- About Baloo Products
- Care & Use Instructions
- General Weighted Blanket Questions
- Ordering, Shipping, Returns & Exchanges
- Are there any risks with weighted blankets?
- What is a weighted blanket?
- Do weighted blankets work?
- How do I use a weighted blanket?
- How do I layer a weighted blanket with my other bedding?
- Does it matter if I sleep on my side, back, or stomach?
- Why are weighted blankets more expensive than regular bedding?
- How do weighted blankets benefit senior citizens?
- Contact Us
General Weighted Blanket Questions
How do weighted blankets benefit senior citizens?
There are a number of physiological and psychological changes that occur in the body as we age; for some of these, weighted blankets can have a positive effect.
Improve Overall Sleep Quality
Sleep is one of the most important elements of good health regardless of age, but it’s particularly essential for seniors. A healthy sleep environment involves comfortable temperatures and a stress-free environment. Weighted blankets can help users fall asleep more easily, sleep more deeply, and wake less frequently. As weighted blankets gently hug the body, the pressure encourages relaxation and serotonin production. Ultimately, this process converts to sleep-inducing melatonin that lets the brain and body know it’s time to rest.
Anxiety
According to a study by John Hopkins University, more than 10 percent of individuals between 55 and 85 years of age experience some form of anxiety. The stress and changes of aging, along with health conditions, can also increase anxiety. This can have a profound mental, emotional, and physical impact on quality of life.
Research published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine reported that both adults and children of all ages who use weighted blankets suffer less stress and anxiety overall. The application of pressure incites a calming, relaxing effect that can help alleviate feelings of apprehension.
Fighting Depression with Weighted Blankets
While depression can affect those of any age, studies repeatedly indicate that it’s a common condition in older adults. Most typically, this could be due to passing of a partner, health declines, lessened mobility, insomnia or a lack of strong social connections.
The earlier studies show that a weighted blanket helps alleviate anxiety, stress and insomnia, which are known precursors to depression.
Restless Leg Syndrome Relief
More than three million American have restless leg syndrome, with it becoming more common as we age. This pins and needles sensation can happen anytime, but most often at night. Weighted blankets place deep pressure on the legs, which, for many people, can help the muscles relax and pass the incidents of RLS.
Can Weighted Blankets Help Manage Alzheimer’s Symptoms?
Those with Alzheimer's Disease and dementia often suffer from symptoms such as insomnia, depression and anxiety, which can worsen the signs and speed the progression of the disease. For this reason, many caregivers and family members help their loved ones with the condition to feel more comfortable and at ease with weighted blankets.
With any weighted blanket, it is always imperative that the individual using it be physically able to move or remove the blanket if desired.