Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder. This means that the messages your senses receive to carry from your nerves to your brain manifest themselves here.
Although nobody knows for sure what causes RLS it does appear to be at least somewhat genetic. There have also been studies that suggest it’s related to having low dopamine levels (a chemical that helps with muscle movement) and that it’s also linked to several pre-existing conditions (e.g. iron deficiency, Parkinson’s Disease, neuropathy). Unfortunately, there are some medications (e.g. antidepressants, antipsychotic drugs, antihistamines, anti-nausea, cold medicines) that can also cause RLS or make it worse.
Using a Weighted Blanket for Restless Legs, a weighted blanket is simply a blanket that has square pockets that are filled with weights (e.g. poly-pellets). These square pockets are then quilted together to form a heavy blanket. The quilted design is important because this is what ensures that the weight is evenly distributed throughout the blanket.
Anyone who suffers from RLS will benefit from using one of these blankets. Not only will the blanket help to calm and soothe the muscles and nerves in your legs, but the blanket will also help to soothe and calm your mind. In this way, the weighted blanket isn’t only able to help reduce your RLS symptoms throughout the night but it’s also able to help promote healthy sleep patterns.
The way a weighted blanket works is by providing your legs with deep touch pressure (DTP). This simply means that the blanket is providing firm, gentle pressure that relaxes your muscles. At the same time, it also increases your circulation and the production of both serotonin and melatonin.
Additionally, these blankets are a great way of providing input for your tactile sensory system since it relies on touch to receive and process messages. This tactile input stimulates the production of dopamine (“the happy hormone”) which is responsible for promoting a sense of calm and well-being.
While there are some people with RLS who’ve discovered that they can’t tolerate having any pressure applied to the top of their legs many other people have used this as a natural treatment and found it to be quite helpful.
The Bottom Line
Regardless of what’s causing you to have RLS a Weighted Blanket for Restless Legs may be the cure you need. Since you can easily purchase one at a store near you (or even online) there’s no harm in picking one up and giving it a try.
