The fast pace of modern life can affect a wide range of aspects of our daily lives. Whether consciously or unconsciously, we all live in a constant state of stress, which obviously has its own effects.

According to the World Economic Forum , an estimated 275 million people suffer from anxiety disorders, a percentage that corresponds to approximately 4% of the global population.

Anxiety ranks first among mental health problems and is becoming more or less a "pandemic" that must be addressed and controlled as soon as possible.

Natural ways to deal with stress

Managing stress certainly requires significant lifestyle changes, but there are some alternative treatments that can help.

Meditation, massage, aromatherapy, physical exercise, herbs, and other such therapies can prove to be particularly effective in relieving different forms of anxiety.

However, there are also certain products that are 100% natural and scientifically proven to help with anxiety, such as gravity blankets that have been used for decades by psychiatrists and occupational therapists to treat mental and emotional conditions.

The benefits of gravity blankets are multifaceted, making them essential relaxation tools that are now used by a large portion of the population, whether we are talking about adults, teenagers, and young children.

Harnessing the power of Deep Tactile Pressure , gravity blankets combat anxiety and stress by activating the production of "happy hormones" in the body and relaxing our nervous system.

In this article, we will analyze the role of gravity blankets in relieving stress and anxiety, as well as the multiple benefits they offer to people with such conditions and symptoms.

The true definition of "stress"

Before we move on, let's make it clear that stress is not always bad. In fact, it is a natural defense mechanism of our body, which allows us to face any danger.

When the body's nervous system perceives that we are in danger or that we are in a demanding situation, the sympathetic nervous system is activated, releasing the appropriate hormones to enter a "fight or flight" state (known as "fight or flight") and effectively deal with any challenge.

To a limited extent, stress can enhance our ability to focus and perform effectively in high-pressure situations.

The problem arises when our body constantly operates in an emergency state without any discernible danger.

Anxiety disorders can vary greatly from one another, however the most common symptoms that a person may experience are the following:

• Worry
• Insomnia
• Decreased concentration
• Trembling
• Muscle tension
• Motor restlessness
• Easy fatigue
• Irritability
• Sleep disorder

In what ways does a gravity blanket reduce stress?

If stress is preventing you from living normally and enjoying your daily life, then it may be time to turn to natural therapies and aids, such as gravity blankets. Through Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation, gravity blankets offer multiple physical and psychological benefits .

Below we will examine how Prosleep gravity blankets can help you relieve anxiety and control stress.

Let's start.

1. Improves sleep quality

According to recent statistics, up to one-third of the world's population, especially in industrialized economies, suffers from poor sleep quality. This phenomenon is observed not only in the elderly but also in adults, adolescents and children.

Insomnia is often a mental or physical symptom. Whatever the cause, lack of sleep can create significant stress in your life and reduce your ability to perform effectively in everyday life, at work, in sports, in your social relationships, and in many other areas.

Gravity blankets are a safe and scientifically proven solution to help you sleep better, faster, and for longer hours.

At Prosleep, to give weight to our blankets, we use glass beads in the form of sand, which we place in cells located throughout the surface of the Prosleep Gravity blanket to distribute the weight evenly throughout your body.

This pressure resulting from the weight of the blanket on the body stimulates the proprioceptive system, resulting in the transition from the sympathetic nervous system ("fight or flight") to the parasympathetic nervous system ("rest, digest and regenerate").

The parasympathetic nervous system is the one that is activated to put our body in a state of "rest and digest ." When the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, heart rate and blood pressure drop, breathing slows, the pupils constrict, and the digestive system kicks into action.

Additionally, the pressure of the blanket on the body causes the release of serotonin, the hormone responsible for feelings of relaxation and happiness. This in turn is converted into melatonin and the body gets the message that it can now rest. Melatonin, also called "the sleep hormone", helps us enjoy a deep and high-quality sleep.

Keeping your mind and body relaxed is the first step you need to take to relieve stress and anxiety. Using a gravity blanket on a daily basis can significantly improve the quality of your sleep.

This way you will be able to wake up in the mornings and feel more energized and calm, so that you are better prepared to handle any stressful situations during your day.

