Counting sheep doesn't help? Try their heavy wool!
As many of you know, I have a difficult time sleeping. Over the years, I've discovered things that have acted as my sirens of the deep, luring sweet sleep to me. After I've fallen asleep, the trick now becomes to STAY asleep.
We recently moved from a So-Cal home with central heat, to a cabin with a wood-burning stove in central California. Though we keep the house warm during the day, the temperatures can drop as the fire burns out at night. For this reason, I've started to layer blankets.
The first night I did this, I was amazed at how quickly and how deeply I fell asleep! I never stirred throughout the night! I assumed that it must have been chilly temperatures that were waking me, but I did notice something else that interested me. When the blankets were layered, not only were they warmer, but they were heavier. The fabric seemed to lightly press down on my body with gentle pressure, subconsciously calming and soothing me to stay asleep throughout the night. It almost reminded me of the way a baby is calmed after swaddling.
About a week later, I saw an ad for weighted blankets and their therapeutic benefit! Weighted blankets? I had never heard of them before but the concept was far from unfamiliar! Because of our son's sensory issues, we were well aware of the benefits of this type of pressure-related sensory stimulation. Most people agree that hugs "feel good", but did you know that there are actual biological reasons why they improve your mood? Unfortunately, not everyone can receive these benefits because the disadvantages of crossing the social and physical barrier to access those benefits prove to be too strong of a deterrant. The brilliant autistic savante Temple Grandin invented her Hug Machine to receive the benefits of the hug, without the anxiety-producing physical contact normally associated with a hug.
However, most people are not flocking to the stores, excited to buy a large, complex Hug Machine to put in their homes. Regardless of their benefit, there needs to be a convenient and simple solution.
The weighted blanket seems to be that solution.
This particular blanket from Gravity has designed their blanket based on the research from The Journal of Occupational Therapy in Mental Health, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Proceedings of the SIGCHI Conference, and Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders.
Weighted blankets are engineered to be 7-12% of your body weight to relax the nervous system by simulating the feeling of being held or hugged. More specifically, Gravity uses the power of proprioceptive input (more commonly known as “deep touch pressure stimulation”), a well regarded therapeutic method that stimulates pressure points on the body linked to improved sleep, mood, and relaxation.
They're not only beneficial for autistic people, but also for people who struggle with PTSD, insomnia, emotional disorders, anxiety, and the like. The company who designed the Mosaic Weighted blanket offers this perspective.
When fearful thoughts strike, a weighted blanket draped over your body supports feelings of comfort and security. The deep pressure touch stimulation has been found to weaken unwanted thoughts and relax muscle tension. Equivalent to the benefits of massage, moderate pressure applied to the body fosters the natural production of serotonin. Serotonin, a hormone, transforms to melatonin, which induces sleepiness and helps to maintain sleep throughout the night.
After seeing this, I immediately messaged @guiltyparties to let him know that this might be something to suggest to his veterans group, as many veterans are plagued with PTSD and the insomnia that follows. He agreed and asked if I would be willing to compile it into a simple post to share.
Not only can I suggest that this might be an effective method to treat insomnia, but I can tell you from experience as someone who has used essential oils, OTC drugs, music, meditation, and other "tricks" to stay asleep, the pressure from my layered blankets has been the most simple and least intrusive method for a successful night sleep! If the price of a single weighted blanket is a deterrant to your budget right now, I would suggest layering in the meantime! Though it is slightly bulky and inconvenient to adjust multiple blankets if you're a restless sleeper, I do find that once I'm under the weight of the blankets, I move less frequently throughout the night. One weighted, temperature controlled blanket is obviously ideal, but given the choice of insomnia or a sound night of sleep - I hope that the idea of layered blankets can be an adequate substitute while you wait.