All You Need to Know About Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets have become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Not only do they provide a calming, soothing effect that can help you sleep better, but they can also provide relief from anxiety, stress, and even physical pain. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what weighted blankets are, how heavy they should be, how to wash them, and whether or not they’re actually good for sleep.
What is a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket is a blanket filled with small pieces of plastic beads or glass pellets that are evenly distributed throughout the fabric. The weight of the blanket provides deep pressure stimulation (DPS), which has been found to be calming and therapeutic for those who suffer from anxiety or insomnia.
How Weighted Blankets Work
Weighted blankets are like hugging, using a weighted blanket DPS technique increases the user's sense of comfort. It’s intense touch and gentle pressure applied to the torso – with hand, instrument or blanket – relieves the nervous system. Since being discovered, deep pressure therapy has been used in conjunction with weighted blankets to some sensory processing disorders, sleep disorders and address chronic pain issues.
How Heavy Should A Weighted Blanket Be?
Weighted blankets come in different weights ranging from 5 lbs. to 25 lbs. It’s recommended that you purchase a blanket that’s 10% of your body weight plus one pound.
For example, if you weigh 150 pounds then you should purchase a 16-pound blanket. This ensures that the right weighted blanket will provide enough pressure without being too heavy and uncomfortable.
Is a 20 pound weighted blanket too heavy?
Generally, blankets weigh between 15 to 25 pounds in the case of adults. This ensures that blankets create hugging feelings on the body resulting in calmness, decreasing stress and making it easier to fall asleep.
Is it OK to use a weighted blanket every night?
Do we have to always use weighted blankets? Adults can also use heavier padded sheets as a mattress cover or relaxing during the day. Weighted blankets offer therapeutic benefits and assist in a good night's sleep. Use of one every night poses very few risks.
Who Should Not Use a Weighted Blanket?
It is possible that weighted blankets are not appropriate for patients with certain health concerns such as asthma, respiratory disorders, and claustrophobia.
Do Weighted Blankets Actually Work?
Many studies show weighted blankets can reduce anxiety. Very young children and those with autism spectrum disorders tend to benefit greatly from the deep pressure touch feeling of security weighted blankets can offer.
Is a Gravity Blanket the Same as a Weighted Blanket?
The term Gravity Blanket ® is commonly known for its use and is more of a brand name. It contains weight glass beads and is used for medical purposes. The weighted blankets are called the heavy weight blanket and the anxious-cover. They are basically the same thing and serve the same purpose.
Some Weighted Blanket Benefits (According to Science)
Since weighted blankets are part of deep pressure treatment they have many of their benefits such as increasing the serotonin and decreasing the heart rate.
Provide Comfort and Security
It is believed that weighted blankets help newborns feel more comfortable. Some people find that using a weighted blanket helps in letting go quicker by helping them to feel comfortable.
Ease Stress and Soothe Anxiety
Weighted blankets might relieve anxiety or stress. Although stressful thoughts can affect sleep, weight-based blankets may improve sleep for those who have a stressful thought.
Decreases Nervous System Activity
When the autonomic nervous system becomes overactive, it can cause stress, hyperactivity and other problems. Weighty blankets will put your nervous system in “rest mode” – reducing stress and preventing sudden changes to your breathing.
Alleviates Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD
Patients suffering with obsessively compulsive disorder have shown considerable improvement when using weight blankets. Serotonin levels increase with the high pressure that the weight of plastic pellets and other materials have on them. This is also just as effective on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder patients (ADHD).
Improves Behavior in Children with ADHD
The weighty blanket can aid sleep and give people more energy throughout the day. This product is ideal for children and teens afflicted with ADHD and/or ASD. This blanket is intended for regular use to give users a feeling of comfort as it provides optimum hand support.
Lowers Instances of Panic Attacks
The patient suffering from panic disorder knows that an episode could occur anywhere and this can leave the individual vulnerable. Although medication is helpful to calm you down, many people prefer natural treatment. Penn Medical claims that using weighted blankets reduces the anxiety symptoms, such as rapid heart rates, palpitations, and heavy breath.
Helps With Autism Spectrum Disorder
Weightless blankets have been shown to aid autism. Weighted blankets can be a great tool to help manage stress and anxiety, but it’s important to understand your own needs before using one.
Consult with a doctor or therapist if you’re unsure about whether a weighted blanket is right for you. Finally, make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions when using a weighted blanket.
