sleep, your body repairs all the tissues in your body, including muscles. It creates more of the growth hormones testosterone and melatonin, resulting in stronger muscles. Adequate sleep is therefore particularly important for bodybuilders; you can’t just rely on the gym and diet.

3. Sleep helps keep weight down

Studies show that you are 55-89% likely to gain weight if sleep-deprived, depending on your age. Sleep deprivation disrupts the hunger hormones leptin and ghrelin, resulting in higher consumption of calories. It is also the case that tiredness results in people reaching out for a quick sugar-fix, which means more calories.

4. Sleep improves our memory

Research suggests that memory consolidation takes place during sleep. This is when our brains process short-term memories and convert them into long-term ones. This includes learning new skills: sleep helps us to retain new information. A lack of sleep does not allow enough time for this process to happen, resulting in a hazy head and forgetfulness.

5. Sleep makes you more creative

Recent research has revealed how the brain reorganizes memories during the consolidation process. This can often boost creative in people – thanks no doubt in part to feeling refreshed and energised.

6. Sleep strengthens your immune system

The fourth and final stage of ‘quiet’ sleep is the most crucial for ensuring you feel energised when you wake. Your muscles are at their most relaxed and your breathing and heart rate slow right down. These physiological changes strengthen your immune system, putting you at less risk of illness and burnout.                       

7. Sleep improves your reaction times

This is quite straightforward really. If you have not slept enough, you are likely to feel lethargic when you wake. This means you will be slower to react to sudden movements or noises. Being well rested therefore makes you safer, particularly in potentially dangerous situations like driving.

Make time for sleep each night. It is as important an activity in your daily life as what you eat and drink and the amount of exercise you do. The role it plays in your emotional and physical health is crucial.