Weighted blankets can help provide comfort for those living with fibromyalgia. The gentle weight of a
Using a weighted blanket may help ease troublesome symptoms and break the cycle of anxiety and depression in patients with fibromyalgia. A study published in the journal Occupational Therapy in Mental Health found that 63 percent of adults who used a 30-pound weighted blanket felt lower anxiety levels.
Weighted Blankets Can Help Relieve Pain
One of the easiest, most comfortable ways to combat chronic pain is with the power of weighted blankets. Research shows that weighted blankets can work in unison with your other pain-relief techniques to drastically reduce and improve a variety of pain conditions.
Try stress management techniques, such as deep-breathing exercises or meditation. Sleep hygiene. Because fatigue is one of the main components of fibromyalgia, getting good quality sleep is essential.
Weighted blankets may be unsuitable for people with certain medical conditions, including chronic respiratory or circulatory issues, sleep apnea, asthma, low blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, epilepsy, and claustrophobia.
Physical and emotional stress are the most common triggers of fibromyalgia flares. Other triggers include lack of sleep, weather changes, and hormone imbalances.
The most helpful treatment approach for fibromyalgia is a combination of self-care, physical activity and cognitive-behavioral therapy. But medication may also be needed. Many drugs prescribed for fibromyalgia work to turn down “pain volume” in the central nervous system (CNS).
The short answer is yes, you should sleep with your weighted blanket every night just like any other blanket. It's okay to miss a night here and there, but in order to maximise the psychological benefits of Deep Pressure Stimulation you need to sleep with your weighted blanket consistently during the week.
Weighted blankets use deep pressure stimulation, which is thought to stimulate the production of a mood-boosting hormone serotonin, reduce the stress hormone (cortisol), and increase levels of melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep. This may help improve overall sleep quality.
Furthermore, a small study in the journal Occupational Therapy in Mental Health found a 30-pound weighted blanket is a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety in adults. Out of a total of 32 adults, 20 reported lower anxiety after use. The size of your blanket will depend on your own weight (more on that later).
You can use resistance machines or bands, lift free weights, or try bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats. Evidence suggests that low, moderate, or high-intensity strength training can be safe for people with fibromyalgia.
Recommended weights for a weighted blanket can vary between 5% and 12% of their body weight, with most people preferring a weighted blanket that weighs approximately 10% of their body weight.
The drugs amitriptyline, duloxetine, milnacipran and pregabalin can relieve fibromyalgia pain in some people. They may cause side effects such as a dry mouth or nausea. Normal painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen (paracetamol) aren't recommended for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
Other researchers believe fibromyalgia is caused by a lack of deep sleep. It is during stage 4 sleep that muscles recover from the prior day's activity, and the body refreshes itself. Sleep studies show that as people with fibromyalgia enter stage 4 sleep, they become more aroused and stay in a lighter form of sleep.
Magnesium
Not only is it credited with keeping the heart, kidneys and bones strong, it also helps us avoid muscle spasms, weakness and back pain, Dr. Teitelbaum says. Women with fibromyalgia may be deficient in magnesium, studies suggest. And magnesium may help relieve fibro pain and other symptoms.
Sleep position matters. Side sleepers should choose a lighter blanket than back or belly sleepers. Weighted blankets work well for side sleepers by using Deep Touch Pressure, which helps you feel relaxed and less stressed. Sleeping on your left side may help improve digestive health and reduce heartburn symptoms.
It can sometimes take up to 14 days for your body to full adjust to the new added weight. It takes roughly 14-21 days for us to form new habits, so give your body time to adjust to the weight and to the benefits. Deep sleep is on the horizon.