2. Reduces stress

Anxiety and stress are intertwined. Increased levels of anxiety can make it difficult for you to relax, sleep, concentrate on your work, make decisions, or even perform some of your simple daily activities.

The feeling of being hugged by the weight of a gravity blanket - and therefore the effect of this feeling on the body - is an excellent way to soothe your nervous system.

The hormones released in this way, such as oxytocin, serotonin and dopamine (hormones of relaxation, happiness and love), regulate cortisol levels in the body (the stress hormone), resulting in the person feeling "grounded" and relaxed.

Many users report that the gravity blanket works great when they feel nervous or insecure as it acts like a "cocoon" within which they feel safe.

So the next time you feel anxious or nervous, try using a gravity blanket to relax and reduce the intensity of these feelings.

3. Relieves depression

Depression is a condition often characterized by feelings of sadness and darkness. Those who have experienced it in the past or are currently experiencing it can attest to the fact that this condition can create immense physical and mental stress.

Chronic depression is the result of a chemical imbalance in the body, usually characterized by low levels of serotonin and high levels of cortisol. Physical and mental symptoms of depression include insomnia, anxiety, and fatigue.

While antidepressants help treat symptoms by artificially increasing serotonin levels in the body, gravity blankets can offer similar treatment in a completely natural way and without a doctor's prescription.

Gravity blankets help to naturally increase serotonin levels in the body, which in turn controls the secretion of cortisol. Serotonin is then converted into melatonin, and as a result, the person can fall asleep more easily, enjoy a restful sleep, and wake up in a good mood and with more energy than usual.

In short, a weighted blanket improves your mood, reduces stress, and helps you sleep better. Overall, these positive changes can alleviate feelings of anxiety and gradually lift you out of depression.

The next time you feel down, snuggle up under a gravity blanket, "ground yourself" and enjoy its beneficial properties without fear.

4. Soothes pain

Some painful conditions, such as chronic back pain, fibromyalgia , restless legs syndrome , or migraines, create tremendous physical and mental stress. The underlying causes in each of these cases may be different, but they all affect your ability to be effective in the demands of everyday life.

Medically, there are treatments for the above conditions, but they involve long-term use of painkillers and other medications, which result in their own side effects, some of which are quite unpleasant.

Natural support tools can offer a lasting and safer solution to pain relief. Gravity blankets act as natural pain relievers, calming the nervous system, helping the body relax.

The gentle massage you feel from the constant pressure helps to relax tense and sore muscles, thus providing pain relief. You can also place the blanket on a specific area of ​​the body to alleviate pain locally or cover your entire body for even pressure distribution.

The additional weight of the blankets compared to conventional blankets sensitizes pressure zones and facilitates the release of endorphins - also called "the body's opioids" - which act as natural painkillers.

Also, as we mentioned above, this pressure on the body also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps with basic functions such as sleep, eating, and digestion.

A good night's sleep allows your body to rejuvenate and repair damaged tissues, which in turn can reduce pain and inflammation.

Through these benefits, gravity blankets can effectively break the cycle of stress and discomfort caused by chronic pain.

5. Reduces environmental sensitivity

Typically, children with autism or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are overly sensitive to environmental stimuli and have difficulty processing such information.

Loud music, bright lights, and unfamiliar environments can create anxiety and stress in people suffering from Sensory Processing Disorder.

Gravity blankets can reduce the stress caused by sensory overload in children, as the weight and comfortable feeling when covered create a "cocoon" within which the child feels safe.

The Deep Tactile Pressure applied through the blanket continuously stimulates the child's proprioceptive system, providing information to the brain about the body's position in relation to the environment. This helps the child's brain to calm down and stop the constant "questioning" about its position in space. Under the heavy fabric, the message to the brain is clear.

Occupational therapy is the primary form of treatment for people with Sensory Processing Disorder, and weighted blankets have been used in their regular treatment for decades. Now, they can also be used at home when a child is feeling anxious or stressed.

The gentle and constant pressure exerted by the blanket activates the production of serotonin, regulating his mood and making him more receptive to people and his external environment.

6. Helps ground the body

Remember how it feels to hug a loved one or to snuggle under the covers when you feel emotional pressure or stress.

Peace and security, right?

Well, that's exactly what happens with a gravity blanket, only the explanation is more scientific and the method is much more effective.

