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The latest fashion trends are that people seek lightweight duvets made of down or light synthetic materials.
However, it turns out that those covers that weigh more actually have a better effect on the body in terms of health benefits.
There is usually a fairly lively discussion about what we sleep on, but not about what we sleep under. Both aspects are, however, important.
Falling asleep in the right conditions ensures that your sleep will be of good quality, the body will properly regenerate, and you will wake up in the morning without aches and refreshed.
Confirmed by doctors – heavier duvets are more suitable
The weight of a cover or blanket serves as touch therapy. Mattresses are usually designed to evenly distribute body weight.
However, if you are covered by a heavier duvet during the night, individual points on the body are stimulated, which helps the body relax better, feel “grounded” and also safer.
Clinical studies show that when these points are stimulated the brain begins to release serotonin into the body. It is a brain neurotransmitter, also known as the “calming hormone”.
Besides improving sleep quality, serotonin also has other functions, for example improving memory and the brain’s cognitive functions.
Using heavier coverings also helps with the following conditions:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
- bipolar disorder
- ADHD
- autism
- sleep disorders
- menopause
- any kind of anxiety
Alleviating anxious states leads to improved mental health in depression, various traumas, or even stimulates the body’s detoxification mechanisms.
These are the reasons why the use of heavier duvets is becoming increasingly popular.
Besides traditional heavier duvets, special coverings are now also manufactured that have their weight evenly distributed into smaller separate sections so that the weight does not shift from one part to another.
Study confirming the benefits of heavier duvets
In 2014 an interesting study was published in the journal Pediatrics, where 63 children aged 5 to 16 slept during 12 to 16 weeks either under a standard duvet or under a heavier duvet.
After the first phase ended the two groups swapped covers and then slept this way for another 2 weeks.
Parents and children reported that they preferred the heavier duvet for sleeping.
How to use heavier duvets correctly
A weighted covering should weigh from 7 to 14 kg – lighter for children, heavier for adults.
If you are not sure, you can consult your doctor about their use (if they have already heard of them), or a therapist who has experience with them.
Their use is not recommended if you suffer from respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
