Tuesday, June 18, 2019

How to Help Your Kids with Asperger Syndrome Get More Sleep: 10 tips (Use a Weighted Blanket)

Studies find that approximately 73% of children with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) experience sleep problems. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, kids with AS who get inadequate sleep experience significant deterioration in their ability to pay attention and achieve academic success.

Find below ten tips to calm your child before bedtime and help him or her get more restorative sleep.

1. Exercise.
In general, exercise during the day is associated with better sleep. However, exercise within 2-4 hours of bedtime can lead to difficulties in falling asleep, as it can disrupt the natural cooling process of the body that leads to rest at night.

2. Napping. 
Controlled and limited (e.g. 20-30 minutes) napping is generally positive. However, longer daytime sleeping can be negative in that it makes it more difficult for the child to fall asleep at the ideal time in the evening. If the child’s sleep problems are associated with falling asleep, which is common for children with AS, it is advisable to avoid daytime napping.

3. Diet. 
It is recommended that children with sleep problems avoid all caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, high fat food. In contrast, food rich in protein may promote better sleep. Large meals within 2-3 hours of bedtime should also be avoided. A small carbohydrate/protein snack, such as whole wheat bread and low-fat cheese or milk before bedtime can be helpful to minimize nighttime hunger and stimulate the release of neurochemicals associated with falling asleep.

4. Stick to a schedule. 
Decide ahead of time with your child what the night time routine will be, and  include when to bathe, brush teeth, read, etc. Remember, kids with Asperger Syndrome (ASD) need routine and predictability even more than other kids. Make sure the hour before bedtime is calm and quiet and that lights are kept low so the body can produce enough melatonin, the body's natural sleep hormone.

5. Set a bedtime alarm. 
Just as you set an alarm for waking, consider setting a bedtime alarm so kids associate their bedtime with a clock or timer instead of feeling like sleep is a parental demand. Make sure the sound of the alarm is quiet and not intrusive. Eventually, your child will naturally associate the sound of the bedtime alarm with sleepiness.

6. Use white noise and blackout curtains. 
Kids with sensory issues often have extremely sensitive hearing. Using white noise or nature sounds to block neighborhood or household sounds is essential. Try an air purifier or fan for white noise or download an app that offers different nature sounds. You may have to try several sounds before you find one that works for your child. In addition, use blackout curtains to eliminate light in the room. Too much light at bedtime can interfere with the body's melatonin production, so avoid screen time an hour before going to bed as well.

7. Try aroma therapy. 
Essential oils like lavender, chamomile, sandalwood, or vanilla can be calming for many people who experience sleeplessness. Let your child choose a calming scent that appeals to him or her, and then dab a little oil on a cotton ball and place it in his or her pillowcase.

8. Reduce anxiety. 
Anxious kids, like anxious adults, often have too much on their minds to fall asleep at night. Use these strategies to calm an anxious child so he or she has a better chance of falling asleep naturally.

9. The Bedroom. 
It is important that the bed and the bedroom are associated with sleep and are not associated with activity. When children have sleep problems, it is highly recommended that their bed and bedroom activity be limited to sleep only. It is important to make sure that extreme changes in temperature are avoided during the night. Increasing light is associated with decreases in the release of the neurochemical melatonin which triggers sleep onset. Thus, it is important to get the sunlight flowing in the child’s room as soon as possible in the morning. Conversely, darkening the room at night is critical.

10. Sleep with a weighted blanket. 
The deep touch pressure of a weighted blanket helps the body to naturally release melatonin, a hormone linked with sleep. Many children with Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) are deficient in melatonin, so helping the body to naturally release it may both encourage more restful sleep.

As well as melatonin, the pressure of a weighted blanket also helps the body release serotonin. Often termed the ‘happy’ hormone, serotonin helps to calm the nervous system and is linked with mood regulation and relaxation. So using a weighted blanket can often help alleviate the everyday feelings of stress and overwhelm so commonly linked with AS.

How to Wash Weighted Blanket with Comfort: 10 Tips

Are you planning on buying a cool weighted blanket but are not sure whether maintaining and cleaning them would be easy or not? Then you are definitely not alone. Weighted blankets will cost you a lot, so it is almost necessary to take good care of them and clean them properly. After all, weighted blankets help you to sleep better, aid you in relieving the symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, autism, depression and many other certain conditions.

Cleaning a weighted blanket can be both easy and challenging task. It all depends on the type of material used in its manufacturing. So, before you jump into the cleaning process, it is essential to check the tag for materials and consider the overall construction which will affect the way it should be washed.

Here are 10 tips for you which will surely help you in maintaining a clean blanket.

1. Air Your Blanket Every Now and Then

Sometimes all you need is to air your best weighted blanket just to make it smell like a new one. It is a quick and efficient way to refresh your blanket. You can air it outside or you can just open up the windows of the room for a couple of hours. In this way, you will just need to do the basic spot cleaning as airing your blanket will prevent the dust and bacteria to pile up.

2.Handwash/Machine Wash

In order to prevent the damage, it is better to hand wash the weighted blankets. However, there are washing machines available that allow you the same result as a handwash and are capable of washing even the most delicate fabrics available in the market. But if you are looking at cleaning only a single stain then spot cleaning is the best option.

3.When to visit Laundromat?

If your blanket weighs more than 20lbs, the best option is to take it to a laundromat. Even if your blanket has too many stains, it is better to be kind to your home washer and hand the blanket to the professionals. If you want to save yourself from too many trips to a laundromat, we suggest you to use a duvet to cover your blanket.

4.How to Wash Weighted Blanket?

A cold-water gentle machine wash is recommended for most of the weighted blankets. You might find some blanket with removable outer layer, like a duvet cover which can be washed separately.

There is no doubt that the fabrics and Polly pellets used in the manufacturing of weighted blankets are very durable. But to ensure a longer life span, it is essential to maintain and clean them regularly. Wash blanket separately with a mild detergent to keep it top notch. Never use a harsh chemical such as chlorine bleaches as it will cause nothing but damage. Waterproof blankets must be machine washed with warm or hot water and avoid using vinegar or bleach in order to keep the material safe.

5.How to Hand Wash Weighted Blankets?

Fill your tub with water and put half or quarter cup of gentle detergent based on the size and weight of your tub. Avoid to fill your tub up to the brim to avoid the mess.
Clutch one part of the blanket and rub it with very gentle strokes. Now smooth it out and grab a new part of the blanket and wash it. Keep on repeating this until each and every part of the blanket is washed out.

Drain water from the blanket, use your hands to apply pressure in order to remove excess of water but don’t squeeze or twist.

Now use lukewarm water to rinse your blanket several times until the detergent is removed completely from it. Again, apply the pressure method to remove water and dry your blanket.

6.Dryer is Okay, Not Recommended

All the weighted blankets are rated for the dryer. The fabrics can be dried without receiving any damage and the poly pellet filling can also be dried using a dryer without any consequences. But we recommend you to cool dry or hang dry. In fact, it is for the better life of your blanket as your blanket will stay healthier and last longer.

7.Hang Drying the Blanket

You can hang dry your blanket. Nothing is wrong with it, but you have to take some precautions just to maintain its shape. Hang the quilt evenly over the laundry line and never hang blanket from the edge, especially a weighted one. Most of the washing machine do a fine job during the drying cycle and get most of water out successfully, which means you won't have to hang dry your blanket for too long.

8.Say No to Detergent, Fabric Softener, Bleach

Using any chemicals is certainly not a great idea when it comes to washing a gravity blanket. Ironically fabric softeners can make your blanket less soft by building up in the quilt. Bleach will break down the fibers of your blanket. If you want a longer life span of your blanket then it is best to use a mild detergent and use only non-chlorine bleach when necessary.

9.Avoid Ironing

We feel difficult imagining a scene where someone would feel the need to iron their blanket. But just in case if you are wondering, we suggest you not to iron the blanket. The only blanket that could be ironed is the 100 % cotton with glass beads. But ironing a weighted blanket would not be a hectic task. So, our suggestion is that make peace with how your blanket looks. One solution could be to cover your blanket with a duvet.

10.Remove stains before drying

Removing stains depend upon their type. Some stains go away easily while some give you a hard time. The tip that we are going to give you is that no matter what you do to remove your stains, just treat them before you put your quilt in the dryer. The reason is that the dryer acts like an oven and it would do nothing but bake your stain which will remain on your weighted blanket for eternity.

Weighted blankets, Big trend!

Weighted blankets have been around for a while, but more and more people are catching onto their benefits these days. Snuggle under a weighted blanket to help reduce anxiety levels, or even get a better night’s sleep. The weighted blankets are even sometimes used in Occupational Therapy for autism.

Late last year, weighted blankets were chosen as one of the best inventions of 2018 by Time magazine, named “blankets that ease anxiety”. But how exactly do they work and are you likely to benefit? We decided to investigate this big trend of 2018.

The science behind weighted blankets:

The Weighted Blanket is a heavy blanket that is about 10% of your body weight, filled with tiny glass or plastic beads.It uses proprioceptive input, or Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation(DPTS), to activate pressure points on the body.

The theory is that a heavier-than-normal blanket hugs a sleeper, and may prevent tossing and turning. As a result, the sleeper feels more secure, and sleeps more soundly and for longer periods of time. The concept isn’t new. Heavy wraps have been used as a calming mechanism for children with autism, ADHD and other sensory disorders for more than a decade. Parents have swaddled their newborns for centuries. And the idea isn’t limited to humans: Pet owners can outfit their dogs and cats with “ ThunderShirts” (weighted vests) to keep them from going bonkers during thunderstorms and fireworks.

