Do weighted blankets work for anxiety?

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I have electric blankets on my bed and I think it does help (somewhat).

Interesting.
Because I had some sort of reasoning while reading.

I also thought about what wouldn't work for me.

A heavy blanket bothers me.
Not the materials they use.
I'm very sensitive to materials.

The fact is, you're right, because I read some research that seems to agree with you completely.
This happens by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system, increasing the production of serotonin and melatonin, and decreasing cortisol.
In responsive people, it would help.
Although, to be honest: the roles of serotonin and melatonin are entirely deductive.
That is, they are part of a corollary of pseudo-functions of the human brain.

They are based on research by Dr. Wong and two of his colleagues.

Which then led to the creation of the SSRI drug business in 1969.

Assuming, but not conceding, that these two substances cross the blood-brain barrier (and I see it as difficult) and reach the specific receptors (yes, because they are selective)...then they would work.

I tried melatonin in the hospital and I couldn't sleep at all.

Serotonin, in its pharmacological form, is a depressant for me.

Now these blankets you describe would have the same effect.

Just as I explained above in the post.

They mimic the sensation of a hug and reduce stress.

Here we are reminded of an exceptional person, Temple Grandin, and her idea for the hug machine.

She thought of it at 18. She's an extraordinary person, I'd say fantastic. She thinks in images.

She puts words into perspective.
Although, having heard and seen her on TED TV, she speaks with extraordinary speed and incredible energy.

I saw a weighted blanket once. When I picked it up it was just like a cloth bag full of sand and was very heavy. I'd hate to see it rip open and make a mess everywhere. I move around way too much when I go to bed and I have a problem with keeping my legs and feet still, so maybe putting a weighted blanket just up to my waist might help because it'll kind of be like a massage?

But I really don't know, it sounds like pseudoscience and people can get injured by weighted blankets. Small children could even suffocate under them.

It can, much as when we swaddle a baby with a blanket. Many people find that swaddling helps them feel more relaxed, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep, similar to how it helps babies. The practice, known as Otonamaki in Japan, involves wrapping a person in a cocoon-like manner to provide a sense of security and promote deep pressure stimulation, which can be calming. While anecdotal evidence is strong, scientific research is still needed to fully support these claims.

I sleep better and stay asleep longer using mine, plus one from me.

I have a homemade weighted blanket that I've had for about 5 years now. I've always liked having heavy blankets when the weather allowed, but this one is a game-changer when I have a panic attack. Not all attacks are the same, but some of them make me feel very cold, fragile, and vulnerable. The blanket makes me feel warmer and safer at the same time.

I had an attack once where I got cold for no reason and felt like I was dying. I turned on the gas fireplace, put on a few easy to find blankets, and yelled for help. My wife found more blankets for me, and both cats came and lay down on top of me, and gradually I felt better. A few months later I had a new weighted blanket.

Sadly, those cats have moved on and our new cats are less attuned to people, but my blanket remains awesome.