Why I Love My Weighted Blanket

I'm going to be very transparent here. I thought this weighted blanket phenomena was a mixed bags of good marketing and the placebo effect. I'm not always so skeptical, but believing that a weighted blanket can magically reduce the effects of anxiety, insomnia, symptoms of auto immune disorders, and more. Well, let's just say, I wasn't buying it.

Until last month.

I personally suffer from relentless insomnia, anxiety, and a awful disorder called IC (Interstitial Cystitis). None of which are fun, as you can guess. Then last month I had an awful flare up of my IC, which causes anxiety, which then snowballs into uncontrollable insomnia. Oh, the fun. I hadn't slept in almost 24 hours. I panicked. Literally.

Not wanting to wake up my husband, I went to the living room and watched television at 5 am. I simultaneously was on my iPhone (of course), looking for answers. Ugh. It was then I found a mention of the weighted blanket's success in helping some people with insomnia and various issues. I bolted up and researched for a few hours. After reading tons of reviews online, I settled on my purchase. The Buzio Weighted Blanket (Amazon $89). Some of the weighted blankets online were pricey and others seemed cheap. I felt confident in my research.

The blanket couldn't get to my house soon enough. As soon as it arrived, I opened the box and pulled it out. Slight exaggeration. It's actually quite heavy (I got the 20 lb, grey blanket). My husband had to help me. I put it on my bed and got under it. It felt amazing. People often describe weighted blankets as feeling like a hug, and I'd have to agree. My husband got under it and immediately said he wanted one.

Day 1

I hadn't fallen asleep earlier than 4 am in the previous weeks so I wanted to see how the new blanket weathered. After the first ten minutes of being under the blanket, I got uncomfortable. I wasn't used to the weight. But, I wasn't going to give up. Instead I put the blanket around my knees and below. Surprisingly, a few hours into sleeping, I pulled the blanket up to my waist and fell asleep at 3:30 am. Okay, so not a huge difference. But I wasn't giving up.

Day 2

Learning from the lessons of Day 1, I started the night off using the blanket just on my waist and lower. I dimmed my lights and waited for the crippling struggle of trying to fall asleep happen. Yet it never happened. For some reason I was able to fall asleep by 2 am. I actually don't remember falling asleep that early in a long time.

Day 3

I decided to try and go for it. I put the entire blanket over my body and slept on my back which is not my usual position. Wow. I was surprised how cold I felt under the blanket. I honestly thought I'd get hot because I live in Arizona, but the blanket kept me cool. And, drum roll please, I fell asleep before 1 am. This is crazy!

Day 4-6

Same results as Day 3. Sleeping well under the blanket. An added bonus was how deep I was sleeping. I don't know why. My husband even said I started snoring. Go figure. For the first time, in a long time, I was getting good sleep.

Day 7 

One week in and I'm in love with my Buzio Weighted Blanket. An odd side effect happened with the blanket, my IC symptoms at night diminished to almost nothing. I don't know why. I didn't even expect that to happen. Also, I started to lose weight. I lost 5 lbs in the first week. My nurse friend said it's probably because my body is finally able to fall asleep and can repair and restore itself. I agree with her.

My Final Analysis & The Science Behind WB's

I've had my Buzio Weighted Blanket for a little over a month and it has changed my life. I still have some nights when I struggle, but I'm actually okay with those odd nights now. They are the exception not the rule. I didn't expect perfection from my weighted blanket, but I had no idea that I could find so much pleasure in going to bed. The struggle isn't entirely gone, but it is now manageable.

The actual science behind weighted blankets is called DTP, or Deep Touch Pressure. It basically means the body responds positively to gentle, deep pressure. DTP increases activity in the parasympathetic division of the autonomic nervous system. Lots of big words that basically mean, there is science behind the use of weighted blankets for individual who suffer from insomnia, anxiety, auto immune disorders, and it has been widely used to work with children with autism, people with pain, developmental disabilities, dementia, and more. The pressure from the weighted blanket relaxes the nervous system, evoking the feeling of a warm hug, which also releases serotonin. For more science you can read here, and here, and here.

  

Last Minute Tips

* Do your research before you buy a blanket. With most things, there is a lot of hype behind brands (which means more money). Some blankets can cost as much as $500. I love my Buzio Weighted Blanket and for the price, it's a great deal!

* Don't give up on your blanket. Give yourself time to get used to it.

* Don't expect miracles right away, but do expect to see some progress.

* Make sure to get the right weight. Most of the companies online have a guideline for you based on your weight. I personally use a 20 lb blanket.

Hope this review helps you find the rest and relaxation you need!

**Six Month Update** I'm still loving this blanket! It has helped tremendously with my sleep and anxiety.  I've had at least ten friends purchase the Buzio Weighted Blanket because of my recommendation and you can't beat the price and quality. I opened the Sunday advertisements and noticed some big store brands are now carrying weighted blankets, but not the same quality. Plus, you can't beat Amazon delivering it to your front door. Click on the link below to go to the exact blanket I purchased. 


About the Author...
Carol Sue Stuart is a blogger, author, poet and marketing adviser. Based in Arizona, Carol lives with her husband, three children, and two precious doggies. When she isn't writing, blogging, traveling, or getting into mischief, you can find her snuggled with a book and a plate of chocolate chip cookies. You can follow her on Instagram @TheMoonlightBella.

 

Amazon Associates Discloure

Carol Stuart is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.