The main benefits of weighted blankets:

Reduce Anxiety. Weighted blankets can help reduce anxiety in children and adults. Weighted blankets help ground your body during sleep by pushing it down. This process, known as “grounding”;can have a profoundly calming effect.
Reduce Depression.By providing a touch of deep pressure, weighted blankets can promote relaxation and help break this cycle (Depression). This can trigger the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, which are hormones that feel well produced in the brain. These hormones help fight stress, anxiety, and depression.
Enhance sleep quality. You get a better quality of sleep, thanks to this extra weight spread throughout the blanket, our brain has a different sensory perception than usual and feels more comfortable.
Help combat ADHD symptoms. A lot of children with ADHD use weighted blankets to calm themselves after school or during therapy sessions or to relax and fall asleep. The use of a weighted blanket in those children is based on the mechanism that has the blanket to use the pressure. The pressure of the blanket is distributed evenly throughout the body, which according to some research can provide relief of anxiety and stress to people with sleeping problems.

The factors to consider while buying a weighted blanket

Fabric Material. One of the main things to consider before buying a weighted blanket especially for old people is the material used. This is because most old people have sensory issues which may eventually break or make the experience. The best material for a weighted blanket is soft cotton as it doesn't give the skin an itchy effect.
Weight. As a general rule of thumb, the blanket should weigh approximately 10% of the user’s weight, and an extra pound. This weight is greatly affected by the filling material inside. Some are filled with poly pellets and other with glass beads which greatly contribute to their heavy weight. Glass may sound harmful but the pellets are too small to break. The only concern you should have is whether the blanket allows for even weight distribution. For this, you can check whether the blanket have stitched pockets which helps overcome weight distribution problem
Washing Method.The last but equally important factor to look out is whether it is machine washable or otherwise. Different blankets vary with different manufacturers and the material. Always establish whether it can be washed at home or it will have to be transported to a dry cleaner. The home-washed version is the best as it doesn't need to be transported often for dry-cleaning considering the weight.
How to be a smart buyer

If you’re unsure about shelling out at least $200 for one, ask around and see if you can borrow one for a night.
If you have sleep apnea or snore robustly, having something heavy on your chest might not be conducive to good sleep.
Check out well-known brands such as YnM Weighted Blanket.
Before you buy (especially online), check out the company’s return policy.

Final Remarks
Irrespective of the weighted blanket brand you choose, it will likely surprise you on how quickly it works in soothing away your anxiety and calming your heart rate. There are millions of people using them to relieve stress. So it is time for you to buy a weighted blanket for your loved one!

Monday, June 17, 2019

Are Weighted Blankets Too Hot for the Summer?

If you are suffering from poor sleep, possibly caused by anxiety, a weighted therapy blanket can help you sleep at night. Research shows that this type of deep pressure is effective in relaxing the body.

But the idea of a weighted blanket for summer may be a concern. Are weighted blankets hot?  This is a supremely common question. It’s a stereotype now for people to believe that a somewhat thick blanket which also has a lot of filling and beads inside will make them extremely hot and may not be the best choice for the sweltering heat.

But that’s just a misconception. Gone are the days when bedding used to be just bedding! We are living in the age of technology and this idea has reached our comforters as well. These blankets are specially designed with glass beads that do not retain heat as well as very thinly sliced batting – the filling inside the blanket itself- that will not heat overnight.

Weighted blankets can be hot, but they can also be incredibly breathable. The key difference here is what fabric is used to construct the weighted blanket.

Weighted blanket created with flannel or fleece may create too much heat although these fabric may feel soft to the touch . That’s because those fibres are not natural fibres so the fabric doesn’t breathe well -- trapping body heat under the blanket. This isn’t ideal in summer, if you’re sensitive to heat, like to sleep at a certain temperature or suffer from night sweats.

Weighted blankets that are made out of cotton are breathable, meaning that any heat that is released from the person while sleeping will dissipate into the room. Cotton weighted blankets are a great choice for anyone who runs hot or lives in a warm environment and does not require their weighted blanket to be warming.

Best Weighted Blanket for Hot Weather - YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket with 100% Natural Bamboo Viscose

You can find many “cooling weighted blanket” on internet. Per my opinion,
YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket is the best one, here are some points.

  • Made from 100% natural bamboo viscose that absorbs body heat and wicks away moisture.
  • The 300 thread count of bamboo viscose feels cool to the touch, but not cold enough to be uncomfortable to sleep under. 
  • This blanket is perfect for hot sleepers who tend to sweat a lot under minky and cotton fabrics. 
  • Doesn't stay cool all night.Just like the other side of the pillow, the cooling eventually warms up. The blanket stays cold for 15-20 minutes as you fall asleep before it begins to regulate to your body temperature. 
  • The weights are from glass beads, range from 5 lbs. to 25 lbs. 
  • Comes in a variety of beautiful colors to match your bedroom decor, rather than detract from it. 
  • YnM is one of the best sellers on Amazon, got 4.5 out of 5 with over 3000 reviews.
  • The best budget-friendly cooling weighted blanket, costs you no more than US$100.

Tips To Stay Cool When Using A Weighted Blanket
  • Make Sure The Room Is Cool – It may sound obvious, but even if you have the most breathable fabric in the world, if the room you are sleeping is hot then you are going to be hot. Turn down the temperature, turn up the AC, keep a fan going, and strip away any unnecessary blankets. Making your bedroom cool can also help improve your sleep.
  • Let Your Feet Stick Out – Keeping your feet outside of the blanket can help you stay cool while you sleep. Start with one and if you are still hot, let both of your feet out from underneath the weighted blanket.
  • Use The Water Bottle Trick – This is an old camping trick that is extremely useful. Fill a water bottle with cold water and then keep it underneath your weighted blanket as you sleep – just make sure it is a high-end water bottle that won’t leak. This will help keep you cool all night.
  • Unplug All Electronics – This may seem like a small thing, but when you leave electronics plugged in all night they continuously draw a small amount of electricity, and this sets off heat. Unplug everything in your room before you go to bed – it is good for the environment and your room will be a bit colder.

Bottom Line

Give weighted blanket therapy a try. Don’t just assume the blanket will make you hot without first-hand experience. If overwhelming stress and anxiety are issues for you, you really owe it to yourself to see if this helps!

How to Lower Your Cortisol Levels:10 Tips (Sleep With a Weighted Blanket)

Cortisol is often called the primary “stress hormone” because it’s one of the main hormones we release when we’re under any sort of pressure and our evolutionary  -based “fight or flight response” kicks into gear.  

High cortisol production is tied to symptoms and ailments including weight gain, anxiety, sleep disorders, hormonal imbalances and fertility problems, in addition to many other problems.

The following ten tips may help to lower your cortisol levels naturally.

1. Lower stress.
People trying to lower their cortisol levels should aim to reduce stress. People can learn to recognize the triggers for their stress and try to manage these proactively to reduce instances of worry or anxiety and decrease feelings of tension. People who learn how to cope when stressful thoughts arise will manage their cortisol levels better. 

2. Use a weighted blanket to get enough sleep.
The amount of sleep that a person has can affect their cortisol levels. A bad night's sleep or more prolonged sleep deprivation can lead to increased levels of cortisol in the bloodstream. Therefore, it is essential for people to pay attention to the amount and quality of sleep they have and try to limit the chance of disruptions. Fortunately, sleeping with a weighted blanket can improve your sleep quality and lower your cortisol levels. 

The weighted blanket is a sleep product came from the DTP therapy(Deep Pressure Touch Therapy)  which works through the application of firm but gentle pressure on various parts of the body. The experience of using a weighted blanket is similar to getting a ‘tight’ hug from a loved one. Studies have shown that DPTS has a therapeutic effect on the brain that helps a person to fall asleep faster and sleep for longer.

If you are thinking of ordering a weighted blanket, please remember that they should be no more than 10% of your body weight plus 1 or 2 pounds. Personally, I recommend YnM Weighted Blanket 2.0, made from super-soft 100% cotton-fabric and premium glass beads, combined with a incredible 3-year-long customer service, this 15 pounds blanket costs you only US$70, the best budget-friendly deal you can find on Amazon.  In addition, YnM is one of the best sellers on Amazon, got 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 3000 reviews. 

3. Avoiding caffeine at night.
People trying to lower their cortisol levels should avoid consuming food and beverages containing caffeine in the evening. Caffeine can interfere with a good night's sleep, and sleeping well can keep cortisol levels low.

4. Exercise Regularly.
According to research published by Harvard Medical School, regular exercise (about 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week, depending on the intensity) is one of the best ways to manage stress, balance hormones, sleep better and aid normal metabolic functions.

5. Keep your blood sugar stable. 
Avoid sugar in the diet and refined carbohydrates to keep from spiking your insulin production. Eat frequent small meals balanced in protein, complex carbohydrates and good fats like olive oil. Diets rich in complex carbohydrates keep cortisol levels lower than low carbohydrate diets. 

6. Keep well hydrated.
Dehydration puts the body in stress and raises cortisol levels. Keep pure water by your bed and drink it when you first wake up and before you go to sleep.

