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Weighted blankets for hypermobility syndromes are highly recommended. Not only can they help to stabilize your joints, reduce chronic pain, and lower your anxiety levels, but they can improve your sleep too. Research has found using weighted blankets reduces the likelihood of experiencing insomnia by 50%.
They’re so great that they’re recommended by people with the condition themselves. A study from Stuff That Works revealed that 66% of people diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDs) said that their weighted blanket worked “very well” or “fairly well”. With this figure in mind, it’s certainly worth using weighted blankets for hypermobility to see if you too have a positive result from them.
So, let’s delve deeper into weighted blankets for hypermobility, so you can choose the one that’s best for you.
What is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is a type of therapeutic blanket. They’re heavier than normal blankets as they contain materials, such as microfiber beads, sand, steel beads, and pebbles. These materials are sewn into the blanket to ensure the weight is evenly distributed across the blanket.
The weight of the blanket provides deep pressure stimulation (DPS) which effectively hugs the body. Weighted blankets were originally designed for use by people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But they are now commonly used by people with a range of medical conditions, including ADHD, anxiety, fibromyalgia, and hypermobility.
Are weighted blankets good for joints?
Yes, weighted blankets can be good for joints. If you have a lot of joint instability due to your hypermobility, a weighted blanket can help to keep the joints stable. This may be particularly useful at night if you frequently toss and turn and are at risk of subluxating a joint.
A recent study titled Widespread Pressure Delivered by a Weighted Blanket Reduces Chronic Pain supports the use of weighted blankets. The researchers found that chronic pain (which is frequently reported by people with hypermobility) was significantly reduced when a light weighted blanket was used. The weight of the blanket recommended was 5 lb.
TOP TIP: Opt for weighted blanket that weighs 5 lb.
How heavy are weighted blankets?
Weighted blankets typically range in weight from 5 to 30 pounds.
Is it OK to sleep with a weighted blanket every night?
Yes, it is generally safe to sleep with a weighted blanket every night if you have hypermobility. But, a weighted blanket is an experience that you won’t be used to. So, it’s best to start slowly and gradually increase the amount of time you spend under the blanket.
Research actually supports using a weighted blanket every night. If you have problems sleeping because of hypermobility, a weighted blanket can help. A recent study found that a weighted blanket increases the amount of melatonin produced in the body during sleep. This is an important finding as melatonin helps to regulate your body clock.
What weight weighted blanket should I choose?
The Sleep Foundation recommends that a weighted blanket should weigh 10% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 120 lbs, a 12 lb weighted blanket is suggested.
TOP TIP: Experts recommend using a weighted blanket that weighs 10% of your body weight.
But, if you are new to using a weighted blanket, it is a good idea to start with a lighter weight and gradually increase the weight as needed. Also, your hypermobile joints may feel comfier with a slightly lighter weighted blanket.
Will a weighted blanket help with anxiety?
Yes, weighted blankets can help to reduce anxiety. Hypermobility and anxiety are common conditions that are often seen together.
Two particular studies demonstrate how weighted blankets reduce anxiety. The first found that after using a 30 lb weighted blanket for 5 minutes, 63% of people had lower anxiety. The second study concluded that 60% of people in a mental health crisis had less anxiety after using a weighted blanket.
Nighttime anxiety is a common problem for people with hypermobility as the darkness and silence provide an optimum time to start worrying about health and pain levels. If this is something you experience, give a weighted blanket a try as it could help you fall to sleep quicker and easier.
Do weighted blankets make you hot?
Weighted blankets can make you hot, but this is not always the case. The amount of heat that a weighted blanket produces depends on a number of factors, including the material of the blanket, the weight of the blanket, and the temperature of the room.
It’s normal for hypermobility, overheating, and sweating to occur together. So, adding a weighted blanket into the mix can make things worse.
Some materials, such as cotton, are more breathable than others and may be a better choice for people who tend to get hot at night. A lighter weight weighted blanket may produce less heat than a heavier weight blanket.
But, a better option is a cooling weighted blanket. Kuddly’s Cooling Weighted Blanket, for example, weighs 4.7 kg and is designed to keep you cool while providing all the benefits of deep pressure stimulation.
TOP TIP: Buy a cooling weighted blanket rather than a standard weighted blanket
Can hypermobile children use weighted blankets?
Yes, weighted blankets can be helpful for hypermobile children. But, the child must be 2 years of age or older, according to Sleep Health Solutions.
Children don’t regulate their temperatures in the same way that adults do, so they must be supervised when using a weighted blanket.
Weighted blankets are a good choice for people with hypermobility. They have lots of benefits and can help with mental health symptoms, as well as pain, and sleep disorders. So, if you’re looking to add a weighted blanket on to your bed, choose from this impressive selection today.
