Weighted Blankets for Arthritis - How Deep Pressure Eases Pain and Improves Sleep

Using Weighted Blankets to Alleviate Arthritis Symptoms and Improve Sleep

Living with arthritis often means coping with pain, inflammation, fatigue and trouble sleeping - all issues that can compound each other. Many arthritis patients have discovered that weighted blankets can provide welcome relief for several issues at once.

How Weighted Blankets Ease Arthritis Symptoms

Weighted blankets help in several ways:

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Lessens pain signals through deep pressure touch
• Promotes relaxation to improve sleep issues
• Boosts serotonin production to uplift mood

This unique tool provides a comforting, calming effect without any chemicals or medications. Users describe the sensation as being gently cradled or hugged throughout the night. For those suffering from painful conditions like arthritis, finding natural relief is invaluable.

How Much Weight Is Recommended in Blankets?

Guidelines advise choosing a blanket weighing 10-12% of your body weight. So for:

• 100 lb person = 10-12 lb blanket
• 150 lb person = 15-18lb blanket
• 200 lb person = 20-24lb blanket

Size the blanket so it covers your body without draging the floor. This ensures maximum relaxing effects.

Top Features of Weighted Blankets for Arthritis Relief & Better Sleep

With many weighted blanket options available, what should arthritis patients look for? Here are the most important features.

Type of Weight Fill

Blankets commonly contain:

• Glass beads - provide even weight distribution across the body
• Poly pellets - more affordable but may shift during the night
• Steel shot - retains body heat well but is noisy and heavy

High quality small glass beads tend to offer the best comfort, though good pellet designs prevent clumping.

Fabric Exterior Material

Natural breathabile cotton, bamboo, or eucalyptus outer fabric creates comfort without overheating. For sensory issues, exceptionally soft minky or plush fabric works well.

Design Elements

Seeking these design touches optimizes the benefits:

• Corner loops to secure duvet around blanket
• Strong ties to keep insert from shifting
• Zipper closure for easy washing
• Thin, quilted chambers prevent bead noise

Ideal Weight Distribution

High quality blankets have thin quilting to keep weight evenly spread out. Budget styles with less sewing often lump uncomfortably. Focus weight across your core rather than extremities.

Temperature Control

Natural fibers like cotton and bamboo adjust well to preferences for cool or warm sleeping. But some also offer dual sides - one soft and one cool 100% cotton side to suit needs.

Specialized Design Elements for Arthritis Relief

Those with arthritis may benefit from strategically placed extra weight over painful areas. Consider these custom additions:

Shoulder Relief Zone

Heavier weight through the shoulders releases upper back tension and strain for a deeply relaxing sensation.

Arm Relief Add-Ons

For hand, wrist or elbow pain, using weighted cuffs in addition to the full body blanket directly targets painful spots.

Leg and Foot Pockets

Separate compartments for feet and calves work similarly to the cuffs to ease lower body discomfort.

Neck Support

A molded neck pillow area gives focused relief to this commonly pained area. The cradled feeling prevents neck strain.

Ideal Usage Tips for Soothing Arthritis with Weighted Blankets

To maximize arthritis relief and sleep benefits, follow these expert tips:

Use Consistently

Make weighted blanket use a regular part of your sleep routine instead of occasional. This trains your body to associate it with calm and rest.

Try Both Back and Side Sleeping

Position the bulk of the weight across your core rather than shoulders or hips to avoid strain from side sleeping.

Use After Exercise

Since exercise helps produce serotonin and endorphins, pairing with blanket use after workouts enhances mood benefits.

Focus on Deep Breathing

Once settled under the blanket, consciously breathe slowly. Combine with body scans starting at feet and moving upwards.

Use During Pain Flare-Ups

For arthritis patients, simply resting with the blanket after activity can calm inflammation and discomfort.

Try Guided Meditations

Listening to gentle meditative audio guides while using your weighted blanket taps into restorative mind-body relaxation.

Comparing Weighted Blankets to Other Arthritis Aids

How do weighted blankets stack up to other common comfort approaches?

Heating Pads

Heating pads alleviate temporary muscle aches well. But weighted blankets offer whole-body comfort without electricity or moisture.

Pain Relief Medications

Oral or topical medications focus narrowly on pain signals. Weighted blankets’ full-body pressure impacts both physical and mental relaxation to treat the whole person.

Mattress Toppers

Memory foam pads make existing beds more comfortable. But they lack weighted blankets’ customizability for arthritis targeting and carrying from room to room.

TENS Units

Electric pulses block pain signals similarly to acupressure benefits of weighted blankets but are less convenient for ongoing nightly use.

Specialized Weighted Blanket Brands for Arthritis

With weighted blankets growing popularity, more companies now cater their designs specifically for chronic pain relief.

Gravity Blankets

Offers adjustable positions, multiple weight zones and soft exterior for soothing joint and muscle issues.

Bearaby Napper

Uses chunky knitted fabric instead of beads to surround the body for comforting, pain-free rest.

Baloo Living

Focuses specifically on cooling, breathable nature-based materials suited for night sweats chronic pain can cause.

Suitsi Luxury

Uses highest quality glass beads with baffle box construction to enable custom targeting of shoulder, hip and neck issues.

Tips for New Weighted Blanket Users

For those new to weighted blankets, it helps knowing what to expect as your body adjusts:

• Start with lighter weight blankets first if unsure
• Give yourself 2 weeks to adapt to new sleep sensation
• Pair with total body relaxation techniques
• Avoid feeling constrained - adjust as needed

Weighted blankets offer incredible therapeutic benefits for arthritis symptoms and sleep. After some experimentation with different weights and fabrics, you’re likely to find restful relief!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.