7.  Meditation.
This practice has been shown to help train the brain and body to turn off the stress response and promote more relaxation. And these benefits are possible without impairing alertness, concentration or memory. Many studies show that daily mediation or even healing prayer for just 15 to 30 minutes can offer significant reductions in cortisol.

8. Take up a hobby.
Hobbies can be a rewarding and satisfying way to lead a fuller and healthier life, and they can lead to an increased sense of well-being. A study on substance abuse treatments found that gardening led to decreased levels of cortisol. It also seemed to improve quality of life more than the conventional occupational therapy.

9. Laughing and having fun. 
It is hard to feel stressed when having a good time, so finding time to have fun can also lower a person's cortisol levels. One study showed cortisol levels decreasing in response to laughter. Being happy and having a positive outlook appear to be related to lower cortisol levels, and happiness has other benefits too, such as lower blood pressure and a stronger immune system.

10. Try Essential Oils to Promote Relaxation.
Essential oils, including lavender, myrrh, frankincense and bergamot, contain potent, active ingredients that have been shown to naturally lower cortisol, reduce inflammation, improve immunity, and help with sleep and digestive functions.

How to Treat Menopausal Night Sweats: 10 Tips (Use a Cooling Weighted Blanket)

Many women embrace the menopause as a time of reflection and change, but the physical challenges it creates can be harder to manage. Night sweats and hot flushes, for example, are common symptoms of the menopause and affect 50-70% of women in some form.

Night sweats can cause us to wake up in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat and feeling as hot as a habanero pepper! This can cause sleepless nights, which means days filled with cranky moods and fatigue.

Luckily there is something that we can do about it. Here are a few tips to help you cool those hot flashes and night sweats:

1. Use a Cooling Weighted Blanket.
Weighted blankets are a hot sleep product nowadays because they can really help you sleep at night If you are suffering from insomnia. But for those with night sweats, a regular weighted blanket created with flannel or fleece may create too much heat. However, cooling weighted blankets are a special one, made from “cooling” fabric, designed for people who get really hot or sweat a lot in their sleep.

You can find many “cooling weighted blanket” on internet. Per my opinion, I strongly recommend YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket, here are some points.

  • Made from 100% natural bamboo viscose that absorbs body heat and wicks away moisture. That is a new technology fabric developed by YnM in 2016.
  • The 300 thread count of bamboo viscose feels cool to the touch, but not cold enough to be uncomfortable to sleep under. 
  • Filled with glass beads and they are evenly distributed in each small compartment. This helps regulate your body temperature and prevent overheating.
  • Comes in a variety of beautiful colors to match your bedroom decor, rather than detract from it. 
  • The best budget-friendly cooling weighted blanket, costs you no more than US$100.
  • Combined with 3-year-long customer service.  
  • Still provide all the benefits that weighted blankets have to offer.

Known for the best price and high quality of its weighted blankets, YnM is one of the best sellers on Amazon, got 4.5 out of 5 stars with over 3000 reviews.

2. Cut down on spicy foods
Spicy foods can bring on or exacerbate hot flushes and night sweats. Try to cut down where possible, especially when you’re in a warm environment such as a busy restaurant.

3. Get some exercise.
Stepping up your cardio routine, including walking and cycling, can be a great way to reduce menopausal symptoms. This can also help you to regulate your body weight, as night sweats can be more common and more severe if you are overweight.

4. Stay hydrated.
Whether you realize it or not, your body loses a lot of water, minerals and nutrients when you sweat. That being said, it’s important to keep a glass of cold water by your bed at night. If you awake in the middle of the night and find yourself sweating, take a few sips of water to help cool down. If you feel yourself starting to heat up, proactively sip on the cool beverage.

5. Relax with Yoga
Stress and anxiety can make hot flushes and night sweats worse, so it’s important to make time for regular relaxation. Recent studies have shown that yoga can really help reduce the severity of these symptoms, and is also a great way to boost your mood.

6. Take a deep breath
Studies show that slow, rhythmic deep breathing (known as paced or relaxation breathing) can help reduce hot flashes and night sweats. It is also a great way to help you get back to sleep after a night-sweat episode..

7. Increase your consumption of soybean products
Researchers have found that women who eat 35-40 milligrams of plant estrogen a day in the form of tofu, soymilk and other soy products seem to experience fewer hot flashes and night sweat episodes.

8. Avoid hot showers and baths
You may be quite fond of enjoying a hot, steaming bath, but this is a sure-fire way of raising the body temperature and bringing on a hot flush. Cool and lukewarm water will give your body the refreshment it needs.

9. Sip cold drinks
Keep hot drinks such as tea and coffee to a minimum, and opt for cooler beverages straight from the fridge. Regular sips will ensure your body is hydrated and refreshed throughout the day.

10. Acupuncture
Many women find that acupuncture can help reduce the severity and frequency of hot flushes and night sweats. Acupuncture involves placing small needles at certain points of the body to release endorphins – the body’s natural painkillers – which are believed to stabilize the body’s temperature control and ease hot flashes.

Thursday, June 13, 2019

How to Prepare a Gift for Seniors: 10 Tips (A Weighted Blanket)

Coming up with good gifts for elderly people can sometimes be a huge challenge. After all, many seniors have particular tastes or more stuff than they know what to do with. But there are plenty of ways you can make them feel special. For many  seniors, the key elements of a gift are practicality and functionality. If you can come up with something that will make their lives easier, healthier, or more fun, you can bring a smile to their faces.

Below are 10 tips that may help you to prepare a meaningful gift for older men and women, elderly parents and grandparents.

1. A Weighted Blanket—A weighted blanket is useful for a number of different kinds of people as well as for senior citizens who have no underlying medical condition, but have trouble sleeping. It helps people sleep, feel safe, warm and secure.

This blanket is based on Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation which activates and stimulates the deep pressure touch receptors in a person’s body. When the body is stimulated this way, serotonin is released. This gives the person stimulated a feeling of being grounded, calm and secure. In some ways, it feels like a warm hug from a caring person.

The best weighted blankets I recommend is YnM, one of the best sellers of weighted blankets on Amazon, provides quality weighted blankets with a budget friendly prices. YnM blanket is available in different weights: from 5 pounds to 25 pounds, suitable for both the children and the adults. The company recommend that adults purchase a blanket that is 5% – 10% of their body weights. For children, they typically recommend blankets that are 10% of their body weights.

2. Brain games—Puzzles and games that engage the brain offer numerous health benefits for elderly men and women. Crossword puzzles, word searches, and sudoku books make great gifts for seniors who enjoy a mental challenge. You could even include a personalized pencil for an extra special touch.

3. Weather monitor—Many elderly parents appreciate knowing what the weather is like before going outside, so a device that displays the current conditions, as well as the forecast, can make a great gift. Wireless systems require the installation of an outdoor sensor, so you may want to take care of that yourself. Look for a monitor with a large display that's easy to read.

4. Photo book—Customized photo books that include detailed captions identifying people and places make fantastic gifts for people with dementia. Companies such as Shutterfly and Walmart make it easy to upload photos and quickly create a book that your gift recipient will love.

5. Picture phone—Help your elderly friend easily connect with the people in his or her life. Not only can the enlarged numerical buttons be programmed, but each one has space for a photo of the contact, so your loved one only has to push a single button to dial the appropriate person's number.

6. Day clock—Having a clock that displays the date, day of the week, and time of day along with the hour can be a great way for seniors dealing with dementia or memory issues to orient themselves. Most so-called "Alzheimer's clock" models have extra large displays for easy viewing, and some also allow you to adjust the dimness level.

7. Robotic cat or dog—Allow your loved one to experience the companionship of a pet without the responsibility of caring for a living creature! Specifically designed to comfort older adults, these robotic pets sport realistic fur along with sensors that allow them to respond to human touch.

8. Non-slip socks—How about a gift that combines fashion and function? Socks with rubber grips on the bottom can keep an older person's feet toasty warm while also preventing falls. You have your choice of a huge range of colors and styles, including some aimed at men.

9. A trip to a favorite place—If the senior has a favorite place to visit, such as out to a concert or a movie, library or museum, take them out to enjoy that. Make a plan to take them to their favorite place a couple of times throughout the year. That promise can be part of the gift as well.

10. Key finder—This is one of the most useful gifts for the elderly people in your life who constantly misplace their house keys. Ranges vary, but some models work up to 300 feet away. Seniors who have smartphones may appreciate a finder that uses Bluetooth technology; those who are more old school may prefer the radio-frequency-based devices.

Selecting the perfect gifts for elderly friends and family members doesn't have to be difficult. Use the tips above for inspiration—and make a senior feel special!

Why you should make YNM blanket a part of your life

You either be one of those people who already are using and enjoying the benefits of weighted blankets, or you are one of the ones who thing that why should they get a weighted blanket anyway.

No matter which category you fall into, you already have interest in hearing or talking about them. If this is the case and you are interested in knowing more about weighted blankets, then let us tell you that you are not alone.

We are here to solve this problem for you and get you all the knowledge about weighted blankets that you want to know.

To start with, we all know that insomnia has no real cure and you have to try many medicines, lotions, music therapy, and all the other useless remedies to cure insomnia.
What if we tell you the there is a harmless cure to treat insomnia, that is weighted blankets!

How fascinating does that sound?

A simple blanket can treat your long living insomnia!
Believe me, this is absolutely true and there are many evidences of this happening that you can get it as a proof.

Oh, are you wondering that what if I am not suffering from insomnia, then what is the purpose or benefit of this blanket will be for me? Or how this blanket is going to work for me?

