Everything You Need to Know Before Buying a Weighted Blanket

From memory foam mattresses to custom pillows, it seems like every category of bedding is getting an upgrade these days. The latest product to make a name for itself: the weighted blanket.

Chances are you’ve heard friends or family discussing them, or maybe even saw someone receive one as a gift this past holiday season. But while weighted blankets have exploded in popularity in recent years, this innovative product isn’t necessarily new — it’s long been used in the special needs community, helping individuals on the autism spectrum, among other conditions. Still, it wasn’t until companies like Gravity Blanket brought their flagship designs to the broader public that people began thinking of it not as a niche medical device, but a general sleep aid.

Want to learn what all the hype is about? Here’s everything you need to know when it comes to weighted blankets, from their many benefits to how you can find one that perfectly complements your sleeping style.

 

What is a weighted blanket?

The weighted blanket’s popularity primarily comes from its promise to reduce anxiety and promote better sleep. It’s more or less exactly what you’d expect: a blanket filled with small objects such as pellets, discs or beads of polypropylene plastic or glass, giving it an added weight that gently hugs the user. Some blend a softer material, like cotton, with the weights to maintain a more traditional duvet feel. Adult weighted blankets range from around 10 to 30 pounds, though lighter options for children exist as well. (Weighted blankets are not recommended for infants.)

A weighted blanket is typically sized to an individual, meaning it won’t necessarily replace your existing comforter. The blanket’s goal is to apply soft, even pressure to your body, which is more effective when it fits you snugly. But weighted blankets also exist in sizes that match typical mattresses, if that’s what you’re looking for.

Though weighted blankets are usually one piece, others come apart, with an inner, weighted layer and a soft outer cover. Both components are usually washable, and a cover offers more flexibility when it comes to style and color. The cover also dries more quickly than the all-in-one blanket.

What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?

While weighted blankets can benefit anyone, they’re especially useful for fitful sleepers. The blanket gently presses on the user, keeping them still and supported until morning. This soothing pressure reduces cortisol, the human body’s main stress hormone, and encourages production of serotonin, a hormone associated with feelings of happiness and well-being.

According to one study, the “deep touch pressure” offered by the blanket “gives subjects the feelings of safety, relaxation and comfort.” Other studies examining the use of weighted blankets found similar results, with the majority of respondents reporting lower anxiety.

Weighted blankets can also alleviate symptoms in people suffering from insomnia, chronic pain conditions or restless leg syndrome. They’re good for deeper psychological reasons, too, with potential benefits for those suffering from depression and, as previously mentioned, autism.

How should you choose your own weighted blanket?

When it comes to finding your own weighted blanket, there are several factors to consider. First, you want a blanket that’s roughly 10 percent of your body weight. For example, for someone who weighs 150 pounds, a 15-pound blanket would be best. If you fall in between the standard weights of blankets, it’s better to choose the heavier option.

Weighted blankets come in many different types of fabric, just like any other. Make sure you choose a fabric that you like, and, if you have sensory issues, won’t cause irritation. The same goes for the blanket’s filling: A blend of beads and cotton will feel more traditional, while a filling entirely of beads or discs will be a more intense, closer experience.

 

Original Post by Forbes here.