Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can result in anxiety attacks, flashbacks of the trauma itself, and a variety of other symptoms making it difficult to believe that something as simple as a weighted blanket can help. In this article, we’re going to discuss if there is, and what is, the best weighted blanket for PTSD.
We’re going to explore if the weighted blanket can help those with PTSD relax enough to get a good night’s sleep.
The information on Namaste Blankets is intended to be used as guidelines. Do not replace our advice with a registered health professional or therapist’s advice. It’s best to consult with your healthcare professional for serious inquiries.
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What is PTSD?
PTSD is a severe stress disorder that develops in some people who experience or witness a traumatic and/or frightening event. Common events include serving in a war zone, being in constant danger, being a victim or witness to a violent crime, or car accident, which are common events that trigger PTSD.
While not everyone who suffers a trauma experience develops PTSD, for those who do, the constant feeling of stress, depression, and anxiety is quite common.
Those suffering from PTSD may suffer from a number of the following symptoms.
- Flashbacks of the events
- Nightmares
- Frightening or negative thoughts
- Avoiding places that remind them of the trauma
- Anxiety attacks
- Difficulty in sleeping
- Feeling constantly on edge
- Loss of interest in daily activities
Those who suffer from PTSD need to get help from a licensed professional to help them learn how to cope with the symptoms of PTSD. Along with professional help, there are some things people suffering from PTSD can do to help reduce some of the symptoms of their disorder.
This may include finding a support group that can relate and share experiences. If you’re suffering from this condition or know someone who is, know getting the support should be the first priority. This condition affects you and everyone around you.
Getting a good night’s sleep is also a holistic solution to treating this condition. Contrary to popular belief, a lack of sleep can actually make PTSD symptoms become more pronounced.
This is why a weighted blanket can actually help someone suffering from PTSD get a good night’s sleep and even help reduce their stress and anxiety.
What Is A Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket is just what it sounds like. A blanket that has more weight than a normal blanket. The weight is usually provided by plastic pellets or glass beads inside of the blanket. You can click here for a complete guide and an overview of a weighted blanket.
Why Try A Weighted Blanket?
Weighted blankets were originally designed for those on the autistic spectrum. Soon became clear that they had wider benefits. Soon doctors were trialing them on patients with severe anxiety, sleep issues, and PTSD. When this information was released to the general public, a weighted blanket for anxiety and PTSD purchases skyrocketed. Now that these blankets are widely available, millions of people are feeling the benefits and now have a glimmer of hope.
Weighted blankets are also useful for a variety of other ailments including sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and sensory processing disorder.
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How A Good Weighted Blanket Can Help Those with PTSD
A good weighted blanket can help people with PTSD by providing a sense of safety and comfort. Weighted blankets provide deep touch pressure which has proven to be effective in helping calm people who suffer from anxiety.
weighted blankets increase serotonin levels, which are feel-good hormones. This helps people feel more positive, energetic and relaxed in everyday situations.
Weighted Blankets may also reduce cortisol production. Cortisol is produced in dangerous situations. This triggers the fight-or-flight response. People with PSTD often have higher cortisol levels than people without PTSD.
People living with PTSD feel as though they are living under stress constantly. It’s suggested that a weighted blanket may help lower cortisol levels.
A weighted blanket may result in less tossing and turning during the night. This is due to weighted blankets helping the body to relax and resulting in longer hours of sleep. Some people report the frequency in which they have nightmares tended to drop while sleeping under a weighted blanket.
A night’s sleep, also means that you don’t have to rely on caffeine to stay awake throughout the day. Caffeine is well known for triggering anxiety and PTSD symptoms.
Namaste Weighted Blankets
Namaste weighted blankets are organic and well-crafted. There are two layers of silky feeling polyester inside and organic cotton outside with glass beads.
Best of all, you can try a Namaste weighted blanket for 60 days and if it doesn’t provide you with the benefits you are expecting you can get your money back.
If you want to use a weighted blanket and PTSD therapies simultaneously then it is important to follow the instructions of your therapist. They will be able to guide you on how to introduce a weighted blanket for anxiety and PTSD. It may be that you only need your blanket to help you calmly drift off to sleep at night.
Other Conditions That Weighted Blankets Treat
These blankets can also help relieve symptoms for those who suffer from:
- Anxiety – Anxiety may be a condition all on its own. Work stress, travel anxiety, or stress from other sources can result in people having anxiety attacks, or simply suffering from chronic anxiety. Furthermore, a weighted blanket can help someone suffering from anxiety regardless of its cause to relax and get a better night’s sleep.
- Chronic Pain- People who suffer from chronic pain from diabetes, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other such conditions often have high-stress levels caused by the pain. A weighted blanket can help reduce those with chronic pain.
- ADHD and Autism- Weighted blankets can also relieve anxiety in both children and adults who suffer from ADHD or Autism. In addition, a weighted blanket may also help children with ADHD concentrate better allowing them to have an easier time learning.
Last update on 2023-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In Conclusion
Getting a good night’s sleep can help those with PTSD feel less anxiety and stress, and feel better about their condition. In conclusion, weighted blankets for anxiety and PTSD sufferers help them to sleep better. If you’re looking for the best weighted blanket for PTSD you may want to try the Namaste weighted blanket for 60-days.