Well, stick to this article, we are going to tell you about many other astounding benefits you can enjoy by getting this blanket.

If you are an educated person who wants to know about all the details and details before going for anything, then you should stick to this article till the end. By the end of this article you will have a clear decision whether to buy this blanket or not!

Without wasting more time, we will dive into more details on why you should get this blanket right now. So, here are a few reasons for you to get the gravity blanket or weighted blanket, here you go:

1. If the stress or anxiety levels are high

The most basic reason to get the YNM weighted blanket is to lower your cortisol levels. You can increase the release of Serotonin when you are using the weighted blankets on daily basis.

2. If you face difficulty in falling asleep

If you are the one who has to face difficulty to fall asleep daily and it takes more than 30 minutes, then you should get the best weighted blanket. It will help you fall asleep sooner than earlier and you will not have to count the sheep anymore.

3. If you are always dizzy and tired when you wake up

If you are always tired even after you wake up in the morning, and you do not want to get up, then you should not worry anymore. The weighted blanket is here at your service, as you will get quality sleep which will help you get up fresh in the morning and you will not feel exhausted.

You must get weighted blanket amazon right now, as it is going to ease the pain of bad quality sleep or sleeplessness.

4. If you love to be cuddled or are a hug lover

Almost all of us loves to be hugged or cuddled, but some of the people loved to be hugged or get cuddles while they are sleeping. If you are one of them then this cool weighted blanket is for you!

5. If you are not able to manage the daily chores

Now, this one is the common one, all of us feel frustrated and exhausted when we are trying to manage all the daily tasks. We all feel sleepy throughout the day as we are not getting quality sleep daily.

Just try to lay down in the YNM weighted blanket for 5 minutes, you will see the difference. Your body will feel relaxed, endorphins will be release and you will feel fresher afterwards when you will get out of the blanket.

6. If you have lost focus or having difficulty in concentrating

There are many people who have this problem in concentrating or they lose their focus every now and then. If this is the same problem that you are facing there is the cure to it, which is none other than weighted blanket for you.

7. If you are feeling lonely every night

You might be surprised when you read this, well, this is actually true as many people feel lonely at night.  If you do not have the partner or your partner is far away from you, then the weighted blanket will play the role of your partner by cuddling you almost the same way.

In the end, you will feel less lonely, as you will experience great snuggling, and the weight in the blanket will make you feel that.

There are many people who have experienced this and the do recommend the same to all the other lonely people around.

8. You like feeling secure and protected

Yes, this is true that these weighted blankets will make you feel more secure and protected, you will feel safe and cared when you have this weighted on you. With this blanket on you will feel protected and thus you will sleep better and also will wake up fresh and with a lot of energy in you.

End note

So, now you have a clear decision of getting the weighted blanket right away!
If you are facing any of the above mentioned problems or you want to be caressed then this weighted blanket is for you.

You must not waste more time in thinking and go for this amazing product and also recommend it to the people you care about, to the friends and family members.

You ought to add the weighted blanket in your life and you will not regret your decision of doing so, later in your life when you will get all the above mentioned benefits.

How to Treat PTSD-Related Sleep Disturbances: 10 Tips (Using a Weighted Blanket)

It is very common for people with a diagnosis of PTSD(创伤后应激障碍) to experience some type of problem sleeping. In fact, difficulty falling and/or staying asleep is considered one of the hyperarousal symptoms of PTSD, and studies have found that sleep problems are one of the most commonly reported symptoms reported by people with PTSD.

If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD-Related Sleep Disturbances, these 10 tips could make life easier:

1. Don’t engage in stimulating activities.
This includes anything that requires your brain to work hard. Some things that I used to find myself doing, that were contributing to my self-sabotaging behaviors, worked against getting appropriate sleep. These activities included checking emails, getting on social media accounts, and thinking about stressful “To-Do” lists.

2. Journal about your day.
This is something suggested by therapists and motivational leaders alike. It works! Mainly because of the need to process out any lingering negative energy from our bodies. If you find that you didn’t experience anything negative, even better. Write about everything positive in your life. You will feel so good after you are done writing.

3. Accept that sleeping problems are a normal part of PTSD.
You may find that your sleep routine is erratic, punctuated by nightmares and night-waking and non-restful sleep.  This is normal – it’s just your nervous system doing what it is designed to do – stay alert and protect you. Don’t get upset with yourself for not being able to sleep normally. Don’t force yourself to sleep normally.

4. Exercise.
Moderate to strenuous physical activity during the day will help burn off some of that excess energy and make you more relaxed and able to sleep. Regular physical exercise or activity has been found to improve sleep quality and duration.  It’s especially important to exercise the day after a bad nights sleep when you may feel tired and unmotivated.

5. Avoid Alcohol and Drugs. 
Drinking and using drugs are coping mechanisms that some people use to deal with PTSD, but they come with serious risks. Try to replace a nighttime ritual of drinking with something else entirely that's healthier, like an evening workout or closing your eyes and breathing deeply for five minutes and then having a cup of decaf tea.

6. Practice calming and breathing exercises.
Believe it or not, there are quick grounding practices that provide a quick sense of calmness. For example, one of my favorites that works every time is placing an ice pack on the back of your neck while you lay down. Doing so brings all of your excessive random thoughts to a halt and your focus on the present moment.

7. Don’t allow your attention to be in front of a screen.
Refrain from watching movies and T.V. during the hour prior to when you would like to go to bed. If you typically have the T.V. on for noise while you try to sleep, you are actually causing more harm than good. However, replacing this comfort with a anxiety reducing playlist of songs will help with sleep and PTSD.

8. Manage stress.
Sleep and stress and like night and day. If there are bad things happening in your waking life (illness, instability, aggression, unresolved trauma, etc) then, of course, it’s going to affect your sleep.

9. Take control of your night-waking.
Deliberately waking yourself up disrupts the negative sleep patterns that your brain has developed and creates the conditions where you can develop a more normal sleep routine.  It’s often actually easier to fall asleep after waking up in a different phase of the sleep cycle than when you are awoken by a nightmare or heart palpitations.

10.Try Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation with a Weighted Blanket. 
Deep pressure stimulation or deep pressure touch therapy is a type of occupational therapy that works through the application of firm but gentle pressure on various parts of the body. Research has shown that deep pressure touch therapy relaxes the nervous system by prompting the brain to release oxytocin and serotonin. Oxytocin — the happiness hormone — triggers feelings of calm and peace, which is beneficial for people with insomnia. Serotonin, which helps regulate all aspects of sleep.

Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation(DPTS) from a weighted blanket forces the body to relax by a process known as ‘grounding.’ The experience of using a weighted blanket is similar to getting a ‘tight’ hug from a loved one. Studies have shown that DPTS has a therapeutic effect on the brain that helps a person to fall asleep faster and sleep for longer.

Personally I recommend YnM Weighted Blankets, one of the best sellers on Amazon, provide high quality blankets with the best budget-friendly price.

How to Sleep Better with Bipolar Disorder: 10 Tips (Use a Weighted Blanket)

Getting the right amount of sleep is one of the biggest challenges that people with bipolar disorder(躁郁症,亦称双相情感障碍、情绪两极症,早期称为躁狂抑郁疾病)may face. Persons experiencing the manic or hypomanic phase of the illness can go on little or no sleep for lengthy periods. People experiencing bipolar depression might have trouble getting either too much sleep or none at all.

Unfortunately, poor quality sleep just makes it harder to cope with the symptoms of bipolar disorder, and in some cases can trigger an episode.  Even more unfortunately, the continuation of these sleep problems increases the severity and frequency of symptoms during both manic and depressive episodes, especially for women with bipolar disorder.

Good, regular sleep is essential to living a manageable life with bipolar disorder. Follow these 10  tips to enjoy quality sleep, avoid triggering a manic episode, and better manage your bipolar symptoms.

1. Use a weighted blanket to promote your sleep.
Invest in a weighted blanket and bedding that supports and relaxes you. Weighted Blanket uses the concept of Deep Pressure Therapy. The heavy weight helps to "ground" the patients and induce a calmer state.

Weighted Blankets are designed to provide calming pressure across your body, which can aid in coping with bipolar disorder. The blanket is made to be comfy and cool, while the evenly distributed weight of the blankets acts a form of sensory therapy similar to being hugged or held. This pressure has been shown to increase serotonin and melatonin levels relaxing your body and muscles.

While weighted blankets are of course not a cure or replacement for any treatment of bipolar disorder, they have been shown have benefits in calming the body and mind that can allow a restful night’s sleep and alleviate some of the tension that can go along with bipolar.

2. Create a schedule.
Organize your day and set aside time at night for you to get at least 7 hours of sleep. Go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day.

3. Determine the source of your sleep issues. 
Although bipolar is notorious for causing sleep problems, not all sleep issues are bipolar created. If possible, get an overnight sleep study and see if you have a physical cause for sleep issues. Being overweight and physical pain can all cause significant changes in sleep.

4. Establish a bedtime routine.
Following the same set of activities in the same order each night, whether it’s brushing your teeth, turning off your electronics, practicing meditation or aromatherapy, helps train your mind to view that 30 to 60 minute routine as preparation for sleep.

5. Avoid all shift work, night work, and work that has a changing schedule. 
Most people have to make a living, and you can’t always be in control of your schedule, but please know that studies on sleep and bipolar often come to the same conclusion: shift work, working at night, and sleeping during the day and/or a changing schedule is not healthy for people with bipolar.

