‘Breathing Teddies’ is the new sleep hack on Instagram. Do they really work?
Breathing and weighing teddies are making waves on social media, becoming the latest and trendiest solution to dealing with sleep anxiety and insomnia.
in short
- Weighted teddies are trending as sleep aids for adults in India
- Experts suggest these teddies could potentially help deal with sleep anxiety and insomnia
- However, they can cause allergies and psychological dependence.
Remember when we were kids? We all had a special toy that we held onto, carrying it everywhere like a faithful companion. Those teddies weren’t just our best friends; He was our best friend at bedtime, he remained with us when we started sleeping.
Those childhood teddies are making a comeback in adulthood, thanks to social media. But these aren’t the soft, huggy toys we knew. No, they’re next level – bulky, about the size of an infant, and some even come with a heartbeat, marketed to adults struggling with sleep concerns or other mental health problems.
sleepless in india
Due to changing lifestyle and work culture, sleeping is becoming difficult for Indians. The numbers support this. Data shows that India is the second most sleep deprived country in the world.
A recent survey by community platform LocalCircles found that sleep deprivation is on the rise in India. About 61 percent of respondents said they got less than six hours of uninterrupted sleep last year, an increase of 6 percent from the previous year.
Among all generations, data indicates that Gen Z and Millennials are the most sleep deprived.
As a result, getting proper sleep has become an obsession, and more people have become highly aware of the importance of a good night’s rest. Unfortunately, this creates a toxic cycle – the more they obsess about sleeping, the harder it becomes for them to actually sleep.
This phenomenon has already given rise to a trend called “sleepmaxing”, where people invest in top products and technologies to improve their sleep.
Latest addition?
a toy for adults
Marketed not for children but for adults, these teddies initially gained popularity in the West, particularly on TikTok. Like many viral TikTok trends, this one also soon moved to Instagram, prompting many Indian companies to jump on it and sell them online.
Today, you can find these teddies in online Indian marketplaces, from Amazon to small Instagram businesses. They usually retail between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000.
But can they really help you sleep better? We asked the experts.
‘Can provide relief from sleep anxiety’
Let’s start with the weighty teddies. Since this concept is relatively new, the science behind why certain objects calm us is still being discovered. However, experts believe that these teddies not only help improve sleep but may also benefit people with mental health problems.
Dr. Vibhu Kawatra, senior consultant pulmonologist and sleep specialist, Vibhu Nursing Home, explains India Today Weighted teddies or weighted stuffed animals are known for their calming effect.
“They work on the principle of deep pressure stimulation, where excess weight has a soothing effect on the nervous system. This pressure can help reduce restlessness and anxiety, promoting better sleep.
He says these teddies are especially beneficial for people struggling with anxiety, insomnia, ADHD or insecurities. For babies, they can provide reassurance, especially as they start sleeping alone.
Weighted teddies also have proven mental health benefits, according to Shivam Dixit, mental health expert at Council India. He explains that both weighted and heart-pounding teddies promote better sleep by providing a sense of comfort and security.
This ‘calming effect’ is especially notable in teddies that can ‘breathe’. Equipped with sensors that mimic human breathing, these toys work well for both adults and children.
Dr. Kawatra highlights that heartbeat teddies produce a rhythmic sound that mimics the environment of the womb.
“This sound is incredibly calming for babies, but it can have a similar effect on adults. The light, ticking-like sound promotes sleep and provides a feeling of peace and reassurance,” he explains.
Shivam says that these teddies are different from traditional teddies. While traditional teddies can provide emotional connection, they lack the calming features provided by weighted or heartbeat teddies.
Are there any side effects?
Dr. Kawatra warns that teddies, whether stuffed or not, can attract dust, potentially worsening asthma, allergic rhinitis or other allergy-related conditions.
With regard to weighted teddies, he highlights a particular risk for young children. If the teddy falls on their face during sleep, it could obstruct their airway, causing serious danger. While adults are generally less sensitive, those taking medication for depression or sleep disorders may experience deep sleep, increasing the risk of suffocation if the teddy blocks their airway.
Shivam explains that these teddies can cause “psychological dependence”.
“In the long run, this may affect adaptability to situations such as traveling or sleeping in unfamiliar environments,” he explains.
His advice is that although teddies can be helpful, they should not be seen as a ‘cure’ but as an adjunctive measure.
final trouble
Weighted and heart-warming teddies are gaining popularity as many people want to solve their sleep problems or anxiety disorders without resorting to sleeping supplements.
This trend has been fueled by social media, and experts believe that as awareness of mental health and sleep-related problems increases, more products like this will gain attention.