How Weighted Blankets Can Help Seniors Stop Tossing and Turning

While many elderly people experience trouble sleeping, they may not know all the ways they can help their bodies rest and be at their best. Aside from prescription medication, which may be necessary for some, there are plenty of ways for older adults to turn off the light without tossing and turning, with a weighted blanket being one of them.

Why Do We Feel Less Rested as We Age?

You may have noticed that as you've aged you've become a light sleeper. There's science behind the "why." As we age, there are normal and natural changes that take place in brain tissue for some adults. These changes can alter our circadian rhythm.

Adults and older adults need about 7-9 hours of rest each night in order to be their best each day. Not getting enough good quality sleep can lead to daytime fatigue. Daytime fatigue may sound harmless but it can sometimes have disastrous consequences on overall health.

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With all the ill effects sleeplessness can have, it’s no wonder more and more of us are reaching for natural alternatives to help us catch more zzz’s and a weighted blanket is an effective option.

Older Adults Can Benefit from Weighted Blankets

The weighted blanket benefits for elderly adults are plentiful. Weighted blankets use deep touch pressure to help calm the body and mind. As a result, your brain gets a boost of serotonin, which is a hormone related to feelings of calmness and happiness. It’s also a precursor to melatonin, the hormone that tells your body it’s time to sleep.

As we age, our body makes less melatonin, which often causes sleep difficulties. In people with Alzheimer's disease, depression, or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), melatonin production can be even lower. There's also a link between weighted blankets and melatonin production. A weighted blanket for those battling dementia or Alzheimer’s symptoms can help provide much-needed moments of calm.

Say Goodbye to Sleep Disturbances with Weighted Blankets

As we age, it seems like more and more medical conditions keep creeping up, arthritis, aches and pains, and other conditions. You may experience neurological conditions, like restless leg syndrome, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, or depression.

Weighted blankets can help ease the physical and mental symptoms of age-related diagnoses. Changes in our bodies' physical abilities can be difficult to wrap our emotions around and in turn, it can lead to anxiety, which can lead to other physical symptoms. This cycle of symptoms can be eased with good medical care and good rest.

There are many possible benefits of weighted blankets for restless legs, tremors, sudden stiffness, and pins and needles sensations. Using deep touch pressure, a weighted blanket that eases these physical symptoms can also help ease emotional or mental stress.

Now, you may be wondering if weighted blankets are safe for elderly people. If the blanket is weighted, could it be too heavy? Weighted blankets for elderly and older adults are safe to use, as long as you're using the right weighted blanket weight.

There are a few tips and tricks to make sure you and your loved ones are getting the biggest benefits with your blanket.

• The ideal weighted blanket for elderly adults should be about 10% of body weight. The most important thing is to feel comfy and cozy. If you’re using a weighted blanket for the first time, we recommend starting with our 10 lb Cotton Napper.
• It can take up to a week or so to get used to the sensation of a weighted blanket. Try using your blanket during the day, while relaxing or sitting.
• Be sure you can move comfortably when lying under the blanket.
• If you're looking to buy a weighted blanket for a loved one who is medically frail, it’s best to speak to their physician before using a weighted blanket.
• For elderly adults with sleep apnea, use your weighted blanket to help ease stress and bring calm during daytime relaxation. Avoid using it overnight during sleep.