Table of Contents
Can Weighted Blankets Cause Dizziness?
If you’re considering buying a weighted blanket, you might be wondering if there are any potential side effects.
Weighted blankets are safe for most people, but some may experience minor side effects like dizziness or nausea.
Table of Contents
Can weighted blankets cause dizziness?
Weighted blankets may be popular among those looking for deep pressure therapy and sensory input, but can they cause dizziness? According to reports on the internet, it’s possible that weighted blankets could cause dizziness in some people, particularly if the weight of the blanket is too heavy for their body or if they have an underlying medical condition that affects their balance like sleep apnea, respiratory issues, circulatory diseases, claustrophobia.
However, not everyone will experience dizziness from using a weighted blanket.
The added pressure of the blanket can cause an increase in heart rate and breathing which may make it more difficult to relax and find a good night’s sleep.
Although there is little risk in using a weighted blanket for most people, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider before doing so if you have any health conditions that could make it riskier for you.
Can weighted blankets cause nausea?
It’s possible that using a weighted blanket could cause nausea in some people, especially if the weight of the blanket is too heavy for their body or if they experience motion sickness or vertigo. Use the Corala Weighted Blanket Calculator to find the ideal weight of a weighted blanket.
People with sleep apnea, asthma, COPD, and claustrophobia should avoid using a weighted blanket as it can exacerbate their respiratory issues and trigger their claustrophobia.
While weighted blankets can be beneficial for some people, they can cause nausea in others. The extra weight of the blanket can add pressure to the body and make one feel uncomfortable, leading to nausea.
Can a weighted blanket help dizziness?
Yes, a weighted blanket can help with dizziness. It helps to provide a sense of body and security, which is especially beneficial to those who suffer from vestibular imbalance, motion sickness, and other forms of vestibular stress. The added pressure of the blanket helps to calm the heart rate and breathing, allowing the body to relax and drift off to sleep easier.
Studies have also shown that weighted blankets help to improve the overall quality of sleep for children with autism spectrum disorders, reducing wake-up intervals, the time it takes to fall asleep, and extending the maximum hours of sleep.
It is important to consult with a doctor before using a weighted blanket to ensure it is the right choice for you.
Can weighted blankets cause headaches?
Weighted blankets may offer some potential benefits when it comes to reducing body pains, such as chronic leg pains, headaches, and even the pain symptoms caused by restless leg syndrome. However, there are some cases where weighted blankets may not be suitable.
People with sleep apnea, respiratory problems such as COPD, and chronic medical conditions, including low blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, should avoid using weighted blankets. Additionally, people with claustrophobia may be triggered by the engulfing sensation induced by the blanket’s tightness and weight.
What are the side effects of using weighted blankets?
1. Dizziness
The symptoms of dizziness when using a weighted blanket can include feeling disoriented, spinning, “swimming” in your brain, “cotton wool” sensation in your head, rocking on a boat, feeling “drunk”, feeling tilted to one side, head pressure.
Therefore, if you experience dizziness due to a sleep disorder or other medical condition, it is important to consult with your doctor before trying a weighted blanket.
2. Feeling Lightheaded
Lightheadedness associated with the use of a weighted blanket can include, but is not limited to, feelings of dizziness, spinning, disorientation, panic, anxiety, feeling disconnected, lightheadedness, heaviness of the head or feet, and feeling of eyes crossing.
Additionally, those with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) may experience dizziness triggered or worsened by postural changes or visual stimuli.
3. Stress and Anxiety
Using a weighted blanket can increase stress and anxiety because the deep pressure touch stimulation created by the blanket triggers the release of serotonin in the brain. This serotonin is responsible for reducing stress and improving mood, but if the body is already in a state of heightened stress, this may cause further stress and anxiety.
Additionally, the feeling of being “hugged” may cause the body to feel like it is in a constantly stressful situation or environment, further escalating the stress response.
5. Potential for Suffocation
The potential for suffocation with a weighted blanket is real, especially when used on infants and toddlers. Weighted blankets can pose a risk of suffocation due to their tightness and heavy weight. The pressure of the blanket restricts a baby’s ability to move freely, and can prevent them from taking in enough air.
6. Potential for Overheating
According to our experts weighted blankets are also prone to over-heating. Weighted blankets are heavier than 35 pounds can cause the body temperature to rise and interfere with sleep, thus posing a potential health hazard. Therefore, it is highly advisable to use weighted blankets with caution to avoid the risk of overheating.
7. Potential for Entanglement
When using a weighted blanket, there is always a risk of entanglement. While the physical connection with the blanket provides a sense of warmth and safety, the heaviness of the blanket can make it difficult to move freely.
Furthermore, if someone tosses and turns during the night, they can become entangled in the blanket and unable to move especially children. To ensure safety, it is important to be aware of the risks associated with weighted blankets and to use them with caution.
FAQs
How do weighted blankets work to reduce dizziness?
Weighted blankets can also work to reduce dizziness by providing a sense of body to those people who are drawn to them. The pressure from the blanket simulates a hug, which triggers the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn slows the heart rate and reduces blood pressure. This provides a sense of calmness which can help reduce dizziness.
The added pressure of the weighted blanket also helps to calm your heart rate and breathing which may make it easier to relax before you go to sleep. This can help to decrease insomnia, as well as reduce other symptoms of vestibular imbalances such as dizziness and motion sickness.
Overall, weighted blankets in general are a pretty safe and effective way to reduce dizziness and improve sleep. While there is still some inconclusive research on the effectiveness of weighted blankets, there is little risk for most people in trying them.
Do weighted blankets have any side effects?
Weighted blankets are generally considered safe for most people. However, there are some potential risks to be aware of before using one. These include potential risks for those with sleep apnea, respiratory problems, chronic medical conditions, and children under the age of two. It is important to speak with your healthcare provider if you have any of these conditions before trying a weighted blanket.
Additionally, the pressure of the blanket can feel overwhelming if it is too heavy, even can cause pain in your feet, so extra caution should be taken when using a weighted blanket on a child. Overall, most people can try using weighted blankets with little risk, but it is best to speak with your healthcare provider first.
Are weighted blankets a good option for treating insomnia?
Weighted blankets can be used to help reduce anxiety, which is often a factor in insomnia.Studies have shown that after adults use a weighted blanket, 63% reported lower anxiety and 78% preferred the weighted blanket to calm down. Overall, weighted blankets can be a great option for those suffering from insomnia.
The evidence suggests that the added pressure, warmth, and comfort of the blanket can help reduce anxiety, improve sleep quality, and stimulate uninterrupted sleep. It is always recommended to consult a doctor before using a weighted blanket to make sure it’s the right solution for you.
She tried every sleep system and trick to conquer her insomnia for good.
- 6 Seemingly Harmless Habits Intensifying Your Insomnia - October 26, 2024
- 10 So-Called Relaxation Tricks Wrecking Your Sleep - October 26, 2024
- 5 Wrong Mindfulness Tips Which Kills Your Sleep - October 25, 2024
