Adult swaying involves gently swaddling and rocking or rolling from head to toe while in a fetal position. Read on to learn about the potential benefits and a step-by-step guide.
Swinging adults is not the same as swinging children.
Swinging an adult means being swaddled from head to toe in mesh cotton sheets while you're in the fetal position. The swaddle will then be gently rocked or rolled around the swaddling room.
Read on to learn the benefits of swaddling an adult, plus a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
Potential benefits
Many people who have tried swinging as adults report that the experience helps them feel warm, relaxed, and comfortable. Others report that swinging:
- Relaxes stiff muscles.
- Helps improve posture and balance.
- Reduces stress.
- Improves sleep.
Scientific studies have yet to explore the benefits of swinging in adults, so no research supports
this practice. However, the popularity of weighted blankets may help explain why people find swaddling their children helpful.
this practice. However, the popularity of weighted blankets may help explain why people find swaddling their children helpful.
A 2020 review of research shows there is limited evidence that they help reduce anxiety in some people. However, more research is needed.
Unlike lying under a weighted blanket wrapped tightly in a sheet, the inability to move while being rocked may provide a similar sense of relaxation.
Weighted blankets are considered a type of deep pressure stimulation, a form of therapeutic touch designed to mimic the feeling of a hug or squeeze. A 2020 study found that participants perceived deep pressure as pleasurable and calming. It also activates the same neural pathways as social touch, such as hugs or massages.
It's also worth noting that many people find the fetal position comfortable. If this position is comfortable for you, you may feel more comfortable rocking yourself or having someone rock you while you are strapped in a blanket in this position.
how to try it
When trying swinging at home, you'll probably have the most success with a thin, stretchy knit blanket—one you can see (and breathe) the most. Ventilation is important since the wraps will cover your head and the session lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
A stretchy jersey sheet can work. Just remember that if you can't breathe as easily as you'd like, you may become more stressed.
Buying loosely woven fabric from a craft store may be your best bet for making your own blanket. Skip tulle, which can tear easily, and look for something stretchy.
Remember that you can't swaddle yourself. If you want to try swaddling as an adult, ask a friend or partner to swaddle you.
Downsises to consider
While adult swings don't seem to pose any significant health risks, you'll want to proceed with extra caution to avoid injuring your neck or back.
Swaddling can help reduce overall muscle stiffness, but if you have any existing injuries, it's best to wait until they're fully healed before attempting to swing.
Since your head will be swaddled, you'll probably want to skip the swing if you feel claustrophobic or uncomfortable in tight spaces.
Be sure to cover with a very thin or mesh fabric to prevent respiratory problems. If you have trouble breathing normally, keep your mouth and nose open.
Takeaway
Scientific evidence has not yet supported the potential benefits of swaddling for adults. However, many people find tight wraps comfortable.
Swaddling isn't for everyone, especially those who don't like small spaces. But if you love weighted blankets and want to try a lighter (but firmer) approach to relaxation, rocking may help calm you down.
Talk to your doctor about swaddling before trying it yourself, especially if you have a medical condition or injury.
