Weighted Blanket for Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless Leg Syndrome, or RLS, is characterized by an urge or desire to move your legs that arises when you get in a resting position. Many people suffering from RLS describe the restlessness stemming from twitchy and tickling sensations in their legs. This restlessness can be temporarily relieved by stretching, moving, or getting out of bed and walking around.

Others describe a feeling of burning, itching, tugging, crawling, or even mild electric shocks. Naturally, people try to combat these unpleasant sensations by continuously moving their legs, which can take a toll on their night’s sleep and rest.

Many times, there is no known cause behind Restless Leg Syndrome. The condition is neurological, and researchers suspect that it may be caused by an imbalance of dopamine, a brain chemical that sends messages to control muscle movement.

In addition, RLS tends to run in families, especially for those whose symptoms begin before the age of 40. Hormonal changes and pregnancy could also temporarily worsen the signs and symptoms of RLS.

Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome are known to worsen when stress levels are high. This is explained by finding that RLS is linked to high levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Similarly significantly greater anxiety and depression symptoms are observed among patients with RLS. 

This is why it is important for those with restless legs to find methods that help them calm their nervous system and reduce anxiety. For some that may be meditation, forest bathing (taking a walk in the forest), Tai Chi, yoga, a warm bath or as it turns out, using a weighted blanket.

The biggest issue associated with RLS is that it can severely disrupt your sleep cycle, which can then negatively affect many other aspects of your life, such as work productivity, mental health, and personal relationships.

While there are no universal treatments for RLS, simple lifestyle changes have been shown to effectively relieve the symptoms. For example, using a weighted blanket for Restless Leg Syndrome is a simple and natural way to combat the issue and catch up on sleep.

Weighted blankets are believed to ease the unpleasant symptoms associated with RLS through something known as Deep Touch Pressure Therapy. In simple words, when you place considerable evenly-distributed weight over your body, certain pressure points are triggered, promoting the production of key sleep and relaxation hormones.

A specially-designed weighted blanket covered in organic bamboo fabric is meant to feel incredibly smooth and silky and produce a “hugging effect”, which promotes the production of serotonin. Increased serotonin levels not only help you feel calm, but also lead to production of more melatonin, the sleep hormone. This chemical mix helps you to calm down in no time and quickly drift off into dreamland.

Furthermore, weighted blankets for Restless Leg Syndrome are believed to reduce cortisol, or stress hormone, levels throughout the night. These hormones are also linked to RLS, so, as soon as you feel the unpleasant sensations creeping up at night, get under your favourite weighted blanket and let it work its magic.

Weighted blankets may have become a hot trend in recent years, but they are so much more than that. Not only do they help to alleviate anxiety, calm the nervous system, and promote serotonin production, but weighted blankets also serve as an effective RLS treatment.

Find the ideal weight for a weighted blanket for you with our Weight Quiz here.