Weighted Blankets to Improve Your Sleep
Pick the right weighted blanket to curl up under.
Sleep is imperative for day-to-day functioning, as well as your overall happiness. Which is why waking up after a poor night's sleep can easily affect your mood, concentration, and stress levels. Weighted blankets are a natural sleep aid that can help to ease anxiety and encourage quality sleep by helping you feel safe and relaxed through the night. If you are interested in sleeping more soundly, read this guide to find the best weighted blanket for you.
What Is a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket looks similar to a traditional comforter or throw, but has pellets, glass beads, or another heavy material sewn into the fabric to evenly distribute weight across your body while you sleep. In the past, these blankets were almost exclusively used by therapists as a way to reduce stress and promote calm in patients through deep pressure touch stimulation. Thanks to the proven science that helps to relax your nervous system, relieve anxiety, and improve sleep, weighted blankets have risen in popularity the world over. More recently, people have begun taking advantage of the weighted blanket benefits and using them as a gentle and natural way to improve sleep and relieve stress.
When picking your own weighted blanket, there are a few things to consider.
Type: There are two kinds of weighted blankets. The first is a quilted comforter or throw that is filled with weights. These are available in many materials and contain one of a variety of fillings. The second type is a heavy knit wool that helps to mimic that same experience but by using the weight of the material itself.
Weight: A weighted blanket should measure about 10% of your body weight. If you sleep with a partner then you can aim for a heavy blanket that weighs between 20 to 30 lbs.
Size: If you plan to use your weighted blanket in bed, you will want to purchase one that fits correctly – whether that is a king, queen, double, or any other size. If you prefer to use your pressure blanket on the couch, a weighted throw would be better.
Material: To choose the best weighted blanket material for you, consider your sleeping temperatures. Cotton is a good option for hot sleepers, fleece is ideal for cold climates, while polyester is good for both and is known for its durability.
If you are interested in learning a little more about weighted blankets, read How to Choose a Weighted Blanket for additional information.
Best Weighted Blankets
1. Beautyrest Malea Faux Fur Weighted Blanket
Relax in luxury with the Beautyrest Malea Faux Fur Weighted Blanket. The removable 70" x 60" soft shaggy fur cover has a plush feel and glamorous appearance to add both comfort and style to your room. For the insert, you can select from one of two weight options – 12 or 18 lbs, so you can choose the appropriate one for your needs.
If you sleep hot, the Lavish Home 100% Cotton Blanket is a good buy. This weighted blanket is filled with glass beads that provide that therapeutic feeling while remaining thinner in size. You can take your pick from three different sizes ranging from 72" x 48" to 80" x 80". Thanks to the breathability of the cotton, you can use this lightweight pressure blanket all throughout the year.
Do your little ones battle with sleep? The Zoomie Kids Branwen 100% Cotton Blanket contains non-toxic glass beads that work to create a gentle pressure similar to the feeling of being hugged. The resulting calming effect can help them rest more easily. This weighted blanket uses smart temperature balance technology and breathable cotton to ensure your little ones are comfortable through the night.
Pick a side with the Twillery Co.® Sydnee Weighted Blanket. This 72" x 48" weighted blanket has a reversible design, offering a durable microfiber side or a soft minky option for you to choose from depending on your mood. The quilted box stitching ensures the glass and polyester beads remain evenly dispersed throughout this blanket, giving you that sense of comfort all night long. If you are interested in learning more about microfiber, read our guide What Is Microfiber?
Improve your sleep with the Econo Terrain Chunky Blanket. The weighted blanket benefits come entirely from its knitted cotton which weighs in at 14 lbs. This 60" x 40" comforter is also designed to release heat through the knitted holes, making it breathable during even the warmer months.
Another option for hot sleepers is the Cariloha Weighted Bamboo Blanket. Although this 80" x 60" weighted blanket weighs 15 lbs, it is not claustrophobic because of the moisture-wicking properties of the rayon bamboo material. With this blanket you can fall asleep quicker and rest for longer, as well as stay cool all year.
Keep warm and snuggle beneath the Everly Quinn Weighted Blanket. This 80" x 60" Sherpa and flannel weighted blanket is ideal for those chilly sleepless nights. The seven-layer construction is designed for maximum softness so you can enjoy a skin-friendly cuddle-like pressure for worry-free sleep.
For more targeted support, the SensorPEDIC Weighted Shoulder Wrap provides weighted blanket benefits in a compact size. This shoulder wrap gives 4 lbs. of even pressure around your shoulders and neck to help relieve tension and anxiety. The secure snap enclosure means you can use it on the couch, in the office, or even when you travel – so you can experience comfort no matter where you are.
Go large with the HUSH Classic Cotton Blanket. This 90" x 90" California King weighted blanket will keep you and your partner relaxed in bed all night. The extra plush microfiber exterior and evenly distributed interior non-toxic glass beads provide a warm and cozy experience that you won't soon forget.
Enjoy the Latitude Run Aillie Blanket wherever you please. This 48" x 72" twin-sized weighted blanket doesn't need to be confined to the bed. You can also use it to relax and unwind on the living room couch after a long day at work. Why not invest in a couple of blankets so you can enjoy supreme relaxation in a variety of rooms throughout the house – whether you are resting, taking a quick nap, or sleeping through the night.
If you prefer not to spend all night beneath your weighted blanket, pick the Econo Terrain Chunky Knitted Weighted Throw. This 60" x 40" handmade throw is the ideal size to place over your regular comforter or sheet so it can help you fall asleep but still easily be removed in the night. Thanks to the breathable chunky knit, you won't get overly hot as you sleep. As an added bonus, this blanket is machine washable for your convenience.
Just because your weighted blanket is therapeutic, doesn't mean it can be fun! The pizza design of the 5 lb. Good Banana Fleece Throw is sure to bring a little light to any room in the house. It is ideal for lulling your kids to sleep or you can use it as a quirky throw to give you a soothing experience as you wind down on the couch at the end of the day. The soft coral fleece has a pleasant texture and the round shape is great for curling up under.
Whether you have anxiety or battle with insomnia, a weighted blanket offers an effective and simple way to de-stress and give you a good night's sleep.
