When her husband gave her a weighted blanket to help her sleep, Rhonda James did not think it would work. In other words, she was skeptical. But five minutes after covering herself with the blanket, she was asleep. 

当她的丈夫给她一条加重的毯子帮助她入睡时，朗达·詹姆斯认为这不起作用。换句话说，她是持怀疑态度的。但盖上毯子五分钟后，她就睡着了。 

“It felt like a really big hug,” said James. She is a banker who lives in Charleston, South Carolina. 

“这感觉就像一个非常大的拥抱，”詹姆斯说。她是一位住在南卡罗来纳州查尔斯顿的银行家。 

As temperatures drop, a weighted blanket can be a popular choice to help you keep warm. But some people say the extra pressure of the cover also helps to ease their worries and fall asleep faster. 

随着气温下降，加重的毯子可能是帮助您保暖的流行选择。但有些人表示，被子的额外压力也有助于减轻他们的担忧，更快入睡。 

However, research on the effectiveness of weighted blankets is limited. The Associated Press recently reported on what is known about weighted blankets.

然而，关于加重毯子有效性的研究有限。美联社最近报道了有关加重毯子的已知情况。

Weighted blankets are filled with small glass balls, cotton or another filling. This makes them heavier than usual blankets. 

加重毯子里填充有小玻璃球、棉花或其他填充物。这使得它们比普通的毯子重。

Scientists may not know exactly how the blankets comfort, but they have a few ideas. 

科学家们可能并不确切知道毯子的舒适度如何，但他们有一些想法。 

The heavy, even feeling from a weighted blanket may calm the brain’s fight-or-flight response, said Dr. Neal Walia. He is a sleep medicine expert at University of California, Los Angeles Health. 

尼尔·瓦利亚博士说，加重的毯子带来的沉重、均匀的感觉可能会平息大脑的战斗或逃跑反应。他是加州大学洛杉矶分校健康中心的睡眠医学专家。 

He said, “The evenly distributed weight on you tells your body..." you are in a "...calm environment.’” 

他说，“你身上均匀分布的重量告诉你的身体……”你处于“……平静的环境中。” 

The extra pressure also may cause the brain to release the hormone oxytocin. Sometimes called the “love hormone,” the body creates oxytocin during loving moments, such as hugging. Oxytocin can also lower anxiety, Walia said. 

额外的压力还可能导致大脑释放催产素。有时被称为“爱情激素”，身体在爱的时刻（例如拥抱）会产生催产素。瓦利亚说，催产素还可以降低焦虑。

For most healthy adults, experts say to choose a blanket that is about 10 percent of your body weight. 

专家表示，对于大多数健康的成年人来说，选择重量约为体重 10% 的毯子。

However, the blankets are not good for everyone. 

然而，毯子并不适合所有人。 

For example, some people may find them too hot to use, especially during warmer weather. 

例如，有些人可能会发现它们太热而无法使用，尤其是在天气温暖的时候。 

People with breathing problems or disorders such as sleep apnea should check with a doctor before using a weighted blanket. 

患有呼吸问题或睡眠呼吸暂停等疾病的人在使用加重毯之前应咨询医生。 

Experts say to not use weighted blankets for children under three years old. The weight can limit their movement and breathing. 

专家表示，三岁以下的儿童不要使用加重毯子。重量会限制他们的运动和呼吸。