The 6 Best Weighted Blankets For Adults That Will Make You Feel Brand New
I am a psychologist, but Im also a mom & wife, which means I suffer from some of the same ailments, as you from time-to-time. One such ailment is restless legs. And, believe me, theres nothing worse having jumpy legs at night when you have a full day ahead of you.
Its uncomfortable and unrelenting, and the only thing that helps me is my weighted blanket.
The pressure from it helps calm my jittery legs, and helps me fall and stay asleep longer. Because of my blanket, I now sleep better than ever. Another ailment that plagues me just like it plagues you is anxiety. I, too get anxious sometimes.
The stress of being all to all people can take a toll on anyone psychologist or not. I am not immune. Juggling life can be complicated and hard. But, guess what helps for those anxious moments?
My weighted blanket. The weight from it calms my nerves and helps me relax, so I feel rested and ready to take on the next day.
Lastly, I have Lupus, which means I suffer from body aches and stiffness regularly. My weighted blanket even works to reduce my chronic pain, so I am more productive at work and throughout the day. My weighted blanket has made a world of difference in my life.
Because lets face it, good sleep is the best remedy for many of the ailments we all suffer from.
If you are looking for a way to get better quality sleep , look no more, because this article highlights the six best weighted blankets for adults.
Weighted Blankets Can Benefit Those With Parkinsons
Perhaps the most famous face of Parkinsons is Michael J. Fox, who has created a successful foundation with the sole purpose of researching treatments for the condition. As a very public figure, Fox has continued acting in many different productions even with his speech and movements being affected. He has done a great deal to raise awareness of the disease, and more people than ever before now know what Parkinsons can do to the body and the mind.
Generally thought to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors , Parkinsons is named after English doctor James Parkinson. He called the disorder Shaking Palsy, and indeed, shaking is one of its most obvious symptoms. Inexplicably, Parkinsons develops when the brain cells that create dopamine, which are essential for coordinating movements, stop working and start dying. This causes tremors, slowness, stiffness, difficulty moving, and balance problems. Spontaneous, uncontrollable actions, or fidgeting , are also common.
A Weighted Blanket for Parkinsons Sufferers Can Ease Symptoms
In addition to physical symptoms, stress and anxiety are also prevalent in those with Parkinsons. Many believe this to be because of the reduction of dopamine in the brain. Stress and anxiety may also be because of the difficulties of dealing with such a disease, which takes a toll on both those diagnosed and their caregivers.
Customize Your Weighted Blanket
Wonap Cooling Weighted Blanket
Many of my adult clients seek counseling because of ongoing relationship issues. Many seek counseling because they no longer feel connected to each other. Often, aging, time, children, and work responsibilities have caused them to drift away from each other.
These individuals and couples want to know how to rekindle the spark in their relationships, so they can be better lovers, partners, human beings, employees, and parents. With these clients, I often suggest getting a couples weighted blanket to use at home. I explain to them that a weighed blanket for couples can make them feel more connected.
More specifically, the weight or pressure from the blanket discourages them from getting up and walking away. It forces them to deal with one another in close confines. It also helps them relax, so they can enjoy each others company before falling soundly asleep.
A blanket that my couples swear by is the WONAP Cooling Weighted Blanket for Couples. Its huge! And, according to these clients, its not too heavy or hot for both people either.
Another client, who suffers from anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress-induced migraine headaches, and who uses this blanket religiously, reported that this particular weighted blanket was not only spacious and comfortable but also eased her frazzled nerves and helped her relax.
Especially Designed for Couples Who:
- Couples, who want a blanket big enough to cover both of them
Comfort
Available Weights & Sizes;
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Weighted Blankets Are A Natural Sleep Aid
If you chronically struggle with falling or staying asleep, you know painfully well how frustrating and exhausting it is. Poor sleep quality is not only tiring and annoying, it can lead to or exacerbate a myriad of health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. Unfortunately,;sleep problems are very common in the United States, affecting as many as 50-70 million adult Americans. Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder.
A weighted blanket can help both children and adults relax and fall asleep. The gentle deep pressure of a weighted blanket helps you toss and turn less at night and results in a more restful sleep. Users;tend to stay asleep longer and report feeling more refreshed in the morning.
In addition to;helping with insomnia, weighted blankets can alleviate the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. And the awesome thing about weighted blankets is that they accomplish this safely and naturally.;;
For Those Who Need To Elevate Their State Of Mind
You may opt to consider them buying a set of essentials oils that they can put on their diffuser. Having a chronic disease is not easy, aside from challenging their body, it also tests their sanity. You may want them to experience aromatherapy.;
Aromatherapy is famous among women because it provides a soothing experience that elevates their state of mind. With the help of your gift, they can enjoy a moment of liberation and peace amidst the complexities of their daily life.;
The gift set includes the top six essential oils:;
- Eucalyptus
You can
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What Similarities Exist Between All Or Almost All Weighted Blankets For Adults
Before we jump right into my selection of the best weighted blankets for adults, allow me to highlight some similar characteristics that *typically* exist in all or almost all adult weighted blankets, regardless of their size, shape, or weight.
