Anxiety sufferers may have an effective, non-medication solution to their anxious feelings. A weighted blanket, such as those made by Yogibo, are being touted as a natural way to calm anxiety, both in adults and children. Although no scientific studies have conclusively found that weighted blankets relieve anxiety, many people with anxiety who have used this tool have experienced a decrease in their symptoms. Here’s why weighted blankets are gaining in popularity among anxiety sufferers.
They’re Safe
As you know, just about all medications have some side effects and sometimes, these side effects are almost worse than the original condition. This can be true for some anxiety medications, which some people report make them feel like zombies. In some cases, we aren’t even sure of the long-term safety of certain drugs that are being used to treat anxiety.
For this reason, anxiety sufferers who are seeking a medication-free solution to their anxiousness are turning to weighted blankets. There are no side effects to using a weighted blanket to calm your body and mind. You simply curl up under the blanket and let the gentle pressure engulf you in an anxiety-relieving hug.
Weighted blankets are especially good for children, who may not be old enough to take traditional anxiety medications. Whenever your little one is feeling anxious or acting out because they don’t know how to tell you they’re anxious, a weighted blanket may be a good option to try.
They Work Almost Instantly
Many people who have used weighted blankets to calm their anxiety report that their anxious feelings begin to dissipate almost as soon as they wrap themselves in the blanket. This may be because when the skin is exposed to pressure, the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine rush to the brain to take it out of its threatened state and into a calm, safe state. Just as a hug from a friend can calm you down when you’re feeling distressed, so too can a weighted blanket.
You also don’t have to stay under the blanket for very long to get the benefits. One study found that 62% of adults experienced a significant reduction in anxiety after lying under a weighted blanket for just five minutes. So, if you get anxiety before a big meeting or before going on stage, wrap yourself in a weighted blanket for between five and 10 minutes prior to the event and calm yourself down.
They Help You Sleep
Anxiety sufferers are also often insomnia sufferers. Their anxious feelings keep their minds running constantly, which gets in the way of a good night’s sleep. Adding a weighted blanket to your bed may help you shut down your brain and allow you to fall asleep naturally. Studies have found that a weighted blanket not only improves the quality of your sleep, but may also help you stay asleep longer as well.
Conclusion
Though the science on using weighted blankets to reduce anxiety isn’t yet settled, there’s no harm in trying one to see if it works for you. It’s possible you might discover a new way to treat your anxiety without using medication. Just be sure not to quit taking any medication you’re currently on without talking to your doctor first.
Article Submitted By Community Writer
