What are the benefits of heavy blankets?/ Here's what the study says

2024-12-09 09:18:00, Lifestyle CNA

When the temperatures outside are in the sub-zero, weighted blankets can be a popular choice to keep warm. Some people say that the added pressure helps them calm the worries of the day and fall asleep faster.

But research on the effectiveness of heavy blankets is limited. Here's what you need to know.

What is a heavy blanket?

Heavy blankets come with extra weight in the form of glass beads, pellets, cotton. Scientists haven't studied exactly how blankets work, but they have some ideas.

The firm touch of blankets can calm the brain's fight response, said Dr. Neal Walia, a sleep medicine expert at UCLA Health.

The extra pressure can also signal the brain to release what's called the love hormone, also known as oxytocin. It's produced during bonding and cuddling, and it can also reduce anxiety, Walia said.

For most healthy adults, experts say to choose a blanket that is about 10% of their body weight.

Heavy blankets are not recommended for babies or young children as they can restrict movement and breathing.

People with sleep apnea, sleep-related disorders, or breathing problems should consult a doctor before using a heavy blanket.

Can heavy blankets improve sleep?

There isn't much research on whether heavy blankets actually work, and the studies that do exist are in small groups. Most studies do not focus on average sleepers. Instead, they study whether heavy blankets can help people with chronic sleep problems, mental health conditions or developmental disorders.

There are some suggestions that weighted blankets can help with anxiety, chronic pain, and sleep. But the research is not conclusive.

A study of 120 people with insomnia found that heavy blankets helped them sleep better compared to a light blanket. Another study of 67 children with autism found that the heavy blanket did not affect their sleep at all – but the children and their parents preferred it to a regular blanket.

And a third study of 94 adults with chronic pain found that a heavier weight blanket didn't affect sleep but was better at reducing pain compared to a lighter weight blanket.

Although there isn't yet strong evidence to support the benefits of heavy blankets, sleep experts say there's nothing wrong with giving them a try.

Dr. Daniel Barone, a sleep medicine expert at Weill Cornell Medicine, suggests it to his patients after therapy and medication.

Taken from the Associated Press