Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that affects millions of people globally, often robbing them of their well-being through the symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and distress. As much as taking psychotherapy and medication is of great importance, a good number of people prefer other types of treatment to deal with the symptoms of this disorder. An emerging choice is the use of weighted blankets, which have been found to be a promising method of giving gentle and effective relief to those with PTSD. For those who bear with the symptoms, a weighted blanket PTSD solution can make a significant difference.
What Are Weighted Blankets?
Weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets stuffed with materials such as glass beads and plastic pellets, which increase the weight of the blanket. These blankets usually weigh from 5 to 30 pounds and are made in such a way to give deep pressure stimulation (DPS), a hard as well as a gentle pressure to duplicate the sensation of hugging or lifting.
How Weighted Blankets Help People with PTSD
Weighted blankets offer a mellow that can be really effective at calming down the nervous system and thus helping with anxiety and sleep problems in PTSD patients, as they do so by promoting the secure feeling of relaxation.
Promotes Calmness Through
PTSD is often characterized by high levels of anxiety and hyperarousal. A weighted blanket, which applies deep pressure, brings the parasympathetic nervous system to life, thus reducing the stress it has taken upon itself while promoting relaxation. The reference tool has a beneficial calming effect and provides a sense of security for individuals while reducing the sense of being overwhelmed.
Improves Sleep Quality
Insomnia is a typical symptom of PTSD and can be brought on by nightmares, flashbacks, and restless sleep. One method to combat them is that weighted blankets help by increasing the production of serotonin and melatonin and decreasing cortisol levels. The improvement of the hormonal picture enables insomnia to be better treated and sleep to come easier.
Reduces Anxiety and Hypervigilance
Hypervigilance, a condition that is characterized by being on edge all the time and therefore leads to exhaustion, is often common in PTSD. Weighted blankets bring relief by regulating the nervous system and by creating a safe environment, which makes the mind and body free from stress and therefore, can rest.
Eases Symptoms of Depression
The soft and pressure of a weighted blanket could leave the chemical serotonin, also known as the”feel-good” hormone, in the body. For PTSD patients, this can help to alleviate their mental health conditions. They may notice that they feel less depressed and hopeless which can even include the whole body.
Scientific Support for Weighted Blanket PTSD
Weighted blankets research has revealed positive effects. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine showed that subjects, who made use of weighted blankets, gained a significant decrease in insomnia core symptoms and reported the improvement of their psychological well-being. For Example As a choice of alternative therapies providing relief like weighted blanket PTSD solutions, there is no evidence more powerful than the one based on experiences.
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Choosing the Right Weighted Blanket
Below are the things to consider when buying a weighted blanket for PTSD:
- Weight: Make sure the blanket is about 10% of your weight. For example, if someone weighs 150 pounds, they could very possibly go for a 15-pound blanket.
- Material: Check out the breathable, hypoallergenic materials to guarantee the comfort of the blanket.
- Size: Make sure the blanket covers your body and does not hang over the bed edges.
- Care Instructions: It is better to go for a blanket which would be easy to clean as it might require frequent washing due to regular use.
Incorporating a Weighted Blanket into Your Routine
You can get the best out of a weighted blanket by trying to use it during stressful situations or bed. Use it with other treatment modalities such as being mindful, writing in a journal, or getting into breathing techniques, so you can cover all aspects in the management of PTSD symptoms. It is likely that using a weighted blanket PTSD remedy regularly will amplify its impact over time.
Final Thoughts
While weighted blankets may not be a cure for PTSD, they can still be a valuable resource in managing its symptoms. Indeed, their ability to provide comfort, minimize anxiety, and enhance sleep is the top reason every sufferer should seriously think about them. Remember, you should always rely on the team of healthcare providers to decide if the application of the weighted blanket for PTSD is the best decision you could take.
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