Are Weighted Blankets Bad for Blood Circulation?

Weighted blankets, among many other names given to them, like gravity blankets, have recently grown in huge appeal, especially due to the wide range of benefits such as reduced anxiety, improved sleep, and their relief for conditions such as insomnia. However, with observations on the heavy nature of the blanket, many concernedly raised concerns over its effect on blood circulation.

Do weighted blankets, therefore, negatively pose an impact on circulation? Let's take a closer look at that concern.

Weighted Blankets - How It Works on Blood Circulation

The weighted blanket effect on blood circulation is dependent basically on the wearer themselves. In most healthy adults, weighted blankets are not to have a negative effect on blood circulation.

For people with preexisting problems in diabetes or other disorders in the blood circulation, vice versa may be true when lying on those kinds of blankets. This is because their circulatory systems might be affected by that, and adding to this effect will be the extra weight of that blanket.

Because of this, medical experts recommend that weighted blankets should not be used by those patients suffering from diseases of diabetes, heart conditions, or poor circulation without consulting a doctor first.

Are Weighted Blankets Safe to Use in Children?

Whereas weighted blankets have therapeutic value for a number of adults, much caution is needed when it comes to applying them to children, especially toddlers. The added weight rests on the child's body and can impede normal blood circulation or even lead to some complications with breathing.

In children who suffer from disorders such as epilepsy, heart conditions, and respiratory diseases, application of a weighted blanket may be very risky. Any blanket weighted for a child should correspond to the right size, always adjusted according to weight respect for the child's body. Parents should consult beforehand with a paediatrician, preferably before commencing use of the blanket.

How Do Weighted Blankets Work?

It contains plastic pellets, glass beads, or any other type of heavy material that needs to fill the weighted blanket. The weight of the blanket itself applies stimulation similar to DPS and is often described as a gentle embracing hug, since it creates a grounding effect in helping to calm the nervous system of a person so he or she can sleep calmly and relaxed.

These blankets weigh between 4 pounds to 30 pounds because of the variation in user body weight. A general rule of thumb is that it would weigh roughly about 10 percent of your weight, but again, it depends on comfort.

The Possible Benefits of Weighted Blankets

Although weighted blankets may arouse some apprehension in terms of blood circulation, there are a number of documented benefits associated with weighted blankets, most of which have something to do with people who experience sleep disorders, anxiety neuroses, or sensory problems.

Better Sleep Quality

Weighted blankets work particularly effectively for insomnia, anxiety, and autism spectrum disorder. The low-level pressure encourages the release of serotonin and melatonin, hormones that regulate mood and sleep. In general, users can usually deepen and enhance the quality of sleep.

Less Anxiety

Weighted blanket pressure quickly speeds up the time of natural body relaxation processes and cuts down anxiety. This is formally referred to as "pressure therapy," which acts in the way of stimulating the part of the nervous system responsible for slowing down the activities of the body and mind-what is better known as the parasympathetic nervous system. Weighted blankets reduce stress by a huge amount and are said to be of great help with the perpetuation or sustenance of overall well-being.

Improved Comfort

Weighted blankets create a sort of cocooning effect, which is soothing for both the body and the mind. This is helpful in specific disorders, such as PTSD, ADHD, and chronic pain.

Do Weighted Blankets Come with Risks?

Generally safe for most people, other risks related to weighted blankets concerns:

• Pre-Existing Conditions: If you have diseases with regard to the heart, lungs, or any circulatory flaw, with this weighted blanket perhaps a consultation with your physician should be considered first in case extra pressure heightens symptoms.
• Children and Babies: A weighted blanket must not be used on babies. In the case of toddlers, extreme precautions are to be taken. The weight is to be according to the size and health condition of the child's body.

Individuals with mobility issues might find adjusting their blanket when they sleep differently, thus depriving them of their comfort or even leading to breathing difficulties.

Conclusion: Should You Be Worried About Blood Flow?

Generally, it does not harm blood circulation in most users; however, any case of preexisting heart disease, blood flow, or related respiratory problems should consult a doctor before using the weighted blanket. These would possibly bring a wide range of advantages when used properly, starting with reducing anxiety and stress and including improving sleep quality.

The weighted blanket should be of a weight that feels right, considering your body and health condition. If applied correctly, the weighted blanket can be a tool to help with anxiety, insomnia, or other conditions that interrupt regular everyday life.