6. Adjust your diet and exercise.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine use before bedtime, as well as eating large meals. It’s also a good idea to keep a few hours between exercise and bedtime. A workout can make it easier to sleep, but it also has energizing effects that can make it hard to fall asleep.

7. Journal in a sleep diary.
Writing your racing thoughts down in a journal can help you sort them out during mania, and writing out your worries can help calm you during depression. This way you can keep track of when you’re going to bed and waking up, ensuring you stick to the sleep schedule you set. It can also serve as a helpful diagnostic tool for your doctor if you’re worried you’re developing a comorbid sleep disorder.

8. Use light strategically.
Light therapy uses special lightboxes, available for purchase online, that artificially mimic the strength of sunlight. You sit in front of the box in the morning for 30 minutes or so (or have it sit nearby on your desk) to give you an alertness boost in the morning. 15 to 30 minutes of light therapy in the morning proved effective for women experiencing hypersomnia from bipolar disorder.

9. Practice relaxation.
Relaxation gives your mind something to focus on, whether you’re feeling manic or depressed. For manic episodes, it can calm you down into a feeling of tiredness. During depression, it forces your brain to think about something other than your worries. Try practicing meditation, visualization, deep breathing exercises or progressive muscle relaxation techniques.

10. Talk to your doctor.
Speaking of your doctor, if you’re worried about your sleep patterns, share your sleep diary with them. Let them know how much sleep you’re getting each night, whether it’s interrupted by nighttime awakenings or vivid nightmares, and how long it takes you to fall asleep on average.

How to Prolong the life of Weighted Blankets:10 Tips

In recent years, weighted blankets have become more popular, with rave reviews touting their many benefits. More companies are making them, and the media is promoting them as helpful for stress, trouble sleeping, and as great gifts.

Although the price of a weighted blanket is much higher than a regular blanket,  it is a worthy investment to buy a weighted blanket for your sleep & your health.

Comparing to a regular blanket, a weighted blanket has more components: the cover,the quilted & weighted interior section and the weights. That is why the price of a weighted blanket is always higher than a regular one.

Considering the higher price of weighted blankets, people prefer to use the weighted blankets for a long time instead of a short period. “Is it possible?” The answer is:”Yes. You can prolong the life of weighted blankets if you use it properly in daily life”. Here are 10 tips to get you started.


  1. Use a Duvet cover on the weighted blankets. You can always use a Duvet cover around your blanket. A cover can keep the blanket quite clean, requiring only the occasional cleaning of the cover itself. Of course you can take the cover off if you feel it too warm with the cover. Every weighted blankets seller provides the Duvet cover as a companion to their weighted blankets, such as: YnM Cotton Duvet Cover for Weighted Blankets (48''x72'') - Dark Grey Print ,you can easily buy the cover from the same website.
  2. Only wash the outer cover regularly, and wash the inner blanket on rare occasions in order to prolong the life of the blanket. Always remove the cover & wash the cover and inner blanket separately.
  3. Wash the outer cover properly based on the cover materials, the most common used as follow: minky,cotton,wool,flannel,silk and rayon. It is not difficult for a housewife to handle the different materials with a washing machine.
  4. Only put the inner blanket with the machine wash-friendly material into washing machine. Glass beads and plastic poly pellets are two dominant choices for a weighted blanket filling, both of them are machine wash-friendly. If the fillings of your weighted blanket is too heavy, such as:steel shot beads, please don’t use washing machine, you have to wash the inner blanket with hand.
  5. Wash the inner blanket solely, don’t wash the inner blanket with any other item. Before you begin, set the washer on the gentle cycle. Stronger washing cycles may damage the blanket. Use only cold or warm water, never use hot water.
  6. Dry the inner blanket properly after washing, simply squeeze out the excess water (do not wring it out) as much as you can. Leave the blanket on a clean horizontal surface such as a drying rack. Shake it out and flip it occasionally to help redistribute the beads evenly. Line dry the cover, preferably in the sun. It will take 12 - 24 hours for your blanket to dry (depending on whether it’s drying outdoors or indoors). After that, simply slip the cover back on and your Calming Blanket is fragrant, clean, and ready for your bed!
  7. Storing a weighted blanket in a wheeled container makes moving the blanket from room to room a little easier while serving as a tried-and-true storage method. Look for a pouf or ottoman large enough to hold the blanket  with a reinforced bottom to ensure it can hold up under the blanket’s weight.
  8. Storing a weighted blanket in a couch with built-in storage. Couches are built to withstand a beating, and a couch with a storage base (like this one from IKEA) will likely have enough room to hold even the bulkiest weighted blanket—though probably not much more. Pulling the blanket out for a refreshing nap on the couch will be easy, though you will have to lug it into another room if you want to sleep under it all night long.
  9. Storing a weighted blanket in the bottom shelf of a bookshelf or cabinet. Storing a weighted blanket somewhere low is key—no one needs to be hoisting something that heavy up high. Look for bookshelves or cabinets with a large bottom shelf that could hold the blanket, instead; take inspiration from this storage cabinet. The blanket will be low, but not on the floor, and easy enough to grab when the time comes.
  10. Storing a weighted blanket  in the bottom drawer of a dresser If you happen to be one of those lucky types with extra clothing storage space, consider folding the weighted blanket as neatly as possible—using a bed as a folding surface helps—and storing it in the bottom drawer. The dresser—ideally one with large drawers, similar to this one—should be strong enough to hold the blanket, and it’ll be tucked safely away for the next time you need it.

End Note:
Properly caring for your weighted blanket is important for its longevity, so do that carefully. Now It is time to buy a weighted blanket for you and your child. Enjoy a good life with a good sleep.

HOW TO CALM AN AUTISTIC CHILD: 10 TIPS (Ensure Comfortable Bedding, Use A Weighted Blanket)

Parents with a child on the Autism Spectrum already have their hands full.To make things even more challenging, many autistic children also experience difficulties falling and staying asleep. They may act out and require extra attention from mom and dad. It’s not uncommon for them to take longer than normal to fall asleep, and once they are asleep bedwetting might be a regular occurrence.

In this article, we’ll share 10 tips on how to get an autistic child to sleep.

What is Autism?
Autism is a neurological disorder, meaning it affects the nervous system. Because the nervous system controls every function of the body, autism can present itself in a variety of ways, although there are often commonalities.

The most prevalent symptoms include difficulty communicating, undeveloped social and motor skills, obsessive tendencies, repetitive behaviors, and gastrointestinal disorders. ASD is referred to as “Autism Spectrum Disorder,” indicating that there’s a spectrum to this disease.

Sleep and Autism
Children on the autism spectrum, tend to have difficulties falling and staying asleep, and they often sleep LESS than their neurotypical peers due to impairments of the body’s circadian rhythms, abnormalities in melatonin levels, an inability to understand social cues, feelings of anxiety, and sensory processing issues. The reason behind autism sleep disorders isn’t always as obvious, and can be very difficult to correct, which can significantly exasperate a child’s symptoms.

10 Tips to Get Autistic Kids to Sleep

1. Establish a good sleep routine. The sooner you develop – and maintain – a predictable sleep routine, the better. By following the same steps night after night, you are giving your child’s body signals that it’s time to slow down and prepare for sleep. Avoid overly stimulating activities at this time, and make sure to follow the same routine each night.

2. Blowing bubbles. Mindful breathing is a very effective calming strategy, but it can be difficult to teach to small children. A simple way to encourage deep breathing to help your child find his or her way back to a place of calm is to blow bubbles together. This will force your child to take deep, calming breaths naturally, and the bubbles will serve as a fabulous secondary distraction.

3. Plan ahead. Schedule your day in such a way that your child has time to wind down an hour or so before bedtime. Remove electronic devices, turn the TV off, dim the lights, and engage in calming activities like reading, coloring, or listening to soothing music.

4. Bath or Shower. Baths and showers soothing for both adults as well as children. By raising the body temperature, it can induce drowsiness.

5. Soft Musical Background. The music should be soothing. Experts recommend something that has a predictable rhythm, and preferably a tune that’s instrumental rather than someone singing. Classical music is universally relaxing.

6. Keep stress relief toys on hand. Surround them with the things they love. A  favorite stuffed animal can all help an autistic child fall asleep and stay in bed all night.

7. Get regular exercise. Physical activity isn’t just effective in helping us sleep better, but it also helps us enter a deeper sleep, so make sure your child is getting ample exercise throughout the day.

8. Bedtime Stories. Reading a bedtime story is a classic technique to help a little one fall asleep. In the case of autistic children, it may help to read something in the genre of poetry that has strong rhyming and sing-song cadence.

9. Comfortable Bedding. A comfortable mattress can make a world of difference. If your little one is sleeping on a hand-me-down that’s several years old, it might be time for an upgrade. The same goes for sheets and pillows. Look for sheets that are made of natural fabric, like cotton, eucalyptus or bamboo. Your child’s pillow should also be carefully considered. It should be medium softness, without being too high or low.

10. Use a Weighted Blanket. Weighted blankets produce deep touch stimulation applying pressure on muscles and joints; it triggers the release of serotonin, which in turn helps regulate feelings of anxiety. Before ordering your weighted blanket or lap pad, remember that they should be no more than 10% of your child’s body weight plus 1 or 2 pounds, and that blankets of any kind shouldn’t be used until a child is over 24 months of age. Personally, we recommend YnM Weighted Blanket, one of the best seller on Amazon, provides the most budget-friendly weighted blanket combined with 3-year-long customer service, the incredible weighted blanket costs you no more than US$100.

