Fibromyalgia is one of the most common chronic pain conditions in the world. In fact, it affects around 10 million people in just the US alone, and many to this day don’t even know they have it. If you’re suffering from chronic pain, you might be looking for ways to help relieve the symptoms. For some, weighted blankets have offered some much-needed relief.
How weighted blankets work
Weighted blankets are designed to provide firm, deep pressure stimulation. Essentially, it’s the same kind of feeling you’d get from a massage that releases hormones and chemicals in the body. Simply put, these hormones help destresses you and make you happier. These benefits may help to alleviate the symptoms of fibromyalgia.
Using a weighted blanket for fibromyalgia
Many will say they can’t stand any pressure on their legs, so how can a weighted blanket help? Our response to that is: don’t knock it until you try it. We say this because quite a few people suffering from fibromyalgia have found relief from the simple use of a weighted blanket.
Now in terms of using a weighted blanket for Fibromyalgia, it’s quite simple. Just cuddle up under it when you’re heading to sleep, or even when you’re chilling on the couch during the day, and you’ll feel a whole lot better.
Here are 5 ways a weighted blanket can help alleviate fibromyalgia symptoms:
1. Improves mood
Weighted blankets are designed to give you a boost in the happy hormone. Naturally, this hormone can produce when you exercise or move around, but obviously with the kind of pain that comes from having fibromyalgia, forcing yourself to go on a run just might not be possible. Alas, this is where the weighted blanket comes in.
This is because it feels just like a comforting hug. And hugs feel good. When hugged, your body automatically releases the happy hormone, making you feel relaxed and more at ease.
2. Reduce tiredness and fatigue
As you must know, one of the most annoying fibromyalgia symptom is chronic fatigue. A weighted blanket will help with this problem. It helps you fall asleep faster and helps you have more quality sleep. This is because the weighted blanket helps to significantly reduce the stress hormone during the night, making it easier for you to improve your sleep and reduce your pain.
3. Ease anxiety and stress
Many who suffer from fibromyalgia experience depression, stress, and anxiety every day, and the more one experiences those symptoms throughout the day, the harder it’ll be to overcome those feelings at night.
A weighted blanket is a tool for breaking symptoms of anxiety and stress. As a result, its ability to mimic a hug will help calm and relax you during sleep.
4. Help manage pain
Obviously, this is the worst part of having fibromyalgia. While in pain, you’re unable to focus and function.
Understandably, many will reach for pain killers, but medications may have side effects. Plus, they run out.
In comparison, a weighted blanket is a one time purchase that helps reduce pain with deep pressure stimulation.
5. Reduce depression symptoms
Those suffering from fibromyalgia have low serotonin levels, otherwise known as the happy hormone. It is very important because it’s a natural mood stabilizer.
The weighted blanket is a producer of that much-needed happy hormone.
How to choose the right weighted blanket for fibromyalgia symptoms relief
Choosing the right weighted blanket can prove difficult when there are so many different brands.
That said, according to Psychology Today, the perfect weight is around 5kg.