Lifestyle — sleep

"I love to sleep. When I'm rested, I'm at my best" - Halle berry

When we don't sleep well, our days can be absolutely miserable. We lack the energy and enthusiasm to get things done, our mood can be affected and it can be extremely difficult to concentrate.

What Can We Do?

Our first go-to when we think we're having problems with sleep is probably Google. Hypochondriacs can have a field day there.

Hopefully, our next step is a trip to the doctor. Sometimes sleep problems can be symptoms of other, serious medical conditions, and it’s important to let your doctor know if you're going long periods without sleeping well. Stress and anxiety associated with life can also be at the root.

What can Cause Sleep Disruptions?

One of the more common medical conditions that can negatively affect how we sleep is obstructive sleep apnea - a condition in which the airways get blocked while we sleep and our brains wake us up. If it happens once or twice a night, we may never notice when it occurs. However, some people have been known to stop breathing as often as 30 times an hour. People who suffer from sleep apnea of this severity need medical treatment.

Medical conditions account for roughly 15% of reported issues with poor sleep. In the absence of a medical condition, poor sleep could be caused by environmental factors (loud noises, uncomfortable temperatures/bed, bright lights, etc.) or from psycho-physiological factors. In these cases, the mechanisms that promote sleep aren't doing their job.

The vast majority of poor sleep (70%, in fact) is due to psycho-physiological issues. A lot of people refer to this as “insomnia,” though it’s actually a cluster of sleep disorders with similar characteristics that manifest in similar ways.

The vast majority of poor sleep (70%, in fact) is due to psycho-physiological issues. A lot of people refer to this as “insomnia,” though it’s actually a cluster of sleep disorders with similar characteristics that manifest in similar ways.

How Can You Sleep Better?

If you notice that you’ve been sleeping poorly for a while, and you think there’s something physically wrong with you (such as sleep apnea) you may want to speak with your doctor.

If there’s nothing physically wrong, you may just need a little help by way of a weighted blanket from Comfitude. Our weighted blankets and comforters are based on the science behind Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation (DTPS), which induces a comforting sensation that causes your body to reduce the amount of the stress hormone cortisol and increase the production of “feel good” hormones serotonin and melatonin.

Having trouble sleeping is frustrating, whether the reason is serious or benign. Comfitude weighted blankets are proven to help those who have trouble getting their zzz’s fall, and stay, asleep. 

When asked by Parents Magazine about the rigors of parenting, Amy Pohler replied, “Sleep at this point is just a concept, something I’m looking forward to investigating in the future.” That’s a pretty relatable sentiment of many parents. Quality sleep is important for our health no matter what age we are, though as parents, when and for how long we can sleep usually depends on how long our kids decide to do the same.

Can a Weighted Blanket Help?

Weighted blankets are specially-designed textiles that contain a weighted material that is evenly-distributed throughout the textile. Research has shown that using such blankets can be beneficial for people of any age who are currently experiencing sleep trouble or anxiety. For kids, weighted blankets can be a supremely non-invasive way to help children fall asleep who normally have difficulty doing so.

How do Weighted Blankets Work?

Humans respond to different types of touch in similar ways. When we’re hugged or cuddled, our bodies naturally reduce the stress hormone cortisol and release higher amounts of “feel good” hormones serotonin and melatonin. The science behind it is known as deep touch pressure stimulation, or DTPS, and a weighted blanket from Comfitude mimic this type of stimulation, which often results in deeper relaxation and a better night’s sleep.

Does Every Child Need One?

A weighted blanket from Comfitude can work wonders for anyone who’s had trouble sleeping, but they can work wonders for adults and children who suffer from anxiety or insomnia. Additionally, children on the Autism Spectrum who crave touch but are unable to endure physical touch from their family can receive immense benefits from a weighted blanket. Though originally used by parents with children on the Autism Spectrum or those suffering from sensory processing disorder, there are many reports of children without these struggles benefitting from a weighted blanket by way of better sleep.

Getting children to go to sleep and stay asleep can be tough for any parent, especially those who have children with special needs. Weighted blankets, like those from Comfitude, can help your child get to sleep, allowing the whole family to get the rest they need.

Getting children to go to sleep and stay asleep can be tough for any parent, especially those who have children with special needs. Weighted blankets, like those from Comfitude, can help your child get to sleep, allowing the whole family to get the rest they need.