Conclusion
Getting a child to fall asleep, regardless of whether they’re autistic or not, is a nightly challenge that could last for years. Within this list of tips, we hope you’ve found one, or a combination of a few of them, helpful for your situation.

Wednesday, June 12, 2019

Everything You Need to Know about Gravity Blankets

For years, many people did not know that gravity blankets (weighted blankets) existed. Until last year, some celebrities raved about the product, retail stores nationwide began selling variations of the heavy sheets, and by the end of 2018,  weighted blankets were on practically every gift guide on the internet.

And according to YnM, one of the weighted blanket industry's most celebrated companies, sales of the gravity blankets are expected to increase in 2019.

You might want to know more about this popular gift, here are the answers.

What is a gravity blanket?

Dr. Temple Grandin, an animal behaviour expert with autism, was among the first to note that deep-pressure touch calmed the central nervous systems of both animals and humans with sensory sensitivities. The stimulation allows the improvement of serotonin and melatonin levels, decrease in the level of cortisol, enhancement and promotion of mood and overall sleep quality.Her research led to the development of the weighted blanket.

What is a gravity blanket made up of?

A weighted blanket is filled with poly pellets, weighted discs, or glass beads, weighted blankets are heavier than standard blankets, and they apply pressure across the body to promote relaxation.

YnM Weighted Blankets come filled with non-toxic, and odorless glass beads to replicate weight.

Can gravity blankets be used as an alternative to medication and therapies?

It’s important to keep in mind, that although gravity blankets can help with relaxation and self-regulation, gravity blankets are a complementary tool and should not replace medication and appropriate medical supervision.

What size should I get?

A gravity blanket is engineered to be roughly 8% - 12% of body weight so as to help in providing natural source of relaxation to the nervous system and stress reduction via the stimulation that of being held or hugged.

Can I use a gravity blanket for pets?

Yes! To calm your dog from thunderstorms or fireworks, you can feel free to cover your pet with weighted blankets. You can use a 5 lb. blanket for a small to medium sized dog or a 10 lb. blanket for a large dog.

Is the gravity blanket machine washable?

We recommend washing only the duvet cover for the blanket, as it is much lighter, easier to dry, protects your inner blanket, and increases the weighted blanket’s longevity. If you do decide to wash the weighted blanket itself, we recommend washing it by hand with cold water and letting it air dry.

Is the gravity blanket hot in the summer?

If you purchased the gravity blanket without the duvet cover, it is fine for the summer months, as it is designed for weight, not warmth. If you purchased the blanket with the duvet cover and you are a warm sleeper, you can always take the duvet cover off.

What is difference between Heavy Quilts and gravity blankets

A heavy quilt has high down content, usually wool. A great example of it would be your grandma’s old and ultra-thick woolen blanket. But being warm and comfortable won’t be enough to reach the “therapeutic” status some people need, even if you fold it for times, and place it on you, It wouldn’t provide nearly as much pressure as a weighted blanket aims to.

A weighted blanket is specifically designed to be really heavy, and to put pressure on your body. And because of the fillings sewn into its quilted pockets, it can weight a lot, even if it has a small size.

Can I bring my weighted blanket on a plane?

It depends. It is OK in United States. According to TSA our weighted blankets are allowed through the security checkpoint in the United States. If you are traveling internationally, we advise reaching out to the airline and/or the country you are visiting for more information on security procedures outside of the U.S.

Are there any reasons for someone who shouldn’t use a gravity blanket?

Numerous researches have been done, and only a couple showed some side effects of weighted blankets. Others revealed that the blankets are great at aiding in dealing with certain health conditions, including autism.

If you are investing in a weighted comforter to try another option for solving a health condition, make sure you know your diagnosis well and talk to your therapist about the proper weight of the blanket for you.

As long as you choose the correct weight, you’re less likely to experience any uncomfortable effects.

Pay attention to the blanket’s filling and the fabric it’s made of. These are two critical factors that can play a significant role in how efficient and soothing your weighted quilt will be.

Last but most important --  Safety:

  • Please never use a gravity blanket to someone who does not have the ability to remove the blanket on their own. 
  • Please place the weighted blanket out of reach when you are not home. 
  • Please do not cover your face with this blanket, as it is heavier than standard blankets.

How to Ensure Good Health with a Weighted Blanket – 10 Tips

Weighted blankets have received a lot of attention in the recent past. The ability of these blankets to deliver a large number of health benefits to the people have contributed a lot towards their popularity. Here are 10 tips that convince you to ensure your overall well-being with the assistance of a weighted blanket.

A better sleep 

Most of us find it as a difficult task to sleep at night. When we get to the bed, anxiety hits us. If you want to enjoy a comfortable sleep without anxiety, you need to think about using a gravity blanket. It can provide a better sleeping environment, along with a therapeutic weight to provide a better sleep.

Kids can overcome anxiety 

If your kid is suffering from anxiety, all you need to do is to think about purchasing a weighted blanket Amazon. The added weight can provide a unique sleeping experience to your kid. As a result, your kid will be able to overcome anxiety. However, you need to make sure that you are increasing the weight of the blanket, as your kid grows, to ensure optimum results.

To overcome autism 

There is a strong relationship in between autism and anxiety as well. Therefore, a gravity blanket can be used to overcome autism as well. Autism comes along with a series of many other challenges, such as sensory issues. The cool weighted blanket can eliminate all those health conditions and provide a better quality in life.

To get rid of restless legs 

If you notice that your legs are restless, especially when you get to sleep, you need to invest on a weighted blanket. There are weighted blankets, which you can use specifically to cover your legs. You can purchase an ordinary weighted blanket or that kind of a weighted blanket to overcome restless legs.

Soothe symptoms linked with panic disorder 

When you are hit by a panic disorder, your entire life will get halted within a track on its own. Therefore, you should look for the most effective methods to overcome the negative effects created by it. That’s where a gravity blanket can help you with. From a variety of studies conducted in the past, it has been identified that a weighted blanket can help you overcome panic disorder.

Overcome the symptoms of PTSD

A considerable percentage of the veterans are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder. If you are one of them, all you need to do is to invest on a weighted blanket. Then you will be able to make sure that you can overcome the negative effects that PTSD can create in your life. All the symptoms associated with PTSD, including depression and insomnia can be eliminated.

Ease travel anxiety 

Traveling is meant to be exciting and fun. However, many people deal with stress and anxiety due to travel. If you are one of them, all you need to do is to get a weighted blanket. It can help you to ease the symptoms that are linked with travel anxiety. Hence, you will not come across any issues when you are taking a step out of your comfort zone. These results are delivered through calming modality that a weighted blanket can create.

Overcome pain without drugs 

You are not encouraged to take in drugs for all the pains that you are dealing with. That’s because it can lead you to many harmful side effects in the long run. To overcome pain without drugs, you can get the assistance of a weighted blanket. It can be considered as a completely natural alternative available for both prescription drugs as well as non-prescription drugs.

Improves your focus 

If you are finding it as a difficult task to keep your focus on one thing at a time, you need to think about getting a weighted blanket Amazon. Then you can easily focus on what you do and improve your productivity. It can directly create an impact on the results that you can get at the end of the day as well. This is one of the most prominent reasons why a cool weighted blanket is recommended for the kids. With the weighted blanket, they can improve their focus at the classroom.

Promotes calm 

We all love to enjoy the calmness in our lives. However, it is something difficult to achieve with the packed schedules that we go through. However, purchasing a weighted blanket will be able to assist you get the level of calmness that you deserve in your life. You don’t need to suffer from a health condition to purchase a weighted blanket. You can even use them to improve the other aspects of your life, such as to unwind yourself after a busy day at work.

How To Select a Weighted Blanket For Your Children:10 Tips

We’ve all heard the phrase “sleeping like a baby “. But the truth is that more than two-thirds of American children ages 10 and under have experienced sleep disorder problems according to National Sleep Foundation (NSF) poll.

Every parent knows how important a good sleep to your child. During a sound sleep, your child’s body gets extra help from blood flow and hormones to help with growth and development.

Weighted blanket is a cutting edge product which mainly help the way you sleep and offer real comfort in stressful situations. A good weighted blanket provides a natural way to help your kids sleep better. Here are the 10 tips to select a weighted blanket for your children I would like to share with you.

1.Choose the Right Weight

Use 10% weight recommendation, plus 1 or 2 pounds to allow for growing room. Most Weighted Blanket Amazon Sellers(YNM) recommend 10% of your body weight for safety reasons, and most customers prove it.

2. Choose the Right Size

Children grow fast, and they can quickly outgrow a weighted blanket. So when selecting a size, allow six inches or more in length to allow for growing room.

3. Don’t use a weighted blanket with a kid under the age of 2 

Although the weighted blanket works well for toddlers under 25kg, please don’t use it if your kids is under the age of 2.  Weighted blankets should not to be used with babies or young infants. It is difficult for babies to move the blanket off.

4. Please use a weighted blanket as a only weighted product with your children

Weighted blankets are designed to be a little heavier than the normal blankets, and used at a weight that is appropriate for the child or adult using it.  If you use another weighted product together with the weighted blanket, the total weight could become too heavy for your children. So please don’t do it.

