An ordinary blanket, as it turned out, has a wonderful ability to relieve anxiety and sleep problems. Where did this treatment come from and how does it work?
In the Scandinavian countries, fishermen who survived the wreck of the ship were relieved of nightmares in the old folk way. They were covered with many blankets, and they gradually returned to a calm, deep sleep.
Perhaps it was this folk method of rehabilitation that prompted scientists to try using extra weight in blankets to relieve stress. The first tests showed the effectiveness of the method. 62% of subjects with PTSD confirmed that their condition improved after the first week of using weighted blankets.
The Swedish scientific journal Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine published the results of an experiment in the treatment of insomnia in people with nervous and mental disorders. According to the results of the study, it was found that the use of a weighted blanket has a positive effect on the quality of sleep.
In addition, during the day, the participants in the experiment felt alert and full of energy.
Elevated levels of cortisol adversely affect the immune system, disrupts the functioning of the digestive organs. It is assumed that the decrease in cortisol levels occurs due to the relaxation of the body. And gentle pressure helps to relax.
Cortisol decreases – the production of the so-called happiness hormones – dopamine and serotonin, which allow you to cope with stress, immediately increases.
If you count elephants before dawn or worry over trifles, you should try to hide from unrest under the covers.
Blanket therapy is also good because it does not require constant medical supervision and can be done at home.
How to choose a duvet that is right for you? Doctors have formulated two important criteria for the correct selection of blankets:
- Blanket weight. It should be between 5 and 10% of a person’s weight.
- Composition of fabrics and fillers. It is better to choose a blanket made from a natural fiber, such as 100% breathable cotton. Polyester and other synthetic fabrics are also fine, but they still provide additional thermal impact, which is not always good for everyone.
To clarify what weight is best for you, a doctor who is familiar with the state of your health, psyche, and nervous system will help.
There are practically no contraindications for the use of heavy blankets. However, you should consult your doctor in the following situations:
- the presence of a chronic disease in the acute stage;
- menopause in women;
- problems with blood vessels, blood circulation;
- breathing problems (asthma, chronic bronchitis, recent pneumonia);
- problems with thermoregulation – painful reactions to heat or, conversely, coolness.
A blanket, of course, is not a panacea for all ills. And if after 4 weeks of use you do not notice any improvement, then you need to see a doctor to adjust the treatment plan. However, starting with such a simple and pleasant way is not forbidden.
And if you count elephants before dawn or worry about nothing, you should try to hide from worries and anxieties under the covers. They will not go away forever, but you will be able to enjoy life again and sleep like a baby.