Helps With Sensory Processing Disorder
The symptoms of sensory processing disorder are described most accurately as traffic problems. Despite signaling reaching the brain, it becomes blocked when travelling. This can also explain why adults may experience overwhelming feelings. Sensory processing disorder may cause a meltdown in a child. The weight on the blanket allows people to feel comfortable and relaxed while still avoiding feeling overwhelming afterwards.
Eases Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes involuntary and fast movements of the legs. This occurs mainly if the affected individual is asleep. In addition, pressure applied on the limbs' extremities for long periods may help relieve symptoms of the RLS.
Improves the Mood
The use of weighted blankets can improve mood. It happens because weighted blankets produce an oxytocin-like hormone. Combining a drop part with cortisol (the stress hormone), it could affect the mental state significantly.
Alleviates Symptoms of Menopause
Most menopause patients report experiencing sleep disturbance as well as anxiety or depression. Weighted blankets are effective in reducing the symptoms and helping people get better sleep.
Alleviates Anxiety-Induced Insomnia
Cortisol is an irritant produced during stressful times. When you're feeling anxious it can cause sleeplessness and insomnia. This may be alleviated with a heavy blanket as it can boost dopamine hormones that help relieve stress levels, increase feelings of well being and improve sleep quality.
Improves Daytime Social Interactions
The use of weighted blankets helps increase social interaction in the morning for users, especially if they can get to sleep the night beforehand. When a person is not sleeping well this has negative effects on their entire life. If you get sleep, you usually get your life back.
So - Is a Weighted Blanket Good For Sleep?
Yes! Research has shown that weighted blankets can help with sleep troubles by reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increasing serotonin levels (the happy hormone). This can lead to improved sleep quality and duration as well as reduced anxiety levels throughout the day.
Additionally, weighted blankets have been found to reduce body movements during sleep which helps people stay asleep longer without waking up due to tossing and turning throughout the night.
If systems of restlessness or continued trouble sleeping persist, perhaps consider speaking with a certified sleep science coach to find out if you have a sleep disorder. You may actually have a medical condition like obstructive sleep apnea or other sensory disorders that get in the way of your restful sleep cycle.
How To Wash A Weighted Blanket?
Weighted blankets are usually machine-washable but require special care when washing. It’s important to use cold water when washing the blanket and avoid using any harsh detergents or fabric softeners as these can damage the beads inside the blanket.
It’s also best to air dry your weighted blankets rather than tumble drying them as this will help keep the shape of the beads intact.
Here Are a Few of the Best Weighted Blankets
We have selected these based on popularity ratings and reviews. Make sure you do your own research if needed for you own situation and especially pay attention the weight of the blanket you select.
- [EXCELLENT COMPANION] Weighted blanket can help you solve some sleeping problems. Weighted blanket can help adults and kids relax their body, improve the sleeping level and have a fond dream.
- [SUBTLE SOFTNESS] Weighted Idea weighted blanket is made from super cozy fabric and non-toxic glass beads, precision stitching minimizes glass beads leakage to ensure the glass beads evenly distributed in each pocket. Fabric's superior breathability makes weighted blanket ideal for bedding all year round.
- [GREAT VERSATILITY] It can be used not only while sleeping, but also while reading or working, just throw this weighted blanket over your bed, sofa or everywhere you want. And if you are distressed how to choose a gift, Weighted Idea weighted blanket is a wonderful gift for your loved ones in any holidays and occasions.
- [MULTIPLE CHOICES] Weighted Idea weighted blankets are various in color, style, size and weight to meet different needs at different ages. We recommend that customers choose a weighted blanket that weigh 7% to 12% of their body weight. If you are using weighted blankets for the first time, we suggest you choose a lighter weight. (15 lbs weighted blanket is for individual weighing around 150 lbs. 48x78 inches blanket is suited for one person use on a twin size bed )
- WHY YOU NEED IT: If you too have problems with sleeping, sleep deprivation or even more serious conditions , then we have an item that can help you get the peaceful sleep you have been dreaming of for a long time: the Waowoo weighted blanket. It will give you a comfortable hugging feeling and a sweet dreaming night.
- A SPECIAL TECHNOLOGY: This premium weighted blanket was designed to weight approximately 10% of your total body in order to relax yourself by simulating the feeling of being held or hugged.
