If you have difficulty sleeping or struggle with anxiety at night, you may have considered using a weighted blanket. These blankets have become increasingly popular because they offer gentle, even pressure across the body, which many people find soothing. You might wonder if this comforting sensation could help with more serious sleep challenges, such as sleep apnea. In this blog post, you will learn what you should know about the relationship between weighted blankets and your sleep disorder.
What Is a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket contains materials like glass beads or plastic pellets to make it heavier than a regular blanket. This added weight applies consistent and gentle pressure, similar to the feeling of being hugged or swaddled. Many individuals discover that this sensation helps them feel secure and calm, which can make it easier to relax at bedtime.
Benefits of Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets have the potential to provide a range of benefits for individuals who wish to achieve better sleep and reduced anxiety:
- Deep touch pressure can calm your nervous system and promote a sense of relaxation.
- You may notice a reduction in feelings of stress and anxiety, thanks to the blanket’s comforting embrace.
- A weighted blanket can support improved sleep quality by helping you fall asleep more quickly and remain asleep throughout the night.
- If you struggle with insomnia or restlessness, a weighted blanket can help create an environment that encourages restful sleep.
- The stimulation from the blanket can increase the production of serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters linked to positive mood and well-being.
- If you have sensory processing difficulties, a weighted blanket can help reduce restlessness and support greater stillness at bedtime.
Weighted Blankets and Sleep Apnea: What You Need to Know
Although weighted blankets provide many benefits, it is important for you to understand their limitations. Sleep apnea is a medical condition characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. These pauses in breathing can result from anatomical issues, excess body fat, or other underlying causes. Since a weighted blanket does not address the root causes of sleep apnea, it is not an appropriate substitute for professional medical treatment.
If you suspect that you have sleep apnea — for example, you might experience loud snoring or notice repeated pauses in your breathing at night — you should consult with a healthcare provider. Only a qualified professional can properly diagnose sleep apnea and recommend suitable treatments. Possible treatments include custom oral appliances, a CPAP machine, or, in severe cases, surgical intervention.
A weighted blanket might help you feel cozy and fall asleep more quickly, but it cannot replace professional sleep apnea treatment. Talk to a qualified doctor or sleep dentist to learn how to properly manage your sleep disorder.
Meet the Practice
At Claybrooke Dental of Gahanna, Drs. Brooke Buller and Clayton Odenweller work along with our team to offer top-quality oral appliance therapy for individuals with sleep apnea. If you have been struggling to feel well-rested lately, we can evaluate your case and recommend your next steps. Get in touch with our friendly staff at 614-475-1874.