5. Choose the Weighted Blanket Color

There are many types of blankets with different colors. If you want to buy a weighted blanket which your kids will like. You need to consider the color out there. Before determining a specific type or perhaps color, check the available colors that match the interior of your kids’ bedroom, It is great to choose the one that matches your bedroom.

6. The Price of the weighted blanket

The price is another key factor that you should consider before the rush to market. Therefore, it is important to consider your budget and know the exact amount of money you are likely to spend out there, one of the most important options you can consider is buying online. Amazon is always the best choice. When shopping online, you can compare the price of each type of cool weighted blanket to plan your budget. This will enable you to find the best gravity blanket you need.

7. Perfect Temperature
One of the main uses of gravity blankets is the provision of heat. Therefore, you should look for the one that has the ideal temperature. Gravity blankets are made with different fabrics that offer different levels of comfort. Some substances heat the warmth of the gravity blankets, others cool it down.

8. Type of Fabric
People choose the perfectly weighted blanket, according to the fabric type. The blankets are made of different materials, which offer a different weight and thus heat. Some of the usual fabrics that make up the blankets include knitted as well as thermal fabrics. For children’s use, the weighted blanket made of fleece or minky can bring a warm, cosy and tactile environment. Also you can choose the weighted blanket made of breathable cotton if you like to sleep at a certain temperature.

9. Clean weighted blankets properly

First, you can always use a cover around your blanket. A cover can keep the blanket quite clean, requiring only the occasional cleaning of the cover itself. 
If you really want to wash the weighted blanket, please avoid to use hot water(cold or warm only) and never dry clean the weighted blanket. Do not iron or try to flatten the inner blanket by putting heavy objects on it.

10. Parents should always keep an eye on your children.

When you decide to use a weighted blanket for your children, you should always keep an eye on them. If you find any signs of disorder when they use the weighted blankets, such as: difficulty breathing or rise in temperature or other behavioural reactions which indicate discomfort or anxiety, please take the weighted blanket off immediately.  I strongly suggest every parent use the weighted blanket for their children for short periods of time initially.

Conclusion

Choosing a weighted blanket is not a difficult math. However, it’s smart if you know all the details before you spend your money. There are many things to keep in mind: Do you choose the  weighted blanket for your children or for your own use? What size or type of fabric do you need? How hard should it be? The tips above are your recommendations for buying a weighted blanket for your children and avoiding remorse.

Introduction of a Natural Sleep Therapy for Children – YnM Kid’s Weighted Blanket 3.0

Sleep disorders in Children:

Every parent wants their kids could get a sound sleep during the bedtime, but sadly sleep disorders are a common problem among children.

Extensive data were obtained on approximately 1400 children who were tested before beginning school in 2005 by means of a special sleep questionnaire and another screening instrument that is used to assess behavioral strengths and difficulties (the SDQ, Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire).  Five percent of the children were found to have difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep, or nocturnal awakening. Less frequent problems included parasomnias such as pavor nocturnus (0.5%), sleepwalking (0.1%), and frequent nightmares (1.7%).

Sleep disorders increase the risk of daytime fatigue and of psychological problems in general, including both hyperactivity and excessive emotional stress. These results imply that sleep problems and emotional disturbances are intimately connected and underscore the importance of diagnosing sleep problems in young children.
If your child can not sleep at least nine hours per night, you might consider your child gets sleep problems and it can have negative effects on children's performance in school, during extracurricular activities, and in social relationships.

A lack of sleep may cause:
  • Accidents and injuries
  • Behavior problems
  • Mood problems
  • Memory, concentration, and learning problems
  • Performance problems
  • Slower reaction times
  • Overeating
What Is a Weighted Blanket?

Like the name indicates, weighted blankets are made with added weight so that they feel heavier than a typical blanket. Weighted blankets can weigh anywhere from 2 to 30 pounds and conform to the shape of your body for a hugging sensation that is at least relaxing if not downright therapeutic. Deep pressure touch like that provided by a weighted blanket can help desensitize them to normal tactile experiences. Deep pressure touch also triggers the production of the “feel-good hormone” serotonin, which calms anxiety, relieves stress, and can even lull them into a sound sleep.

A great deal of scientific research shows that weighted blankets can provide a sense of calm for a wide range of individuals, including those with some of these disorders:
  • Autism 
  • ADHD 
  • SPD (Sensory Processing Disorder) 
  • Anxiety 
  • PTSD 
  • Insomnia 
  • Restless Leg Syndrome 
  • And many other sleep disorders
In general, using a weighted blanket is a natural way to cure the sleep disorders in both children and adults.

Why YnM Kid’s Weighted Blanket 3.0 ?

Unlike other weighted blanket suppliers, YnM has two unique features which make it stand out. YnM weighted blankets for kids is one of the best seller on Amazon.
  1. YnM blanket is made of high-quality breathable cotton with hypoallergenic glass beads sewn in pockets of the inner layer. This gives a smoother sensation and is reasonably quiet compared to plastic materials. The weighted blanket functions well to help reduce anxiety in children and promote better sleep. This is due to the effect of deep pressure touch, where the glass beads stimulate the release of feel-good hormones in the brain.
  2. The ability to produce a unique 7-layer weighted blanket. YnM’s 7-layer system is designed to comfortably surround your body and form to your shape while you sleep and the MORE glass beads & LESS fiber fill design offers better temperature control.  
Is a Weighted Blanket safe to Children?

Weighted blankets are a popular therapy tool for children and parents, but weighted blankets should not to be used with babies or young infants. Please don’t use it if your kids is under the age of 2.  That is the reason why YnM Kid’s Weighted Blanket 3.0 is designed for toddlers and elementary school children.

Choosing a weighted blanket with right weight & size for your children:

That is the key important factor when you buy a weighted blanket for your kids. You can always use a rule called 10%, that means the weight must be approximately 10% of your body weight plus 1-2 lb. Choosing the wrong size of weight of weighted blankets can pose safety risks to children. A 5 lb weighted blanket is commonly used for children above 2 years of age, where the typical body weight falls between 20lb -30lb.

Always ensure that your child has the ability to remove or put on the weighted blanket on themselves. Do not roll the weighted blanket on your child. It should cover your child leaving the neck and face unrestrained. Never use a weighted blanket meant for adults for your child.

To be specific, based on the guild of  YnM Kid’s Weighted Blanket 3.0, the weight and size begins in the toddler size as follow:
  • 5lbs blanket is suitable for child around 40lbs
  • 7lbs blanket is suitable for child around 60lbs
  • 10lbs blanket is suitable for child around 90lbs
You can easily place an order on YnM flagship store on Amazon. YnM even provides a unbelievable customers service for 3 years long, if any unexpected damage happened to your YnM weighted blanket during this period, YnM can provide free mending (not include shipping label).

Now it is time to get a YnM Weighted Blanket for you kids to help you kids sleep better.

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

How to Pick a Right Weighted Blanket:10 Tips

Can not sleep at night? Seeking for a natural, non-drug treatment for insomnia, anxiety, stress, ADHD? You should consider to add a weighted blanket to your household items.

Weighted blankets utilize deep pressure touch stimulation. This pressure induces the brain to release the serotonin hormone that has a calming effect on your body. The feelings of tranquility are similar to the ones you feel when a loved one hugs or cuddles you warmly.

Weighted blankets help you sleep better, but the price of weighted blankets is always expensive, so it is important for you to pick a right one at first time. If you are puzzled what to purchase, Here are the 10 tips to help you to make a decent purchase.

1. The Feeling of Deep Pressure  

Without this feeling, nothing else about the blanket really matters. The thing that truly sets weighted blankets apart from normal blankets is their ability to activate deep touch stimulation.  To make sure that you can get a feeling of “hugging down on the body” when you put a weighted blanket on your body.

2. Longevity of Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets of generally made up of 3 specific parts. The soft outer layer, the more durable inner layer, and the filling inside of the inner layer.  The type of materials used in each of these parts is crucial. The longevity of weighted blankets decided by the materials. Before you buy, you should understand the ideal materials in each of these layers.

3. Outer layer

There are a variety of outer materials used however the most common are 100% cotton, polyester, and “minky” fabric.

  • Cotton – Cotton is durable, machine washable, and reasonably soft (depending on the quality.) The main problem with cotton is that it is prone to shrinking and dyes tend to fade. 
  • Polyester – Polyester, on the other hand, is machine washable very durable, doesn’t fade or shrink, however, it tends to not be as soft and doesn’t quite breathe as well. 
  • Minky – Minky is an all-natural blended fabric that essentially takes the durability of polyester but uses a short pile that makes it similar in softness to cashmere. The fabric tends to resemble “mink,” hence the name, but it’s cruelty-free and far more durable.

4. Inner layer 

Again these inner layers can vary in materials but cotton is generally the best option here and there really isn’t a better alternative. You don’t need the “super-softness” of Minky fabric as you’ll never be touching it since it’s covered by the outer layer. Due to this, a material that provides the best functionality is key. Cotton does it all. It does a good job maintaining the “spread” of the inner filling, is strong enough to support the weight of the filling, and also provides quality temperature retention.

