Imagine this: it’s a hot night, and the fan is blowing, but you still want to pull your blanket over you.
You might not like or understand it, but as soon as that blanket wraps around you, your body relaxes and sleep feels close.
So why do we still hold on to our blankets even when it’s hot? There is real science behind this behaviour, and if you know what it is, it all makes sense.
1.Blankets help keep your body temperature stable.
Being warm-blooded means that our bodies instinctively control their temperature. But that regulation doesn’t work as well when we’re sleeping.
When the body is in deeper stages of sleep, it has a harder time keeping its optimal temperature, especially when the temperature around it changes.
That’s when blankets come in handy. They assist keep your body temperature stable throughout night by functioning as an insulating layer.
2.They are a huge part of how we sleep.
Many people prefer to maintain consistent habits. Since we were kids, we’ve always associated going to bed with cuddling up under a blanket. Over the years, this habit has become a big part of our life.
Even if you’re not cold or worried, putting a blanket on sends a strong signal to your brain that it’s time to sleep.
3.You can relax and feel less worried using blankets.
Blankets not only keep you warm, but they also make you feel safe. Wrapping yourself in a blanket helps your body manufacture more serotonin, a neurotransmitter that makes you feel good and helps you relax and feel emotionally secure.
People who have difficulties sleeping, are worried, or are sensitive to sensory input can benefit from relaxing products like weighted blankets since they can help them feel less tense and anxious.
4.They Create a Cozy Microclimate:
Blankets create a “microclimate” around your body that keeps you safe from unexpected changes in temperature or air flow.
That steady weather keeps you from feeling cold or having drafts, which might wake you up even when the room is warm.
In short, your blanket keeps the outside world out, which helps you relax and sleep better without being bothered.
5.You feel safe when you have a blanket.
Many of us have used blankets to protect us from our worries since we were kids, including being scared of the dark or the “monsters under the bed.”
When we were kids, we felt safe when we put the blanket over our heads. It made us feel like nothing could get to us.
As an adult, you will always feel protected and secure. When we get under the covers, our nervous system responds to the familiar feeling of safety, even if we don’t consciously feel scared.
The Bottom Line
Can you help me understand why we wear blankets even when it’s warm outside? It’s not only about being warm. It’s about becoming used to things, feeling safe mentally, and keeping your body under check.
Putting anything across your body, even a small sheet or a big blanket, sends a strong message that says, “You’re safe now.” It’s time to sleep now.
You can cover yourself in your blanket no matter what the weather is like. Your body and mind both know what to do.
