curl up under a weighted blanket It is recommended as a way to reduce insomnia and improve sleep quality. A new review adds scientific credibility to the use of thick comforters and quilts as sleep aids.
A blanket made using extra mass will give you a warm hugging sensation while you sleep. Adding this feel-good factor has three important benefits: boosting mood, reducing dependence on sleeping pills, and improving sleep, according to a study by researchers at Australia’s Flinders University and the University of Adelaide. That’s it.
The team behind the review says there is enough evidence for weighted blankets to be formally recommended by medical experts.
“In occupational therapy, weighted blankets have become common as an assistive technology among many age groups, but there are no current clinical guidelines for their use.” say Suzanne Dawson, an occupational therapist at Flinders University.
The research team looked at 18 previous studies that analyzed the effects of using weighted blankets overnight. Although the studies varied in detail, with participants ranging from one person to 4,092 volunteers, the researchers combined the data to find that weighted blankets had a positive effect on sleep quality, falling asleep faster, and more. It was concluded that there is.
Oddly enough, these findings apply only to adults. Results were even more mixed for children with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) or ASD (autism spectrum disorder) – However, many children stated that they personally found the weighted blanket helpful.
“Parents often reported that when using blankets, their children seemed more relaxed, less anxious, and more focused in daily life. This improved their children’s overall It can have long-term effects on your health.” say Dawson.
Previous research has looked at the benefits of hugs and other forms of human contact, and the way weighted blankets replicate those physical feelings may offer benefits to our bodies. It seems to be.
Researchers say more research is needed to determine the pros and cons of weighted blankets for children. Additionally, when using a weighted blanket for a child with cognitive impairment, it should be something that the young person can easily remove on their own.
This review was conducted with the aim of developing clinical guidelines for the use of weighted blankets and to begin formalizing some criteria for the design of these blankets (in terms of weight, material, etc.).
Although there are some limitations to consider, such as the small number of participants in some of the studies reviewed, using thick blankets is a relatively simple way to improve sleep that most people can try.
“Sleep is a basic human need.” say Dawson.
“Not getting enough can lead to a host of health problems, as well as increasing or worsening the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, and mental health problems.”
This research American Occupational Therapy Journal.
