Alleviating restless leg syndrome with weighted blankets: a guide

Do you get that irritating, restless feeling in your legs at night that just won't go away? If so, you're not alone! Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a condition that impacts millions of people globally, causing uncomfortable sensations and disrupting sleep, leaving sufferers feeling exhausted. The good news? There's a simple solution that can help alleviate RLS symptoms—weighted blankets. These blankets may provide the necessary relief by applying a gentle, consistent pressure that can help reduce the restless leg sensations and promote a more restful night's sleep.

What is Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)?

RLS, or Restless Leg Syndrome, is a neurologic disorder that produces an uncontrollable need to move your legs, often accompanied by uncomfortable sensations like itching, tingling, or crawling. These feelings typically occur when you're sitting or lying down, making it challenging to unwind and fall asleep at night. Restless leg sensations can disrupt sleep significantly, leading to muscle spasms and twitching legs that frustrate attempts to rest.

The precise cause of RLS is not always known, although it's often associated with factors such as genetics, iron deficiency, pregnancy, or even some medications. There are two types of RLS: primary RLS, which is generally idiopathic and may be linked to genetic factors, and secondary RLS, which is often associated with other medical conditions such as iron deficiency or neuropathy. Both forms impact the central nervous system and can influence the activity of nerve cells in the brain, which control muscle movements. What is clear, however, is that the constant need to move your legs can make it exceedingly challenging to obtain the rest you need. This, in turn, can cause daytime sleepiness, mood disturbances, and a decline in overall quality of life.

Weighted blankets: how they help with RLS

But how can a weighted blanket help with a condition like RLS? The answer is rooted in Deep Touch Pressure Therapy (DPT). DPT involves applying soft, sustained pressure to the body, which soothes the nervous system and induces relaxation. It's the same way hugs, massages, and swaddling soothe.

Weighted blankets are made to provide this type of pressure, using evenly distributed weight, whether with glass beads or another material. Every time you snuggle under a weighted blanket, the pressure signals the release of serotonin and melatonin, two hormones crucial to regulating mood and sleep. This helps your body unwind, eases anxiety, and can even create a sense of calm that may treat restless legs syndrome.

The benefits of using a weighted blanket for RLS symptoms

1. Improving sleep quality

One of the main benefits of weighted blankets for RLS sufferers is better sleep. By calming the sympathetic nervous system, a weighted blanket can reduce the urge to move your legs, allowing you to relax and drift off to sleep more easily.

2. Reducing anxiety

If you suffer from RLS, you often feel uneasy, especially when trying to sleep. Weighted blankets have been found to reduce stress levels by boosting the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that enhances feelings of well-being. This can help your mind and body feel more at ease.

3. Promoting relaxation

The sensation of being "hugged" by a weighted blanket can be very comforting. It can activate your body's natural relaxation response, which in turn helps you get ready for bed.

4. Offering a non-medical solution

People who suffer from RLS depend on medication to ease their symptoms, but weighted blankets provide a natural, non-invasive solution. This can be particularly advantageous for those who would rather not deal with the side effects of medications thanks to this natural muscle relaxant.

5. Feeling comfortable and cozy

There's no question that weighted blankets are super-cozy. The deep pressure stimulation creates a safe, calm area for your body that encourages restful sleep. Having a weighted blanket you can snuggle into can offer a level of security and comfort that's hard to top.

How to choose the right weighted blanket for RLS

If you're convinced a weighted blanket could help you manage your RLS symptoms, it's time to find the right one for you. Here are some tips to consider:

• Weight: A good rule of thumb is to buy a blanket that is roughly 10% of your body weight. So, for a person who weighs 150 pounds, for example, a 15-pound blanket would be ideal. Naturally, personal preference also comes into play, so try different weights and see what you are more comfortable with.

• Size: Choose a weighted blanket that provides enough body coverage without overwhelming you. If you're using a weighted blanket for restless leg syndrome, opt for one that covers your legs or drapes over your entire body to provide the right amount of pressure without feeling too restrictive.

• Material: Your weighted blanket should be soft, breathable, and cozy. Common materials are silk, cotton, and bamboo. Silk is the most premium of them all, offering a soothing sensation and a luxurious feel.

• Even weight distribution: Make sure the blanket has evenly distributed weight. Many blankets feature small pockets that hold the weighted filling, which keeps the pressure consistent across your body and evenly distributed.

Battle your sleep disorder with a Drowsy weighted blanket

Restless Leg Syndrome can turn peaceful nights into nightmares, but with the proper tools, you can get the restful sleep you deserve. Drowsy's weighted blankets are science-backed sleep solutions that deliver the gentle pressure your body craves. They help calm your mind, relax your leg muscles, and battle sleep deprivation.

Meticulously designed from 22 momme mulberry silk and precision quartz glass beads, these blankets offer deep relaxation and an unrivaled sleeping experience. Choose your favorite color among the Midnight Blue silk weighted blanket or the Moonlight Shadow silk weighted blanket, and say goodbye to your periodic limb movements.