- DURABLE AND PORTABLE: This soft and comfortable blanket has pockets which are smaller to ensure the glass beads evenly distributed in each pocket. And we improved the quality of fabric, making the blanket thinner and softer without changing the weight. Also a light fabric that lets your skin breathe ，clear glass beads.
- EASY TO MAINTAIN: With a cleaning bag machine-washable on gentle program in cold water, Air dry. Better hand wash. Waowoo duvet cover is highly recommended for protecting the weighted blanket and easy cleaning. And we recommend that only the outer cover be washed regularly. Duvet cover and inner layer are sold separately.
- TARGET CUSTOMERS: perfect for those who are under deep pressure that need a relaxing and good sleep
- Customer-friendly design: The ZZZhen's box stitching reduce the shifting of fillings and helps ensure an even layer of weight and thickness throughout.
- Breathability: 0.9cm thick blanket for the best breathability with a noticeable air permeability, perfectly adapted to year-round use
- ZZZhen QUALITY: luxuriate in materials like premium Egyptian cottons, and sterling reputation of a "Effective" blanket
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- Cotton
- [Premium Quality Materials] Luna's soft weighted comforter is made of high quality, 100% Oeko-Tex certified breathable cotton and filled with premium glass beads, for maximum comfort and relaxation. Sleep peacefully!
- [Get Your Deepest Rest and Relaxation] The quilted pattern holds the premium glass bead filling in place so you never have to worry about the weight bunching or pooling. Luna’s innovative, smart design evenly distributes the weight to your body.
- [Made for Adults and Kids] Our weighted blankets come in Twin, Full, Queen, and King sizes, and in weights of 10 lbs, 15 lbs, 20 lbs, and 25 lbs. Please refer to size charts and weight charts for the best blanket for you!
- [No Stress Care] Luna weighted blankets are machine washable and the best way to care for your weighted blanket is to wash cold on a gentle setting or hand wash. Hang drying is best, but if you can't, then tumble dry on low heat.
- [Why Luna?] Luna has been a leader in comfort sleep technology since 2015, helping over 5 million people get their best sleep. Luna products are researched, developed, & [Designed in the USA], and have been featured on the Today Show multiple times.
- 2-IN-1 DUAL USE: Our industry-leading innovation combines a weighted blanket and an electric blanket for the first time. This uniquely flexible design is versatile with a detachable plug making it the ideal throw for all seasons.
- InstaHeat TECHNOLOGY: Enjoy a rapidly heating throw blanket with an ergonomic LED controller featuring 4 heat settings from warm to high based on your needs
- WEIGHTED BLISS: 13 lbs. of evenly distributed premium glass beads provide soothing deep pressure stimulation for the whole body. 100% BPA-free, lead-free, and phthalate-free.
- LUXURIOUS MICROMINK & SHERPA: Super-soft high-quality fabric makes this must-have throw blanket a comfortable addition for use all year long, day or night
- WHAT YOU GET: Electric heated and weighted throw blanket with detachable LED controller, storage bag, and Pure Enrichment’s guaranteed 5-Year Warranty. Our customer support team provides daily quality service and peace of mind to millions worldwide all from a brand you can trust.
- Hand Knit
- Cool and Breathable
- Eco-Friendly
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Actual Review:
No More Sleepless Nights
I’ve struggled with restlessness for years and I’ve tried everything from meditation to melatonin and nothing has worked. After the first week of using my Let’s Cuddle blanket I knew my sleep was changed for the better. Wish they had more colors to choose from.
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Can you Heat a Weighted Blanket?
Unlike electric hot blankets, weighted blankets do not typically provide heat settings and are not able to generate heat. Some units do have some heat settings or shutdown buttons like regular heating blankets do; you will usually have to select an additional heat blanket to keep warm while you sleep in the colder temperatures, unless you get one of the hybrid types that will provide both.
Can you use a weighted blanket with a heated blanket?
Warm and comforting blankets are two the most popular options throughout cooler seasons, the warm blanket offering warmth and comfort, or the weighted blanket which feels like a hug. Now you can cover yourself in warm blankets insulated with weight.
An extra benefit is to add heat to a weighted blanket. One of the most popular weighted blankets on the market does have heat control.
If you're looking for an effective way to improve your sleep quality, then investing in a weighted blanket may just be your ticket!
So don't wait any longer; start looking for your perfect weighted blanket today!
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