If you're one of the millions of people living with fibromyalgia, you know that finding comfort can be a challenge.
Whether finding a comfortable position to sleep in or dealing with pain and fatigue, life with fibromyalgia can be tough. But there is one thing that can help you find some comfort: a weighted blanket.
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Weighted blankets have been shown to help reduce anxiety and stress, which can be incredibly helpful for those with fibromyalgia. They can also help promote relaxation and improve sleep quality. So if you're looking for a way to find some comfort, consider investing in a weighted blanket. You may just find that it makes all the difference.
Weighted blankets can help:
Improve sleep
Increase relaxation
Reduce stress and anxiety
Relieve body discomfort
Encourage a great sense of well being
HOW DOES A WEIGHTED BLANKET WORK?
Weighted blankets help you find relief from stress or anxiety so you can gain greater relaxation before bedtime, which can help you get to sleep and stay asleep.
When you use a weighted blanket, it feels like you are getting comfort and security. People have compared it to getting a big hug, where you get a sense of protection.
Weighted blankets also come in lap blanket sizes; the great thing about choosing a smaller blanket is that you can easily carry it to your home's different rooms.
So, for example, if you have a panic attack or are feeling overwhelmed by stress and want to lay on the couch, sit for a few minutes with the blanket over your body or around your shoulders – you will be amazed at how much relief you experience.
➤A study published in the Occupational Therapy in Mental Health Journal found that over 60 percent of adults using a weighted blanket feel lower anxiety levels.
A weighted blanket is what it sounds like; a heavy blanket filled with the material to make it weigh a little more than traditional blankets. There are different fillings in weighted blankets, depending on the type of blanket you get.
Some use small poly pellets made of plastic or beads, while others use tiny glass pellets. However, the filling doesn't matter as much as getting the correct weight of the blanket.
Most weighted blankets are smaller in size, typically the size of a throw blanket. It doesn't usually replace your standard duvet or comforter on your bed but instead goes on top when you feel like you need more support, helping you feel comforted and relaxed.
SHOPPING FOR THE RIGHT BLANKET
Before you buy your first weighted blanket, here are a few more things to keep in mind. First of all, make sure you buy it from a reputable seller. Many new companies are coming up with weighted blankets, but since these cost upwards of $100 or more, you want to be sure you are getting the real thing.
Next, consider the amount of weight you want in your weighted blanket. It's best to consider your body weight when determining the right weight. 10% of a person's body weight is most beneficial in providing calming effects.
House of Health recommends Mosaic Weighted Blankets, available in various sizes, styles, and weights to suit your individual needs. Our favorite blanket is the Minky Weighted Blanket in Lavender.