The added weight in gravity blankets gently presses your body down, creating an immediate sense of “grounding.” Grounding can regulate cortisol (a stress hormone) levels in the body, which in turn improves sleep and promotes well-being.

According to a study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , grounding the body during sleep can effectively reduce cortisol levels and synchronize its secretion with the body's 24-hour natural circadian rhythm.

Using Deep Tactile Pressure, gravity blankets ground the body, creating an immediate sense of comfort and security. Deep Tactile Pressure therapy also activates the secretion of serotonin and melatonin, hormones that make us feel happy and sleepy. Serotonin is also known to control cortisol levels in the blood, significantly helping to reduce stress.

8. Regulates the Autonomic Nervous System

Did you know that your nervous system is divided into two types? These are the sympathetic nervous system and the parasympathetic nervous system.

The sympathetic nervous system is what keeps you alert and focused. It's what keeps you productive at work, focused while driving, and alert when you're dealing with stressful situations.

However, when the sympathetic nervous system is constantly active and does not rest, then the unpleasant effects begin, resulting in feelings of anxiety, exhaustion and nervousness, as well as serious insomnia problems that do not help you recover.

Conditions such as autism, ADHD, depression, and other disorders are the result of an overactive sympathetic nervous system.

Children and adults suffering from these conditions have difficulty relaxing and are characterized by hyperactivity and difficulty concentrating.

On the other hand, the parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for your rest, putting the body into “regeneration, sleep, and digestion” mode. When the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, your body receives signals that it’s time to sleep, and as a result, your muscles relax, your heart rate decreases, your blood circulation improves, and your mind stops racing. You’re now ready for a restful night.

Activation of the parasympathetic nervous system is usually synchronized with the body's circadian rhythm, allowing you to sleep and rest normally. However, stress can distort this 24-hour cycle and weaken your body's ability to relax and restore.

Gravity blankets activate certain points of the body, resulting in the release of happiness and sleep hormones, such as serotonin and melatonin, pushing the body to switch from the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic one.

Regular use of gravity blankets will help you regularly enjoy deep and long sleep and regulate the functioning of your autonomic nervous system.

Choosing the ideal gravity blanket

Choosing the right weighted blanket shouldn't take you long. The thing to remember when it comes to weight is the 10% rule.

So, in practical terms, the weight of a weighted blanket should be around 10% of your body weight. This means that if you weigh 70 kg, then a 7 kg blanket is the right choice for you. However, this is not an inviolable rule.

According to a study conducted in Sweden, participants reported that even though they saw a big improvement in sleep and stress levels, if they had to choose the weight of the blanket again on their own, they would choose the one immediately heavier than the one they had.

As for the quality of the blanket, this is where you need to be a little careful. You can find weighted blankets on the market that are even sold at a fairly low price. In this case, you should keep 4 things in mind:

1. These blankets may be sold without a cover (hence the lower price).
2. The material inside the blanket to give it weight may be made of polypropylene (plastic) and not the natural glass that we use at Prosleep for our blankets.
3. The sewing quality must be excellent as there is a risk that the beads that give weight to the blanket will leak, ruining your entire experience.
4. The fabrics used should be tested and certified by international organizations, such as OEKO-TEX, for safety towards human skin.

Remember! If you are taking any medication for anxiety, it would be a good idea to consult your doctor first before using a gravity blanket.

Confronting the "silent" killer

Stress and tension are the biggest threats facing humans in modern society. Whether it's a difficult course at university, financial worries, workplace problems, or health problems, stress and anxiety can "attack" people of all ages, without discrimination.

If not treated immediately, it can have a negative impact on many areas of your body's functioning, such as sleep, digestion, brain function, and others.

Gravity blankets can serve as the perfect relaxation tool to help you deal with stress on all levels.

Through Deep Tactile Pressure, these blankets can activate relaxation hormones, helping the mind and body calm down.

The gentle pressure applied to the body soothes your nervous system and relieves you of all negative thoughts and tensions, while promoting deep sleep, allowing you to remain productive and happy in your daily life.

If you experience daily symptoms of intense stress and anxiety, investing in a gravity blanket can prove to be an excellent option.

Get the Prosleep Gravity!