Do Weighted Blankets Help with Sleep Apnea?

Sleep apnea is a common sleep disorder in which the sufferer experiences cessations in breathing throughout the night during sleep. This can cause a wide range of symptoms, like loud snoring, difficulty focusing, mood changes, and chronic fatigue. If you are struggling to get the sleep you need at night, you may be wondering if using a weighted blanket could help. Continue reading to learn more about how weighted blankets work and their benefits

How Do Weighted Blankets Work?

Weighted blanks come in a variety of different weights depending on how much you weigh. Ideally, a weighted blanket should be about 10% of your body weight. This way, it can assist you in getting a more comfortable night of sleep without risking your safety. Some people describe using a weighted blanket as feeling like their blanket is hugging them. This helps many fall asleep more quickly, waking up fewer times throughout the way.

Do Weighted Blankets Improve Sleep Quality?

According to a study completed in 2015, 33% of participants experienced reduced stress. 63% of participants experienced a decrease in anxiety. In addition to these effects, weighted blankets can help to stimulate hormone changes that positively impact your sleep. Here’re how this works.

· May Stimulate Oxytocin: Oxytocin is a calming hormone that is associated with feelings of attachment and closeness. This can help to put your mind at-ease and regulate your sleep cycle.

· May Decrease Cortisol: This hormone is produced when your body responds to stress, making it much more difficult to fall and stay asleep. Weighted blankets may be able to help decrease your body’s production of cortisol, allowing you to rest more easily.

· May Increase Serotonin: You may hear serotonin referred to as a “feel good” hormone. This is because it helps you feel stabilized, regulated, and relaxed. Studies have shown that lacking this hormone can lead to anxiety and depression. It can even disrupt circadian rhythms that affect your sleep routine. Weighted blankets may be able to increase your body’s production of serotonin, improving your quality of rest.

If you are showing signs of sleep apnea, it’s important that you seek help from a professional. In addition to sleep apnea treatment, things like weighted blankets and good sleep practices, like avoiding screen before bed and keeping your bedroom at the ideal temperature, can help you achieve a higher quality sleep.

About the Author

Dr. Jonathan Held earned his dental doctorate from the Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha. A sufferer of sleep apnea himself, he decided to dedicate his career to treating sleep apnea. He has taken over 800 hours of continuing education and is a proud Diplomate of the American Board of Dental Sleep Medicine in Northern Arizona. He has several offices in Northern Arizona, including Flagstaff, Sedona, Kingman, and Prescott Valley. To learn more about sleep apnea treatment or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (928) 778-4555.