Hannes Aigner's experience with therapy blankets
"Restful sleep is one of the most important components both in training and competition phases. Besides better night sleep, it can also be a great help during a short power nap during the day."
How did you come across the therapy blanket concept?
I have been a professional athlete for many years and always try to get the best out of myself. To regenerate as well as possible after training and be ready quickly for the next training session, good sleep is of particular importance and a very important part of my regeneration phase. That is why I have been dealing with how to optimize my sleep quality for many years. In my research, I also came across studies that prove an increase in sleep quality through weighted blankets. Of course, I wanted to try that myself.
How do you find using a weighted blanket?
I find the weighted blanket very pleasant because it immediately gives me a feeling of coziness. With a normal blanket, there is often still a slight draft, for example at the foot end, and you have to "wrap yourself up" to prevent that. The weighted blanket hugs the body by itself due to its weight, so no draft gets under the blanket anymore. Although the blanket does not seem particularly thick, it feels pleasantly warm and retains heat very well.
In your opinion, is the use of therapy blankets in sports sensible?
In my opinion, its use in sports definitely makes sense. Restful sleep is one of the most important components both in training and competition phases. Besides better night sleep, it can also be a great help during a short power nap during the day to fall asleep faster, for example. This way I can also use short time windows and immediately "switch off."
Where do you use therapy blankets privately and professionally?
I mainly use the blanket for sleeping. My night sleep has improved thanks to the therapy blanket. Also during the day, for example when I come home after training and want to rest a bit, I use a therapy blanket.
And where do you still see potential/need?
For me, sleep optimization also includes as quiet an environment as possible. Maybe there will be progress in the next few years to be shielded from noise as well as possible even in loud environments.
Your personal conclusion
I am glad that I came across therapy blankets and can optimize my sleep with them. Considering how many hours a day people spend in bed, even the smallest improvements here are an enormous gain in quality of life and lifetime. I am also confident that I can get a bit more performance out of myself in sports through the therapy blanket. I am convinced that the therapy blanket can significantly improve sleep quality!
