According to a Cigna 360 Well-Being Survey done in 2019, a staggering 92 per cent of working Singaporeans are stressed. 8 per cent higher than the global average at 84 per cent. Numerous reports have shown that stress in Singaporeans predominately culminates in the workplace.
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Over two million GP appointments each year were for chest pain driven by stress-related mental illness, and about 240,000 people were sent to the Accident and Emergency departments of hospitals for stress-related illnesses yearly.
This increase in stress levels in turn makes it more difficult for us to fall asleep at night, making us lack the sleep we need in the day. This further worserns the stress that we feel in the day and it slowly becomes a viscious cycle.
How a Weighted Blanket Works
Just as the name suggests, a weighted blanket is like a regular blanket only heavier, much heavier. The extra weight will ground your body and gently push it downwards as you sleep. This grounding process has a profoundly calming effect on your body and mind. It is called deep pressure touch (DPT). This is the same technique used in massages.
DPT help improve the mood and promotes relaxation. That is how a weighted blanket will help you fall asleep faster. Many people compare the firm pressure of sleeping under a weighted blanket to getting hugged.
The Science Behind Stress Relief
Saying a weighted blanket will help ease your stress is not just wishful thinking. There is a science behind how a weighted blanket works. The deep, evenly distributed pressure of a weighted blanket help reduce cortisol levels in the body.
Cortisol is a stress hormone. It makes your brain think you are under attack. Elevated cortisol levels in the body can cause anxiety, insomnia and depression.
In addition, sleeping under a weighted blanket will also increase the serotonin levels in your body. Serotonin is a hormone responsible for lowering blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety. By increasing your serotonin levels, the weighted blanket will help you feel more relaxed. It will also help regulate your mood.
Choosing the Perfect Weighted Blanket
For your weighted blanket to help you destress, you need to choose it correctly. If the weighted blanket is too heavy or too light, you will not benefit fully from it. To choose a suitable weighted blanket, you can use your weight as a guide.
In general, a weighted blanket should be around 10%-12% of your body weight. You can go a bit heavier or lighter, according to your personal preferences.