5. Inner Filling. Generally, weighted blankets use one of the three following fillers:

  • Sand & Rice. A lot of small outfits fill their blankets with these as they are cheap and easy to source.  The problem is both of these lead to uneven weight distribution. 
  • Poly Pellets – Poly Pellets do a decent job distributing heat, do not absorb much moisture, and offer reasonable weight distribution.  Also, the rounded shape is good for maintaining the integrity of your inner layer. 
  • Glass Beads – Glass beads provides the smoothest weight distribution as the weight of each individual bead is nearly identical and they don’t bunch up. They also don’t absorb any moisture or excess heat.  Plus they are perfectly rounded and won’t damage the inner layers at all. 

6. Choose the right weight of the weighted blankets

As a general rule of thumb, we recommend roughly 10-12% of your weight as the starting point. For example, 15 lbs blanket is suitable for 90-150 lbs individual, 20 lbs blanket is suitable for 150-200 lbs individual.

7. Choose the right size of the weighted blankets

Follow the instructions provided by the sellers. For example, according to the guideline of YnM weighted blanket, 48”x72” for twin bed, 60”x80” for queen bed, the size 48”x72” maybe too short for people tall than 5’5″ and too narrow for people like tossing and turning on bed. A twin, queen or king size weighted blanket is much smaller than twin, queen or king size regular blanket.

8. See what others say about the weighted blankets

Obviously, this is probably one of, if not the best source regarding product quality. People who have hands-on experience with the product will be able to give you the best insight into the products quality.

9. Choose the handmade weighted blankets if possible

Machine stitching and automated filling would, in theory, lead to a uniform and consistent product. However, for blankets, the opposite appears to be true. Blankets made via automation tend to have substantially more quality control issues and overlooked design errors. Handmade blankets tend to have higher quality control and superior stitching.

10. To save money, buy the weighted blankets in a right time

Holiday season is the best time to buy cheap weighted blankets. Always keep an eye on holiday sales.

YnM weighted blankets, one of the top sellers on Amazon, provides the quality weighted blankets to the customers at budget-friendly prices. You can check their weighted blankets on their Amazon store and the product reviews.

YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket with 100% Natural Bamboo Viscose, Best Choice for Hot Sleepers

We all like to lie on the couch wrapped in our favorite blanket, or weighted blanket if anxiety is sort of omnipresent in our life nowadays. Trust me, once you go weighted, you absolutely cannot go back. Why? Because they work! Weighted blankets are scientifically proven to reduce anxiety to help you sleep better.

However, if you normally like to be cool while you sleep or snuggle, weighted blankets can be too much, as their extra weight (usually created by micro beads that shape to your body) can lead to overheating.

Well then, YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket is just what you need! Made from 100% natural bamboo viscose. The 300 thread count of bamboo viscose feels cool to the touch, but not cold enough to be uncomfortable to sleep under. This blanket is perfect for hot sleepers who tend to sweat a lot under minky and cotton fabrics. And the weights are from glass beads, range from 5 lbs. to 25 lbs. It also comes in a variety of beautiful colors to match your bedroom decor, rather than detract from it.

My Practice:

Getting a weighted blanket changed my life. Since the first time I tried mine, I haven't slept without it. The gentle heft helps me fall asleep, keeps me from tossing and turning, and has greatly reduced the numbers of nights I lie awake with anxiety.

So I strongly recommended the weighted blankets to my friends, some of them bought it and loved it very much,just like me. But also I heard from one friend “the blanket is seriously heavy and thus pretty hot, which is not ideal for me”. After that, I am considering that if any special weighted blankets is suitable for this friend. Soon after, I heard of a product called YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket which really appeals to me, the cooling weighted blanket was made with 100% natural bamboo viscose that absorbs body heat and wicks away moisture. It's designed for people who get really hot or sweat a lot in their sleep ― and since I know so many people like that, I wanted to try it out and see if I should be spreading the weighted blanket gospel to them, too.

Just as I suspected, my experience with the cooling weighted blanket was a lot like my first experience with a regular weighted blanket. And while the pleasant sleep I got was the same with both blankets, I did notice some differences with the cooling model. Here are a few things to know before you get your own cooling weighted blanket:

  • It's cool to the touch. You know that amazing feeling when you flip over your pillow and realizing the other side is delightfully cool? That's what this blanket feels like. You'll realize why they call it the cooling weighted blanket the second you pull it out of the box.
  • But it doesn't stay cool all night. Just like the other side of the pillow, the cooling eventually warms up. The blanket stays cold for 15-20 minutes as you fall asleep before it begins to regulate to your body temperature. Personally I didn't have time to notice it warming up ― I passed out almost instantly.

Things Need to Know about the Cooling Weighted Blankets:

Due to many advantages of the weighted blankets, nowadays the use of weighted blankets is growing in popularity. The price of a regular weighted blanket is double higher than a regular cotton blanket, and the price of a cooling weighted blanket is higher than a regular weighted blanket. To save your money, you should know a little about the cooling weighted blanket for better use, which can prolong the longevity of a weighted blanket. Here are the points:

  • The weighted blankets should be 7%-13% of your body weight to make the most use of the blanket. Please choose the weight depending on individual preference. 10% of body weight is recommended.
  • YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket was filled with silky smooth 300 thread count bamboo viscose and premium glass beads. The glass beads are evenly distributed in each small compartment. This feels wonderful next to Baby’s skin and helps regulate your body temperature and prevent overheating.
  • The inner weighted blankets are machine-washable on a low, gentle setting, better dry clean or hand-wash to get them clean.
  • YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket can be used in various ways: Using it as a full body cover in bed or while you are sitting. Placing it in the lap, on the shoulders, over the neck, on back or legs.

Besides, the YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket still provide all the benefits that weighted blankets have to offer. So it is time to get a YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket for your loved ones.

Note: Please don’t use the weighted blanket on the baby under 2 years old or people who can’t move the heavy blanket themselves.

I Tried Using a Weighted Blanket to Help with Sleep Disorders: Here's What Happened

As a young man, like most of you, I have access to the internet and can not live without getting on Instagram every single day. I heard about the seemingly miraculous effects of weighted blankets on the Instagram stories and found myself intrigued.

After some research by my own, I get to know a little about the weighted blankets. It weighs from 4 – 30 pounds, making it heavier than the typical down quilt or comforter. Weighted blankets use Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation to mimic a hug with the goal of helping you relax. It is called DTP Theory. Based on the theory, DTP causes the body to release serotonin (the happiness hormone) and decrease cortisol (the stress hormone) while calming the nervous system overall. Accordingly, the weighted blankets can also help you fall asleep and stay asleep.

I have chronic pain due to endometriosis and other conditions and therefore find myself having trouble sleeping and feeling stressed out well...a lot.  So after hearing about all of these benefits, I decided to purchase a weighted blanket in hopes that I would lower my anxiety and finally have a restful night of sleep.

I  ordered my weighted blanket (YnM Weighted Blankets for Adults)  on Amazon and got it by mail several days later. I carried it at least 10 minutes to my car and my arm was sore the next day. It is really a heavy blanket! As the package denotes, the ideal weighted blanket for you will be 7-12% of your overall body weight. I got the 15 lb. one because I weigh between 100-150 lbs.

I wasn't sure what to expect upon opening it — but I spread it out on my couch to take a closer look. The blanket is the size of a twin-sized throw, and not the size of a full comforter.

To start, I positioned myself under the blanket while watching TV on my couch. I didn't notice any sort of immediate change in how I was feeling physically or mentally, but I did feel comfortable and secure.

I decided that the true test would be how I felt after actually sleeping under the blanket, so that night I spread it out on my bed and prepared to position myself beneath it ready for my beauty sleep. And I had one of the best sleeps I can recall in my whole life.

After a solid two weeks of sleeping under the weighted blankets, I’m excited to tell you about some amazing things that happened to me.
  1. I fell asleep right away, no overthinking and worrying.I’ve never fallen asleep quicker in my life. I used to take anywhere from fifteen minutes to an hour to fall asleep, and now I am typically out within 10 minutes. If I’m finishing up emails or other work on my laptop in bed and I have the blanket over my legs it starts to make me feel more and more sleepy, so falling asleep is easier (but this can be dangerous if you need to stay awake)!
  2. I became a pro napper.Try as I might, I’ve never been great at taking naps. It’s hard for me to fall asleep in anything but pitch black lighting, so falling asleep to nap is hard for me and staying asleep is even harder. However, napping with a weighted blanket is amazing for me. I can fall asleep quickly and feel well rested when I wake up— it’s like a natural sleeping pill that wears off whenever you want it to.
  3. I needed an alarm (or two). Another way my sleeping patterns have changed is that I started to need an alarm to wake up when I hadn’t before. I used to wake up after seven or eight hours of sleeping, but with the blanket I could sleep forever (I found this out the hard way, by oversleeping!). One downfall to the weighted blanket, however, is that it makes it super easy to fall back asleep in the mornings and even harder to get out of bed. I definitely recommend setting multiple alarms if you aren’t usually one to hop right up in the morning.
Also, I would like to remind you please don’t worry about the feeling suffocated by the weight of the blanket. It never felt too heavy. Insead, it feels like a nice, gentle love tap and not like a heavy burlap sack on your body. But the size of a weighted blanket is obviously smaller than a regular blanket. Two people could not sleep under one blanket for the night so if you aren't single.

In my opinion, this YnM weighted blanket will make itself worth the $80 it cost. Because I will absolutely be using this blanket with it regularly going forward, and I can only hope that I'll continue to experience an enhanced sleeping experience.

Also, my dog loves the blanket, and her opinion is the only one that really matters.