People who suffer from anxiety disorders often have a hard time getting to sleep at night. It isn’t unusual for someone with anxiety to also have insomnia, making it tough to get through the day. If you aren’t sleeping well at night, how can you expect to tackle the day? If your anxieties and fears are causing you to stay up at night ruminating, you might need some assistance. Of course, there are lots of ways that you can help to alleviate anxiety symptoms, but some people are turning to weighted blankets for anxiety.
What is an anxiety weighted blanket, and why are they starting to become so popular? Simply put, many people have tried them out, and they feel that they help them relax at night so that they can sleep. The idea behind using a heavy blanket for anxiety is that the weight will help to simulate being held close by a loved one. It gives you a sort of comforting feeling inside that tells your body that things are okay. Once you’ve calmed down enough, it’s easier to drift off to sleep and have a peaceful night.
Do These Blankets Truly Work?
Answering the weighted blanket anxiety question is not as easy as you might think. There is a lot of anecdotal evidence that suggests that weighted blankets are very beneficial for people suffering from anxiety. However, there has not been very much research performed on this subject at all as of this writing. Many people are interested in the idea, and many researchers don’t dismiss the idea that this could work out.
If you listen to the people who swear by these weighted blankets, they will tell you that they’re quite effective. People have said that using the weighted blankets have made it so much easier to sleep at night. Some have even gone so far as to say that weighted blankets have given them the best sleep of their lives, but you’ll just have to choose to take their word for it. If you have trouble sleeping at night due to insomnia and anxiety issues, then it might be worth giving an anxiety blanket for adults a shot.
It’s also worth noting that weighted blankets have been used to help other people in certain situations. For example, some people use weighted blankets to help children with autism calm down at night to sleep. Knowing this, it’s easy to see that weighted blankets do have a purpose. This isn’t some type of scam or obscure idea that is not worth looking into. However, this doesn’t mean that you should get your hopes up. Weighted anxiety blankets aren’t necessarily going to be the magical treatment for anxiety that you’ve been hoping for.
They Work Great For Some And Do Nothing For Others
Much like most medicine types, weighted anxiety blankets work fantastically for some people while being ineffective for others. Some people with anxiety issues have tried them out and experienced no noticeable differences in their sleep patterns. This means that the weighted blankets for adults with anxiety strategies are only so effective. It can help some people to get better sleep at night, but your results might vary. If you can find a weighted blanket for anxiety that doesn’t cost too much money, then it might very well be worth a shot.
For the most part, you’re going to be able to find these weighted blankets at standard retailers where you would buy bedding. You may or may not be able to find weighted blankets at your local department store, depending on where you live. Some specialty bedding stores will likely carry them, but your area could be different depending on various factors. The easiest way to get one is likely to be to order one online at a popular online retailer. You can try the big online retail sites, or you can go to an online bedding store specifically to get what you need.
The weighted blankets that people purchase will generally vary in weight from four pounds up to thirty pounds. Most of the companies that make these products recommend using a weighted blanket that weighs approximately ten percent of your body weight. This means that someone who weighs 180 pounds would want an eighteen-pound weighted blanket. You might have a different preference, though, and too much weight might feel like it isn’t ideal. Heavier individuals might be especially wary of using a blanket that approaches that thirty-pound mark, but it isn’t necessarily dangerous so long as you’re healthy.
When You Should Avoid Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets are not going to be a good idea for everyone. Some people might find weighted blankets to be a bit too dangerous to use at night if they suffer from certain health problems. Those with respiratory conditions could find that a weighted blanket will make them feel as if they cannot breathe properly. Individuals with physical limitations might also have a hard time getting the blanket off if they lack sufficient strength. These are all factors that must be considered before you start using a weighted blanket for anxiety.
It might be best for you to consult with your doctor about this before you move forward with buying a weighted blanket. Your doctor will be able to look at your medical history and determine whether or not you will be able to safely use a weighted blanket like this. If you cannot use one, you can certainly look into other options to help solve your sleep issues. Weighted blankets might be becoming popular right now, but they are by no means the only way to deal with nighttime anxiety or insomnia issues.
Options For Dealing With Nighttime Insomnia And Anxiety
There are a lot of options for dealing with nighttime insomnia and anxiety. Many of them involve using coping mechanisms for the things that you’re experiencing. You could also use traditional anti-anxiety medications that are prescribed by your doctor. To do this, it’s going to be important to get yourself properly diagnosed with an anxiety condition. If you’ve yet to talk to your doctor about your anxiety issues, then you might need a bit more information. Taking an anxiety test online might help you to understand why contacting your doctor is the right call to make.
Taking a test like this doesn’t take much time at all, and you’re going to understand more about the anxiety you’re feeling. This isn’t meant to be a diagnosis itself, but it is meant to give you a better idea of when you should talk to your doctor. You can take the test and then make a quick phone call to speak to your doctor. Set up an appointment, and then be as honest with your physician as possible about the things that you’re experiencing. You’ll be able to come up with an effective treatment plan.
Many people wind up feeling a lot better at night once they start taking anti-anxiety medications. You can try to find the right prescription with your doctor that will make you feel more at ease. For millions of people with anxiety, this is the most practical solution for their issues. You can feel better at night so that you can get a good night’s rest. Not everyone has all of their anxiety issues solved by taking medications, though. Some might still experience persistent issues that will require some type of coping method to deal with.
A therapist can help you develop strong coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety throughout the day and night. You can utilize many methods that will make it easier to calm yourself down over time. Some people learn relaxation techniques that help them to feel more capable of sleeping at night. Breathing exercises can help, and so can deep meditation. What methods will work best for you might depend on your personality, the type of anxiety you’re experiencing, and your living situation.
Another option is to try something like CBD oil for anxiety. This is not an option that everyone can use for legal reasons, but medical marijuana and CBD oil is rapidly becoming legal throughout America. Many people use CBD oil products to reduce anxiety levels, but you’ll want to discuss anything like this with your doctor before you make changes. It might not be ideal for you, but it’s worth noting because of how popular it has become in recent years.
Now that you know your options for dealing with nighttime anxiety, it should be much easier to move forward. Even if weighted blankets don’t seem like a good idea for your situation, there are going to be many things that you can do to turn things around. Living with anxiety can be quite tough in many ways, but coping is easier when you have the right resources. Consider talking to your doctor and your therapist about the things that you’re experiencing. Before too long, you should have an easier time getting to sleep at night.
