{"id":506,"date":"2024-09-06T14:30:14","date_gmt":"2024-09-06T14:30:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lauraphilippsdmd.com\/blog\/?p=506"},"modified":"2024-10-02T14:33:47","modified_gmt":"2024-10-02T14:33:47","slug":"weighted-blankets-sleep-apnea","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lauraphilippsdmd.com\/blog\/2024\/09\/06\/weighted-blankets-sleep-apnea\/","title":{"rendered":"Using Weighted Blankets for Sleep Apnea"},"content":{"rendered":"
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If you\u2019ve been looking for a way to improve the quality of your slumber, you may have considered a weighted blanket. Many people \u2013 especially those with anxiety \u2013 use them to enjoy more restful nights. But what if your lack of quality sleep is due to sleep apnea<\/a>? Could a weighted blanket still help? Here\u2019s what you need to know before making any lifestyle changes to address your sleep-disordered breathing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Exactly is Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder that is estimated to affect around 39 million adults in the United States. It can cause your breathing to repeatedly pause and restart while you\u2019re asleep. The interruptions to your breathing can force you to wake up frequently, thus disrupting the sleep cycle and preventing you from getting quality slumber. Most of the time, sleep apnea is caused by an obstruction of the airway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can Weighted Blankets Improve Sleep?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Weighted blankets put a light amount of pressure on your entire body while you sleep. This helps calm the nervous system, lowers your heart rate, and causes you to feel more relaxed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

On top of that, the pressure from the blanket can stimulate the production of oxytocin (known as the \u201cfeel-good hormone\u201d) and serotonin. It also decreases levels of cortisol, which is involved with the body\u2019s stress response. These changes in your hormone levels can go a long way toward improving the quality of your slumber.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can Weighted Blankets Help with Sleep Apnea?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So how can weighted blankets specifically benefit people with sleep apnea? Here are a number of potential ways they can help:<\/p>\n\n\n\n