All Weighted Blankets are Designed to Help Adults With:
- General Sleep Issues, Insomnia, and Other Sleep Disorders
- ADHD
- Restless Leg Syndrome and General Restlessness
- Racing Thoughts
- Quality materials, so the blanket is well-made, resistant, and long-lasting
- Good temperature control, so you do not overheat and sweat beneath it
General Health Benefits Associated with Weighted Blankets for Adults
- May;provide relief, support, and comfort for agitation and restlessness
- Relaxing and soothing, so they are ideal for most sleep issues
- A natural sleep aid
- Encourages restful, all-night sleep
- May;help adults, who are stressed, and who struggle to unwind and fall asleep
- May;also be beneficial for adults, who do not have ailments or conditions, but who simply like the comfort that comes with heavy blankets
- May;help ease your stress, apprehension, weariness, angst, and nervousness, so you sleeps better at night, and are more focused throughout the day
- May;lower your risk of overstimulation, sensory issues, chronic pain, and other health-related symptoms
- May;lessen nightmare and night terrors, so you feel more safe and secure at night
- May;help you get a good nights rest, so you awaken feeling refreshed and revitalized the next morning
Faith Factor Youth Make Weighted Blankets As Service Project
KIMBERLY Faith Factor participants are making hugs for hospice patients as one of their 2017 service projects. Sewing weighted blankets was one of the projects during the July 17-20 event in the Fox Valley.
Holy Spirit parishioner Karen Sutter assists Ian Mettelmann of St. Mary Parish in Appleton with sewing cloth strips to be made into weighted blankets for hospice patients. The three-day service project sponsored by Faith Factor, a youth ministry program made up of youth in grades six to 12 from the Fox Valley area, took place at Holy Spirit Church in Kimberly.
According to Sarah Elmer, coordinator of youth ministry at Holy Spirit Parish , the weighted blankets will go to patients in ThedaCare Hospice. Many of these patients have Parkinsons Disease, Alzheimers or other types of dementia, she explained. The weighted blankets are meant to calm tremors.
Its like a big hug, she said. While it is known that the blankets bring comfort and help these patients, they are not considered necessary medical equipment so they are not covered by insurance. Many families at this point are strapped for money, so our donation helps them out. The blankets help patients die with dignity, she said.
Elmer said the project grew out of an idea from her husband, who works with ThedaCare. I asked him for an idea of what we could do as a social justice project, she said. The hospice workers suggested the blankets and said there were eight to 12 people in hospice who could use one.
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Best Gifts For Parkinsons Patients On Amazon
A creative and thoughtful present is the best option to consider when you are buying a gift for your loved ones who are diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease. Most of them longed for human touch and communication so you should really consider these best gifts for Parkinsons Patients on Amazon that will definitely put a smile on their face and most importantly, make their lives easier.If you are having difficulties deciding which present are most suitable for them, we have listed the top 10 best creative and thoughtful present for Parkinsons Patients on Amazon who may have different needs.
Weighted Blankets Can Help Ease Symptoms Of Parkinsons
Unfortunately, theres no cure for Parkinsons disease. But there are natural ways to help symptoms associated with sleep problems. One of those practical solutions is the use of a weighted blanket.
The science behind weighted blankets lies in its delivery of Deep Pressure Stimulation . Thanks to the evenly-distributed weight inside, when draped over you while sleeping or resting, you feel a slight pressure. DPS increases melatonin and serotonin, which help you feel calm and relaxed, while simultaneously decreasing cortisol, which is your stress hormone.
- One side effect of Parkinsons is anxiety, which could lead to depression. When you feel anxious, your cortisol levels are high. And since melatonin and cortisol act in opposition to one another, when you bring down cortisol with a weighted blanket, melatonin rises. And when melatonin rises, so does serotonin.
- Improve REM Sleep: Not only can a weighted blanket reduce anxiety, but it can also help you stay in REM longer. And as we already pointed out, this is a big sleep problem in people with Parkinsons.
- Lower the Occurence of Tremors: One study, performed by sleep specialist Gaby Badre, revealed that patients suffering from tremors experienced few occurences. She also noted that those who slept with a weighted blanket said they slept much better.
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How Soon Will It Get Here
Cancer patients deserve to be as comfortable as possible, as quickly as possible. Some blanket-selling websites dont keep stockpiles, especially if they do personalization or print-on-demand.
If you dont mind waiting a week for production and even more for shipping, this isnt an issue, but just be aware of how fast what you order will get to you.
Who Can Benefit From Using A Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets have potential benefits for all kinds of sleepers, especially those who experience a high amount of stress or who have certain medical conditions. In particular, weighted blankets may provide therapeutic benefits for those with autism, anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder .
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Anxiety And Panic Attacks
Anxiety and nervousness are a common symptom, and sometimes an after-effect of dementia. Such individuals experience a progressive decline in their ability to remember things or process information, which makes them intrinsically insecure and anxious.
