Weighted quilts - proven performance and effectiveness

The weighted quilt, also known as the sensory quilt, is specially weighted, so that it "presses" the body of the person covered with it. This trait has its purpose, which is to stimulate deep sensation, which causes certain effects. For this reason, the weighted quilt is used, among others, in sensory integration therapy. The most important advantages of sleeping under a sensory quilt include putting the body into a state of relaxation, improving sleep quality and improving mental health. How does a weighted quilt work and help against what problems?

Sleep problems in the world.

Sleep disturbance is a common phenomenon that is one of the most common problems in adults. According to the definition of the International Classification of Diseases and Health Problems, insomnia is defined as when there is an insufficient amount and / or quality of sleep that occurs at least 3 times a week for at least one month.

Research shows that about 1/4 of people complain of difficulty falling asleep. As many as 29% of the population has problems with maintaining sleep, 24% have premature waking up in the morning, while as many as 27% of compatriots report sleep that does not bring rest. A weighted quilt can increase the comfort of sleep and make it easier to fall asleep.

The use of a weighted blanket in the treatment of insomnia

The primary methods used to treat insomnia are cognitive behavioral therapy and drug therapy. Although in most cases this approach brings the expected results, about 40% of patients suffering from insomnia do not respond to such forms of treatment. Therefore, there is a need to use other methods of treating sleep problems, and one of them is therapeutic loading with a weighted auilt.

Swedish scientists conducted a study which showed that sleeping under a weighted quilt reduces the severity of insomnia, improves sleep and reduces daytime sleepiness. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine on September 15, 2020.

The participants of the study group slept under a weighted quilt for 4 weeks. Throughout this time, it was observed how it affected their sleep problems. It turned out that compared to the control group, they experienced a reduction in the severity of insomnia by 50% or more almost 26 times more! Additionally, they were 20 times more likely to achieve remission of insomnia than those who did not sleep under the weighted quilt. Moreover, the positive results of the study were maintained during the 12-month experiment. The weighted quilt, by pressing on various points of the body, stimulates the feeling of touch, calms down and helps to fall asleep.

How does a weighted quilt work?

A weighted quilt, as the name suggests, is heavier than a regular quilt. Its weight creates a hug feeling and allows you to relax. Being covered with it, we stop turning, and it also eliminates uncontrolled limb movements. All this makes us fall asleep faster, and sleep is deep and satisfying, brings the desired regeneration. On the second day we get up refreshed and full of energy, ready to act.

Weighted quilt - effectiveness of operation

The hormones produced by the human body regulate a number of important bodily functions, such as emotions, mood, hunger and sleep. The use of a weighted blanket supports the natural production of serotonin (happiness hormone) and melatonin (sleep hormone), thanks to which it has a positive effect on sleep.

Serotonin and melatonin affect our well-being, the feeling of being relaxed and getting enough sleep. Therefore, if their level in the body increases, it is easier for us to rest and replenish our energy reserves. The delicate weight of the therapeutic blanket signals the body's sense of security, which reduces stress levels and allows you to relax. Then the production of serotonin and melatonin increases, at the same time the amount of cortisol, the stress hormone, decreases.

In this way, the use of a therapeutic blanket makes it easier to fall asleep and sleep through the night. The deep sleep phase lengthens, the body and mind have more time to regenerate, and the internal emotional tension, nervousness and stress are reduced. This makes us wake up refreshed, full of strength and ready for new challenges in the morning.

Who else is the weighted quilt recommended to?

The sensory quilt stimulates deep feeling, thanks to which it "calms" the nervous system. Resting under it allows you to loosen up and relax, reduces stress and emotional tension, and in addition enables a peaceful and regenerative sleep. Taking all this into account, it is recommended to use a weighted quilt in proprioception disorders, which occur, among others, in people with autism, suffering from ADHD or struggling with sensory processing disorders. Sleeping under such a duvet can also be beneficial in the course of psychological problems, e.g. depression, anxiety syndromes or insomnia.

Sources:

• https://journals.viamedica.pl/psychiatria/article/viewFile/29084/23849
• https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/epdf/10.5664/jcsm.8636