Do you find it nearly impossible to sleep if you don’t have a blanket on the bed with you? Well, you aren’t alone, and scientists have done some work to figure out why people sometimes need to sleep with a blanket. Continue reading to learn more about this interesting topic.
Your Body Temperature Drops
Anywhere from 60-90 minutes before it is time to go to bed, your body will begin losing its core temperature. This is because, as your body starts to cool down, you will start to feel sleepier, and when your internal body temperature is cooler, there is also a rise in melatonin, which induces feelings of sleepiness. As you sleep, your body will drop to roughly 96-97°F. So, to put it simply, you need to sleep with a blanket because it will help ensure you stay warm and comfortable.
You Might Feel Less Anxious
Many people need to sleep with a blanket that is heavy or weighted, as this gives them a deeper sense of comfort and security. Researchers believe that deep pressure touch stimulation, also known as DPTS, is the reason why people like sleeping under blankets. Heavy touch, which could include firm pressure, can make you feel secure and safe, as well as help you sleep by relaxing the nervous system and reducing anxiety. Pressure also helps to create serotonin that is converted into melatonin, signaling your body that it is time to sleep.
What About Blankets and Air Conditioners?
Are you also one of the many people who like to sleep under blankets even during the hot summer season when you have your air conditioner on? It turns out that sleeping in a bedroom that is cold could actually be better for your health. Experts have found that the colder temps could increase your metabolic rate. And brown fat, which is referred to as “good fat,” also increases in the body when it is exposed to colder conditions. This brown fat then creates hundreds of times more heat than the other organs in your body, so you will end up burning more calories, along with excess blood glucose. In other words, when you sleep in a cold bedroom, even if you are under a blanket, you could boost your weight loss efforts!
Needing a blanket to fall asleep and stay asleep at night is common. But if you regularly have trouble getting the rest that you need, consider taking an over-the-counter supplement, such as Somnaprin, that is designed to help your body relax and get more sleep.
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