At some point in our lives, almost all of us will experience or witness a traumatic event.

This traumatic event can of course come in many forms, such as the loss of a loved one, an accident, abuse, war, or natural disasters.

While many people recover from such events naturally, others develop long-term symptoms - exaggerated reactions, anxiety, depressed mood and agitation - that lead to a diagnosis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD for short).

Since the 1990s, gravity blankets have been used by the medical community as a complementary therapy for PTSD. Known for their ability to relieve stress and promote deep sleep, these therapeutic blankets induce a sense of calm and security that has been shown to be extremely beneficial in improving PTSD symptoms.

In this article, we discuss PTSD, the symptoms it causes, and how a comfortable, high-quality gravity blanket can help some who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder find relief.

What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?

PTSD is a serious mental health disorder that develops after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic, dangerous, or unexpected event. It is estimated that in recent years, rates of post-traumatic stress disorder worldwide have increased significantly due to the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in patients and caregivers.

Some examples of events that can trigger PTSD are:

• Sexual or physical assault
• Exposure to combat/war
• Child physical abuse
• Threat with a weapon
• An accident
• Hospitalization in ICU

Symptoms of post-traumatic stress

Symptoms of PTSD can vary from person to person, but many people with PTSD experience frightening thoughts, insomnia, flashbacks, low self-esteem, and unpleasant feelings.

Other symptoms may include:

• Flashbacks and disturbing memories
• Nightmares, insomnia and sleep disorders
• Anxiety and depression
• Feeling disconnected from loved ones

How can a gravity blanket help with PTSD?

Receiving effective treatment is vital for improving PTSD symptoms, healing from past trauma, and feeling safe in the world.

Unfortunately, many trauma survivors do not respond well to conventional treatments or may be reluctant to seek professional help in the first place.

Gravity blankets, while not a first-line treatment for PTSD, are an emerging complementary therapy option for survivors of traumatic events. These blankets harness the power of " Deep Tactile Pressure ," a scientifically proven mechanism that applies steady but gentle pressure to the body, similar to that of a hug. This soothing pressure activates the parasympathetic nervous system, triggering the release of relaxation-inducing hormones that make the user feel safe, relaxed, and comfortable.

Here are some other ways that people living with PTSD can benefit from using a gravity blanket.

• Relieves anxiety and panic attacks. Many people with PTSD experience recurring panic attacks – waves of intense fear followed by rapid heartbeat, sweating, dizziness and other unpleasant physical symptoms. A gravity blanket can help you overcome this anxiety attack by calming your heartbeat and breathing. A gravity blanket also helps reduce cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone that can create additional anxiety when chronically elevated.
• Promotes better sleep. Insomnia and nightmares are two phenomena that often go hand in hand with PTSD. The worst part is that lack of sleep can worsen PTSD symptoms, leading to a vicious cycle that is often difficult to break. Gravity blankets are a potential solution to this problem, because not only have they been scientifically proven to reduce insomnia symptoms in people with psychiatric disorders, but they can also be a source of comfort for those who experience frequent nightmares.

Tip: Looking for a gravity blanket that will help you relieve stress and improve your sleep? Check out the Gravity and Gravity Ice blankets — the first gravity blankets in Greece that have been designed based on scientific studies and have been proven to improve sleep quality.

• Relieves symptoms of depression. – If post-traumatic stress is making you feel down, spend some time relaxing under a weighted blanket. The gentle pressure on your body is believed to release the hormones serotonin and dopamine – two neurotransmitters that play an important role in regulating happiness and good mood.
• Helps you cope during treatment. Starting treatment can be difficult for anyone, but it is especially difficult for those suffering from PTSD. People with PTSD may have to deal with unpleasant or painful emotions and memories during treatment, making them more likely to feel disconnected from those around them and alone. With their ability to mimic the feeling of being hugged, gravity blankets can serve as a source of affection when memories of past traumas resurface.

What to Consider When Choosing a Gravity Blanket for PTSD

Before choosing a gravity blanket for PTSD, consider the following:

Weight. Gravity blankets come in a variety of sizes and weights. The general rule of thumb for choosing the right weight for your blanket is that it should weigh about 10% of your body weight. People with PTSD may want to consider a lighter option to avoid feeling trapped or claustrophobic.

Fabric. If your PTSD symptoms often make you feel hot or sweaty, choose the Gravity Ice cooling blanket. This special blanket is made from revolutionary fabrics that breathe and wick away moisture to keep you cool and comfortable all night long.

Tackle stress and insomnia with a gravity blanket

Gravity blankets are the most effective way to deal with insomnia and stress without medication, as they have been used for many decades to help people suffering from anxiety disorders, autism, and other sensory disorders.

How do they work?

They are designed to apply gentle, steady pressure to the entire body, which occupational therapists call “ Deep Tactile Pressure .” This steady pressure relaxes the nervous system and helps the body naturally increase levels of serotonin and melatonin (the hormones of happiness and sleep) while reducing levels of cortisol, which is responsible for stress.

As a result, the mind stops "racing", the heart rate drops, the mood improves and the body enters a state of complete relaxation.

Choose the one that weighs closest to 10% of your body weight and upgrade your sleep from the very first night.