Categories

Is Adult Swaddling Right For You?

What are the benefits of adult swaddling?

Adult swaddling is known to give a relaxed, comfortable, and warm feeling. According to studies, it also has the following health benefits:

  • Helps improve posture [1] and balance
  • Helps reduce pain, especially stiffness in the back, shoulders, and hips, and postpartum pain [2]
  • Reduces stress
  • Provides good sleep pattern
  • Relaxes stiff muscles

Over the years, scientific research has failed to understand the benefits of adult swaddling. Thus, there is no research to support the practice. In addition, the popularity of heavy blankets can help you see the benefits of the practice.

Some people say heavy blankets help ease their anxiety and insomnia. However, a 2020 study shows that there is little proof linking weighted blankets with anxiety. Staying under a blanket may be different from being wrapped tightly in swaddling sheets, but the immobility experienced while being saddled can result in a similar sense of weightlessness and relaxation.

According to experts, heavy blankets are used as a deep pressure stimulation, which provides a therapeutic feeling that imitates the feeling of a squeeze or hug.  Studies show that deep pressure stimulation can reduce anxiety [3] and stress [4] if you feel more relaxed after being hugged or held. In most cases, occupational therapists use this approach when treating an autistic child [5].

It is important to note that the fetal position offers comfort and warmth. People who find the position relaxing may experience more comfort from rocking or rolling, while wrapped in a weighted blanket.

Generally, yoga is a practice that helps strengthen the mind and body. The Child’s Pose and Knees-to-chest Pose are two popular types of yoga poses that help reduces pain. They both have similar effects as the fetal position [6].