Positive Effects of a Weighted Blanket on Insomnia
https://www.jscimedcentral.com/SleepMedicine/sleepmedicine-2-1022.pdf
Abstract
Insomnia is a common occurrence and can have a negative impact on physiological,
psychological and social well-being. There is a need for simple, effective solutions to
increase sleep quality. It has been suggested that weighted blankets and vests can
provide a beneficial calming effect, especially in clinical disorders. Hence, we aimed
to investigate the effects of a chain weighted blanket on insomnia, using objective and
subjective measures. Objectively, we found that sleep bout time increased, as well as a
decrease in movements of the participants, during weighted blanket use. Subjectively,
the participants liked sleeping with the blanket, found it easier to settle down to sleep
and had an improved sleep, where they felt more refreshed in the morning. Overall, we
found that when the participants used the weighted blanket, they had a calmer night’s
sleep. A weighted blanket may aid in reducing insomnia through altered tactile inputs,
thus may provide an innovative, non-pharmacological approach and complementary
tool to improve sleep quality.