Is the weighted coverage the secret to sleep well?

Have you ever heard of the weighted coverage?To find sleep, make good restful nights, and even reduce anxiety, it presents itself as a quality natural remedy.She tested it for you.

At bedtime, you turn, you go back and even count the sheep?Are your nights too short?Your little restful sleep?And your difficult awakenings?Well, know that you are not alone in this case.Today, more than 4 out of 10 French people are subject to sleep disorders (41%) - a figure increasing to 45% during the second confinement - according to an OpinionWay survey for the INSV Institute (National Sleep and thevigilance) carried out in January 2021.In question in Front of sleep apnea: insomnia and sleep rhythm disorders.And if there are pharmacological therapies to treat these disorders, a natural alternative to sleep well has been talked about for a few years.Her name ?LESTATE COVER.

What is a weighted coverage?

"As its name suggests, a weighted coverage - also called weighted coverage - is a coverage whose weight is significantly higher than that of ordinary covers," said DR.VerenaSenn, neurobiologist and manager of sleep research for the Emma mattress brand."It is made up of weight, uniformly distributed inside, of different materials such as glass or steel microbeads, sand, pebbles or grains".Strengthened by these added pounds, this type of coverage - to be adopted in any season - promises to promote falling asleep and obtaining a longer and restful sleep.But that's not all !

How does a weighted cover work?

To understand the benefits of this accessory, it is essential to understand its functioning.Régied by the principle of "deep pressure therapy" (or deep touch press stimulation), the blanket weighted has an asset: its weight.This exerts slight pressures on the entire body when you slip below the duvet.Instantly, a feeling of relaxation and relaxation is felt.And for good reason, we observe "a decrease in heart rate, a decrease in blood pressure and a modification of the hormone level, says DR.Senn.Melatonin levels (sleep hormone), serotonin (happiness hormone) and dopamine (pleasure hormone) increase.Cortisol production (stress hormone), for its part, decreases ”.

What are the benefits of weighted coverage?

In addition to helping to fight sleep disorders, weighted coverage reduces stress and anxiety.A bit like a hug, a caress or the hand of a loved one could do it.It can be a major asset in order to integrate calm and relaxation in our busy daily routines.Its positive impact also makes it possible to reduce daytime fatigue and increase our daily productivity.

But its virtues do not stop there.Indeed, a study - carried out by Swedish researchers and published on September 23, 2020 in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine - highlights its beneficial properties on people with ADHD (attention deficit disorders with or without hyperactivity), TOC (obsessive compulsive disorders), post-traumatic stress syndrome, burnout and even autistic syndromes.

How to choose your weighted coverage?

In the weighted coverage department, some criteria must be taken into account.At the top of the list: the size and weight of the cover.They must be adapted to the person who uses it so that they are neither too heavy (risk of creating respiratory discomfort), nor too light (the benefits will not be felt).The adequate weight depends on your body weight."For optimal results, it is recommended to choose its weighted coverage with a weight representing around 10 % of its body weight," explains Mélanie Tirefort, co-responsible communication at Wake Up Serenity, which offers weighted covers made in France.If you weigh 70 kg therefore, favor a cover of about 7 kg.

Another criterion to take into account?The season. Si elle peut s’utiliser toute l’année, « il est courant de réduire le poids de la couverture en été et de l’augmenter en hiver afin d’obtenir la bonne température corporelle, qui, elle aussi, joue un rôle dans la phase d’endormissement », explique le DrSenn.If it is too hot, it can disturb your sleep.Finally, like any cover, it is important to wash it From time to time.Thus, it is preferable to promote a weighted cover with a removable cover.

The limits of the weighted coverage

Si les effets positifs de la couverture lestée ont été démontrés, le DrSenn insiste tout de même sur l’importance de la qualité : « Les couvertures remplies de sable ou de grains peuvent avoir des caractéristiques de respirabilité inférieures, ce qui peut altérer la qualité globale du sommeil du dormeur ».Mélanie Tirefort continues: “They are not recommended for children under 5 or less than 20 kg;to pregnant women;people with type 2 diabetes;to people with kidney problems or to those likely not to be able to withdraw it alone ”.Finally, and not the least, the weighted coverage leaves a question for people with sleep apnea.Dr. Marc Rey, president of the INSV, advises against those who are reached at the risk of triggering hypoxia, in other words a lack of oxygen intake.

The journalist's opinion on the weighted coverage

In theory, the weighted coverage (almost) all good.In practice, she is heavy for our little arms.A word of advice if you adopt it?Have it delivered directly to the house.Do not make the mistake (like me) to receive it at the office (who sleeps in the office?)!If at first glance, it seems more than easy, we had to bring these 7 kilos to arm..In short, although binding, this trip has not taken anything away From testing this new accessory in the hope of spending a sweet night.Energy, I try to unfold it in a dry movement (as I would have done with my towel at the beach) ... failure!The weight, once again, forces me.So I extend it more calmly, pulling each corner outwards From the bed.Arrives (finally) the moment to slip below.First impressions: I'm warm (but not too much) below this duvet, the weight is well distributed and it seems much less heavy to me than before, the night will be good.This is what I thought until I undertake to move somewhat.Turn me back as I see fit is quite complex and unpleasant.I decide to adopt a single position and end up no longer gesticulating.Not so easy for me who is used to shooting several minutes before finding sleep.The first night, the second, the third go ... and over time, naturally and without even realizing it, I move less, discomfort disappears, I am.The nights are quieter, rare night awakenings and softer awakenings, I am in good shape."I slept well" is a new sentence that comes to my mind every morning.In my opinion (which presents no pathology), if we stick to the management of sleep disorders, it is only a question of habit and perseverance.You have to take the time to appreciate the benefits of this accessory.It’s a big yes, so!With the exception, perhaps, From nights to two ... Sometimes you have to know how to do so not to kill love.Hearing.

Zoom on 3 weighted covers:

1/ Emma

The Emma Hug cover is made up of 7 layers.In the center, silent silica glass beads of a size less than 1 mm in order to guarantee a uniform distribution of the weight.Then, two layers of microfiber and polyester, combined with a fine and breathable cotton mattress, lock the glass beads safely in pockets of 10x10 cm.His plus?Its design - gray and quilted, sober and elegant - blends into all environments.

Emma Hug cover, € 97.30.More information on the EMMA website.Fr.

2/ Wake Up Serenity

Made in France, the Serenity weighted coverage has fabrics purchased From Saint-Etienne then cut and assembled in Castres to form the enveloping and removable cover in extra-soft velvet.The weighted part, on the other hand, comes From Europe.100% OEKO TEX cotton, this part is made up of glass microbeads sewn in square in order to make it uniformly.His plus?It easily gets carried away over the moves thanks to its transport cover.

Serenity weighted coverage, 187 euros.More information on the Wakeupserenity website.com.

3/Severity

Available in 4, 6, 8, 10 or 12 kg (and in two different sizes), the gravity coverage is of 100% European manufacturing.Sold with its exterior plush and velvet cover, it is made of hypoallergenic glass microbeads and can be washed at 40 degrees in the.His plus?It is available in several colors and 100% vegan warranty.

Gravity blanket for adults, From € 159.More information on gravite.Fr.