Does a weighted blanket trigger the release of feel-good hormones? Much more than simple bedding accessories that allow us to sleep warm even when temperatures are at their lowest, weighted blankets help combat stress and anxiety.
But not only! Health specialists and more particularly sleep specialists recommend getting them to sleep better at night.
In fact, several studies have shown that weighted blankets trigger the release of feel-good hormones that help you sleep better.
In this article, we take stock of the different well-being hormones that promote falling asleep thanks to these heavier-than-average blankets.
Also read: Weighted Blanket Increases Pre-Sleep Salivary Melatonin Concentrations In Healthy Young Adults
Let’s go.
Weighted Blanket Releases Serotonin
Located in the central nervous system, serotonin is involved in several physiological functions such as
- aggression,
- the Depression,
- eating and sexual behaviors,
- the sleep.
Indeed, according to certain studies, an abnormally low serotonin level can be the cause of the appearance of certain cognitive disorders and impulsive, even violent, behavior.
In addition, the presence of serotonin helps counterbalance the effects of dopamine, which is the hormone responsible for hyperactivity.
All this would explain why it is absolutely vital to maintain sufficient serotonin levels in the body.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter associated with well-being and happiness.
This is why it is nicknamed the “happiness hormone”. It is produced by the brain from tryptophan (amino acid) which is mainly found in certain foods such as:
- dark chocolate,
- dairy products,
- bananas,
- meat,
- oily fish.
Although food is the main source of serotonin, it is not the only one.
Weighted blankets also have the power to release serotonin.
They obviously owe this power to their unique design. The “cocooning” or “enveloping” effect that users benefit from comes from the thickness of the duvet.
Once swaddled in this thick blanket, you feel a slight pressure on the whole body.
This so-called “Deep Touch Pressure” effect automatically triggers in the sleeper a feeling of well-being characterized by serenity and calm, thereby guaranteeing a peaceful sleep.
Also read: Study shows weighted blankets can reduce the severity of insomnia
From Serotonin To Melatonin, There Is Only One Step
By reducing the stress and anxiety that some people are prone to and releasing a sufficient amount of serotonin, the weighted blanket stimulates the body’s production of melatonin.
Also referred to as the “sleep hormone”, melatonin is a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
Produced naturally by the body, it is mainly synthesized at night and is responsible for the quality of sleep.
Concretely, the role of this sleep hormone, as its name indicates, is to prepare the body for sleep.
Specialists therefore recommend a fairly high level of melatonin in the blood to help young people fall asleep as well as adults suffering from insomnia or other sleep-related disorders.
Using a weighted blanket is a very good alternative to drug treatments with the use of chemical substances which can prove very harmful to the body in the long run.
With this type of duvet, you just have the feeling of being in a cocoon when you are covered.
The body is immediately conditioned by contact with this thick blanket and reacts automatically to the absence of light.
Weighted Blanket Increases Oxytocin Production
Also called the “attachment hormone” or “love hormone”, oxytocin provides a feeling of relaxation by reducing blood pressure and slowing the heart rate.
Apart from the major role it plays in pregnancy and childbirth, this hormone also plays a role in sleep. Indeed, a sufficient quantity of oxytocin promotes good sleep.
So, to get a good night’s sleep, the presence of oxytocin in the body is as important as serotonin and melatonin.
Considering their characteristics and properties, weighted blankets are perfect for stimulating the production of this hormone responsible for pleasure.
Sitting comfortably in bed and covered with a weighted blanket, you can feel a sensation of calm and fullness. Being conditioned, the body allows itself to rest more easily.
Conclusion
Now that you know a weighted blanket triggers the release of feel-good hormones, always keep in mind that we can ultimately say without a shadow of a doubt that using a weighted blanket stimulates the secretion of well-being hormones by the brain.
To learn more about the benefits of weighted blankets
The weighted blanket recreates the sensation of a hug, of a massage
Weighted blanket helps ADHD patients focus
The weighted blanket: help with sensory processing disorders
A weighted blanket to relieve restless leg syndrome
A weighted blanket helps you sleep better and promotes rapid sleep