Expert reveals benefits of 'swaddling' after adults urged to try out sleep technique

A sleeping trend commonly enjoyed by babies is now being recommended for adults as the debate over the best night's sleep continues.

That's right, 'swaddling' is making a comeback after several scientists lifted the lid on some largely unknown health benefits.

More and more adults are swaddling (Westend61/Getty)

As we say, when it comes to theories on how best to achieve a solid night of shut-eye, it's pretty hard to navigate the fact from the fiction nowadays.

Doctors, sleep experts, chiropractors and psychologists all have conflicting views on the matter, and with social media giving each 'expert' a platform to profess their take, it can feel impossible to know which way to turn.

'Bed-rotting' has hit headlines all over the world recently - though, apparently, this practice doesn't come without its health risks - while the 'Alpha Bridge' method was claimed by others to be the most 'simple' sleep hack.

As we say, though, a batch of recently-conducted scientific studies have hinted that one bedtime practice - commonly enacted onto babies and infants - should also be adopted by adults.

Parents often swaddle their babies during nap time (Cavan Images/Getty)

What is 'swaddling'?

For those unfamiliar with the trend, it sees adult humans wrapping themselves head to toe in cotton blankets, popping themselves into the fetal position and praying they'll drift off.

While it's not certain where the hype around 'swaddling' came from, it may well have been due to the popularity of weighted blankets on social media.

In 2020, a study found that deep pressure was perceived by the recipient as both calming and pleasant, being that it imitated the sensation of being given a hug.

More and more users of TikTok in particular have claimed that these devices assisted in relieving their anxiety, leading others to question whether any other infancy-based practices could help with bedtime peace.

And with the knowledge that the fetal position is one of the most comfortable positions, it's no wonder that more and more people are 'swadding'.

Swaddling reportedly comes with health benefits (ingwervanille/Getty)

What are the supposed benefits of swaddling?

As well as feeling warm and comforted, some partakers in the swaddling trend reported to have enjoyed several other health benefits.

While some claim that the practice has helped to relieve body pain - especially in their back, hips and shoulders - others say their stiff muscles can become more relaxed and that their posture improved.

Others argue that the mental health benefits are also noticable and that their pre-bedtime daily stress is somewhat relieved by 'swaddling', and that they're getting a good night's sleep.

Are there any risks of swaddling?

While 'swaddling' is generally considered to be a safe bedtime practice, doctors at Heathline emphasise that care should be taken by those who already suffer with injuries, including ligament strains, broken bones and muscle stiffness.

There are minimal health risks when it comes to swaddling (Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty)

They also say that the position may not feel comfortable to those suffering with claustrophobia or who aren't comfortable with tight spaces.

The health experts add that the fabric used to swaddle should be thin enough so as not to prevent breathing trouble.