Sleep is such a dominating feature of our lives. From the common everyday questions we face as parents: did your child sleep all through the night? Which then leads to you questioning if you have that ability too! Sleep evades us all in some way throughout our lives.

Weighted blankets, otherwise known as gravity or pressure blankets, are revolutionary when it comes to getting a good nights sleep. First created to help ease anxiety and stress in people with sensory disorders, like autism, weighted blankets create a physical connection that helps you relax.

So why are they becoming such an essential purchase for parents? Here’s what we have found out:

Sleep struggles

Stress can be the undoing of great days out, work, school and even your little one’s birthday party. No-one thrives when they are stressed, least of all our children. As we all know, not getting enough sleep can be a major contributor to stress.

Your child may get anxious about sleeping alone in their bed, have sensory-issues or ADHD. Investing in a weighted blanket may be the solution as it stimulates deep pressure and encourages a more positive sleeping experience.

Feeling calm is essential to falling asleep. Deep pressure stimulation helps with restlessness and relieves anxiety.

Sense of security

Growing up is one of the most beautiful and stressful times in our lives. From the moment we enter the world, we long to feel secure and safe. It’s why babies cry out in the middle of the night, and why we don’t like to sleep alone as adults. Being with the people we know, and love makes us feel at ease.

Weighted blankets feel like the pressure of a warm hug. It feels familiar and helps us to feel relaxed when we are feeling stressed. When we embrace our loved ones, Oxytocin is released in our bodies. It slows our heart, reduces blood pressure and encourages our body to relax. Sleep is improved as a result.

Stops you waking up tired

Sleep quality varies from person to person, and that’s without taking note of environmental factors and circumstances.

Waking up tired is a sure sign that you have had a poor nights sleep. Your body hasn’t had its needed restorative sleep - where your body rests and allows your cells to do their healing work.

Using a weighted blanket stimulates serotonin which helps you relax by the blanket’s deep touch pressure. Essentially, you fall asleep faster, for longer and wake up feeling rested in the morning.

Touch therapy

Research has shown that children with autism or severe sleep disorders benefit from the use of a weighted blanket.

Just like massage or touch therapy, a weighted blanket can help to decrease the stress-inducing hormone cortisol, and help to stimulate serotonin and dopamine. Mood, impulse control and anxiety are all vastly improved when these symptoms are relieved.

Journeys become less stressful

Children often feel overwhelmed when travelling. Not only does it take you out of your comfort zone, but you are also perhaps experiencing something for the first time.

Confined spaces, like in an aeroplane or a car, can make the best of us feel anxious and claustrophobic. Throw in crowds of people bustling around, and fixated on their own journeys, it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos.

Due to the deep pressure stimulation, having a weighted blanket will help you feel grounded and calmer from the soothing serotonin being produced by your body in response.

Helps make school less challenging

School can be overwhelming for any child. With the crowded hallways, colourful classrooms and loud noises, having a sensory processing disorder may make your child frustrated and upset. Dealing with stress may be difficult for your child to navigate, especially on their own.

Educational settings have come a long way. With occupational therapists, psychologists and educators all collaborating, weighted vests and lap pads have been revolutionary in a school environment. The gentle but firm pressure helps children to focus on the task at hand and relieves anxiety.

Meet a Maker

If anyone understands their children, it’s you, the parent. You see your child develop and grow. You also see how they react to certain situations and how they deal with consequences.

Recognising the need for a good nights sleep, Louise started her business in weighted blankets for children. Finding a solution to satisfy the sleeping needs of child and parent alike, she came up with a solution. She created her own brand to combat sleep deprivation for child and parent alike.

For most parents, sleep is one of the most topical conversations at home. Investing in a weighted blanket for you and your child might get you that good nights sleep you’ve needed for years!