Are Weighted Blankets Bad for Circulation?

Are weighted blankets bad for circulation? The truth is, they can be. Weighted blankets can make blood circulation issues worse in some individuals, especially those with pre-existing health conditions that affect circulation. 

Your circulatory system is like a bustling highway, with blood vessels that transport oxygen and nutrients to your body’s organs and tissues. When you lie under a weighted blanket for a prolonged period of time, the added pressure can compress your blood vessels, restricting the flow of blood to certain areas of your body.

If you have a healthy circulatory system, the risk is minimal. But if you’re already dealing with circulatory issues, a weighted blanket could worsen your symptoms. Here’s a deeper look at how weighted blankets affect circulation, the potential risks for certain users, and how to achieve the benefits of deep pressure therapy without compromising your circulatory health.

How a Weighted Blanket Affects Circulation

Weighted blankets are designed to provide Deep Pressure Stimulation, which has a calming and relaxing effect on the body. However, the added weight of a weighted blanket can compress blood vessels, restrict blood flow, and worsen existing circulatory issues.

If you’re already suffering from a condition that affects circulation, such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, or obesity, experts say should approach weighted blanket use with caution. Smoking has also been linked to circulation-related issues, so smokers should also seek safer options.

Here’s what to know about the risks of weighted blankets for users with compromised circulation.

Increased Pressure on Blood Vessels

Weighted blankets exert pressure on the body, potentially compressing blood vessels. This pressure can impede blood flow, particularly in users with compromised circulation. Restricted blood flow may worsen symptoms like numbness, tingling, or cold extremities.

Potential Nerve Compression

The added weight of the blanket can also compress nerves, particularly if the user remains in one position for an extended period. Nerve compression can further impair poor circulation and contribute to pain or discomfort. This is an important consideration, as people with circulatory issues are already more susceptible to nerve-related conditions.

Impact on Respiratory Function

Weighted blankets can affect respiratory function in users with respiratory conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The blanket's weight can exert pressure on the chest, making it difficult to breathe deeply. This can worsen existing breathing problems and may lead to shortness of breath. It could also exacerbate conditions like sleep apnea.

Risk of Overheating

Weighted blankets can trap heat close to the body due to their extra weight and thick, insulating materials. For users with circulatory issues, overheating can exacerbate symptoms such as swelling or discomfort in the extremities. Overheating can also trigger respiratory issues in users prone to breathing difficulties, including the elderly.

Potential for Increased Heart Rate

The pressure exerted by a weighted blanket may trigger a compensatory increase in heart rate as the body tries to maintain adequate circulation. While this response is generally harmless for healthy adults, it can be problematic for those with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or compromised circulation. It could potentially strain the heart and exacerbate existing circulatory issues.

Given the potential risks, patients with circulatory or respiratory issues should exercise caution when considering the use of a weighted blanket. Safer alternatives, such as a weighted pillow,  offer the same benefits and are more suitable for users with these health concerns.

Are Weighted Blankets Bad for Circulation in the Legs?

The added weight of a weighted blanket can potentially compress blood vessels and nerves in the legs, impeding blood flow and causing discomfort or numbness. Those with compromised circulation due to conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease (PAD) are at greater risk. 

Prolonged use of a weighted blanket could lead to adverse circulatory effects for these individuals. The pressure exerted on the body can impede blood flow and disrupt nerve signals. Over time, this pressure can lead to discomfort, tingling sensations, or even numbness in the legs.

Users with conditions like diabetes or peripheral artery disease (PAD) are particularly vulnerable to compromised leg circulation. For individuals with these conditions, blood flow may already be compromised due to narrowed or damaged blood vessels.

Prolonged use of a weighted blanket could exacerbate circulatory problems in the legs. Persistent compression of blood vessels may lead to reduced oxygenation of tissues, increasing the risk of complications such as tissue damage or delayed wound healing.

Do Weighted Blankets Affect Blood Pressure?

For users with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, the impact of a weighted blanket on blood pressure is a topic of concern. So, how do weighted blankets affect blood pressure? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think.

The added weight of a weighted blanket can induce a calming effecton the nervous system by stimulating deep touch pressure. This could initially result in a slight decrease in blood pressure, which can be a good thing for those who struggle with stress or anxiety. 

However, prolonged use of a weighted blanket in individuals with circulatory issues can lead to compression of the blood vessels and potential fluctuations in blood pressure. It may even trigger a compensatory response in the cardiovascular system, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure.

It’s important to note that the impact of weighted blankets on blood pressure and circulation can vary significantly from person to person. Factors such as overall health, weight, and lifestyle play a role in how the body responds to the use of a weighted blanket.

Who Should Avoid Weighted Blankets Due to Circulation Concerns?

Individuals with the following conditions should avoid weighted blanket use due to circulation concerns:

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
• Diabetes-Related Circulation Issues
• Varicose Veins or Venous Insufficiency
• Blood Clotting Disorders
• Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
• Reynaud’s Disease
• Chronic Edema or Swelling of the Extremities
• Cardiovascular Disease
• Leg or Foot Ulcers
• Nerve Damage or Peripheral Neuropathy

A Safer Alternative for Those with Circulation Concerns

Research shows that Deep Pressure Stimulation offers a wide range of potential benefits, from reduced anxiety and stress management to managing sleep disorders and improving mental focus. If you’re dealing with these issues, DPS could greatly improve your quality of life.

However, since weighted blankets are quite restrictive and cumbersome, users with circulation issues are right to be concerned about their safety. And that’s where the Original Weighted Pillow by Quiet Mind comes in. This innovative solution offers the benefits of deep pressure therapy in a more targeted and adaptable form.

Targeted Pressure and Enhanced Comfort

Unlike a heavy blanket, which applies pressure across the entire body, a weighted pillow focuses gentle pressure on specific areas, such as the shoulders, back. lap, or legs, without compromising circulation.

This targeted approach allows users with circulatory concerns to experience the benefits of DPS without the risk of restricted blood flow or nerve compression. This targeted pressure can help alleviate tension and promote relaxation without comprising circulation, making weighted pillows a safer option for people with circulatory concerns.

Portability and Versatility

As an added bonus, a weighted pillow's portability and versatility make it a convenient option for use at home, work, or while traveling, providing comfort and relief whenever and wherever you need it. Its compact size makes it easy to transport, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of DPS no matter where life takes you.

Embracing Safety, Ensuring Comfort

While weighted blankets offer many therapeutic benefits, they’re not suitable for everyone, including those with circulatory issues. By opting for a safer alternative like the Original Weighted Pillow by Quiet Mind, everyone can experience the benefits of DPS without compromising their circulatory health.

With its targeted pressure and convenient design, a weighted pillow offers a comforting solution for stress, anxiety, and insomnia, ensuring that everyone can experience the soothing benefits of Deep Pressure Stimulation safely and comfortably, wherever they go.