Weighted blankets in such situations offer a multi-fold advantage. The heavy fabric and overall feel of these blankets offer a sense of security and peace. Physiologically, it leads to an increase in the secretion of endorphins that regulate mood and social behavior. Being wrapped in these therapeutic blankets creates a sense of grounding and security, which in turn relieves nervousness.
Weighted Blankets Effectively Reduce Anxiety And Stress
Are you or a loved one struggling with anxiety symptoms or sensory overload? A weighted blanket can help calm the central nervous system by a process called “deep pressure stimulation” or “deep pressure therapy”. The deep pressure touchproprioceptive input of massage therapy works in a similar way.
Several scientific studies have demonstrated that the deep touch pressure stimulation provided by weighted blankets lowers stress hormone levels and triggers the release of neurotransmitters, which improve mood and soothe aches .
These are the same neurotransmitters released in your brain when you receive a hug from a loved one. How cool is that? These actions calm the sympathetic nervous system and lower your heart rate. You feel more relaxed. Your blood pressure goes down.;
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Hyde Lane Sherpa Heated Blanket
Parkinsons can cause some people to become more sensitive to the cold, which means a heated blanket can come in handyno matter what time of the year. This 100% polyester electric throw from Hyde Lane is thick and soft, which makes it the perfect snuggle buddy. And with a power cord over six feet, you can position yourself comfortably without worrying about unplugging at any point. It also has three different heating levels that help relieve body aches and pains, making it easier to relax and hopefully, fall asleep.
Features Of A Good Weighted Blanket For The Elderly
- The Weight of the Weighted Blanket First and foremost, you need to consider the weight of the weighted blanket according to the needs of the older adult and their health. The best general option is to choose a weighted blanket around 10% of your body weight, maybe lighter for more fragile seniors. Weighted blankets are available in 10, 15, 20, and 25-pound options for adults and 5 to 10-pound options. For fragile elderly persons, I would recommend a childrens weighted, weighted blanket rather.
- Size of the Weighted Blanket The Weighted blanket needs to cover the person fully, and there should be plenty left on the size of the blanket, so I would generally recommend a double, or twin-sized option in an adult-sized weighted blanket for an older person.
- Removable Cover A removable cover on the weighted blanket is a good choice, a waterproof cover, even better so. You want a cover that can be washed as needed and replaced with a blanket.
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Gifts For Parkinsons Patients Who Are Sensitive To Cold And Suffer From Anxiety
Weighted blankets are claimed to provide a sensation of being embraced. For Parkinsons patients, a weighted and comfortable blanket may reduce feelings of isolation and anxiety because of the blankets deep stimulation that causes a calming experience.
This is also one of great gifts for Parkinsons Patients who are having trouble with their sleeping.;
. You may refer to the image below to find the right size and weight of the blanket.;
What Does It Feel Like To Have A Weighted Blanket On Top Of You
A weighted blanket feels like a warm hug on top of you. It can also feel like a hug from a loved one or a warm, snuggly blanket enveloping you. The DTP is relaxing, calming, and soothing. The most effective weighted blankets for adults provide balanced DTP across your body to ease chronic pain, reduce anxiety, and provide better sleep.
A 2015 study found that weighted blankets can help those, who suffer from sleep disorders and insomnia fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep for longer periods. Results suggest that weighted blankets can positively affect sleep quality.
Participants of the study reported that the weighted blankets were not only extremely comfortable but also helped them fall asleep more quickly and provided them with better sleep throughout the night.
According to a 2008 study, approximately 63% of the participants reported a decline in anxiety after using a weighted blanket. Also, approximately 78% of participants reported that their weight blankets were not only comfortable but also calming.
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What Materials Are Used In Weighted Blankets For Adults
Weighted blankets are typically filled with plastic, glass, or sand pellets . These pellets are sewn into the linings of the square pockets. The pellets add bulk to the blankets, so the weight or pressure is evenly distributed across your body.
Researchers suggest that this extra weight may help decrease or eliminate chronic pain, anxiety, stress, restless legs, agitation, sensory issues, insomnia, and other ailments in some adults.
It is important to choose the right material for your weighted blanket because the type of pellets used can make a difference in how you feel after using the blanket.
Keep in mind that the best weighted blankets are typically made of pure cotton, a cotton/polyester mix, fleece, or wool.
Because cotton weighted blankets are hypoallergenic and soft even most adults with allergies and sensitive skin can also enjoy their benefits. The great thing about cotton is it can help regulate your temp, so, you dont become overheated and sweat beneath the blanket.
Wool weighted blankets are also beneficial because they provide extra insulation or cushioning, during those chilly nights. This can be a huge advantage for those suffering from chronic muscle and joint pain.
Because of its light-weight and insulation properties, a fleece weighted blanket will keep you cool and dry on those hot nights, and warm on the cold ones. As a result, fleece is often used in linings to provide warmth. Another plus? It is more durable than both wool and cotton.