When it comes to blankets, most property managers and guests will think of those made with 100% cotton or polyester. Another type of blanket that doesn’t often come to mind is weighted blankets. A few years ago, this type of blanket was just a fad item. Now, they’ve become a more common type of blanket that offers their own unique set of benefits. This blog will explain what weighted blankets are, their benefits, and how to choose the proper weighted blanket for you and your property.
Why Should I use a Weighted Blanket?
Anyone can benefit from a weighted blanket, but they’re particularly good for people who tend to sleep fitfully. The blanket presses gently on the sleeper, keeping them still.
And the pressure created by the blanket lowers the body’s level of cortisol, the chief stress hormone, while boosting production of serotonin, the happiness hormone.
Most of the benefits stem from “deep pressure stimulation,” which is the same type of pressure babies feel when they’re swaddled. It’s why you might have seen weighted blankets referred to as “pressure blankets.”
Studies have shown that the pressure from these blankets gives sleepers feelings of comfort, relaxation, and safety. People have reported less anxiety after using weighted blankets. For those not interested in using a standard weighted blanket, they also have the option of choosing a weighted throw blanket.
Other Benefits Include the Following:
- Improve focus in people with ADHD.
- They ease symptoms of people with restless leg syndrome.
- They help with fibromyalgia pain.
- People with post-traumatic stress disorder reported feeling less anxious and stressful after sleeping.
- They aren’t just for the human members of your family. People will use them to calm their pets during thunderstorms or firework displays.
However, much of this research has been industry-funded, as WebMD points out. One study found that after two weeks of using a weighted blanket, 31 people with moderate insomnia enjoyed a calmer sleep with less movement.
Another study looked at 32 people who slept with weighted blankets and found that more than half of them had less anxiety, while 78 percent preferred the weighted blanket as a way to calm themselves.
How Do I Choose the Right One?
How much weight should a weighted blanket provide? A good rule of thumb is to pick something that’s between 10 and 15 percent of your body weight. A person weighing 150 lbs. would therefore need a 15 to 22 lb. blanket.
Be sure the blanket is laid out flat across the bed, so that the weight is distributed evenly. And use caution: The 10-15 percent rule is only for adults. Kids should get ones that are 10 percent of their weight plus a pound or two. Weighted blankets are not at all safe for babies.
Parents should be careful when giving weighted blankets to kids, as they can present a choking hazard. It’s a good idea to consult with your pediatrician before getting one for a child.
It’s also important to pay attention to sleep hygiene, says Dr. Jennifer Poon of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Section on Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrics. That means no caffeine before bed, avoiding screen time in the evening, and sleeping in a dark room.
“If those other things are not in order,” Poon told WebMD, “I am not sure a weighted blanket is going to make a difference in your sleep.”
InnStyle Knows the Importance of a Good Night’s Sleep
InnStyle knows the value of a good night’s sleep and knows how much that matters to their customers. That is why they offer such a large selection of bedding including blankets. Please give InnStyle a call and speak with one of their account managers about any weighted blanket or general hospitality questions that you may have. Their account managers would be happy to assist you and offer their own product recommendations. InnStyle can be reached at 267-354-6020 or 800-877-4667. Their website is https://www.innstyle.com/.
