Do you find yourself struggling to sleep at night? Have you tried every remedy in the book but still can’t seem to drift off into a peaceful slumber? 

If so, then it’s time to consider using a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets are becoming increasingly popular due to their ability to provide comfort and relaxation, helping people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore all the benefits of using a weighted blanket and answer some common questions about them, such as what is a weighted blanket, who should not use one, how you choose the right one for your needs, and more. 

So read on if you’re interested in learning more about how investing in a weighted blanket can help improve your sleep quality!

13 Benefits of Using a Weighted Blanket

Improves Sleep Quality

Using a weighted blanket has been found to improve sleep quality in many individuals. Studies have shown that the pressure of the blanket can help stimulate a calming embrace and decrease levels of cortisol, which is the hormone associated with stress and anxiety. 

The deep-pressure stimulation helps reduce restlessness, allowing people to fall asleep faster and longer. W weighted blankets can also help relieve insomnia, making them a great long-term solution for a better night’s sleep.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Weighted blankets are especially beneficial for those suffering from stress or anxiety. The blanket’s deep pressure stimulation helps activate the body’s natural relaxation response and can help those with anxiety stay calm and relaxed. 

The weighted materials make it easier to focus on the present moment while providing security. By decreasing stress levels, users may also find their moods more balanced, and experience improved overall mental health.

Provides Comfort

Weighted blankets provide a comforting feeling that can help soothe and relax the body. This makes them ideal for those who crave comfort or those with sensory processing disorders. 

Individuals dealing with depression may also benefit from the calming effects of weighted blankets, as they can provide a sense of safety and control in times of distress.

Improves Focus and Concentration

Weighted blankets have also been found to help improve focus and concentration. The deep pressure stimulation of the blanket can help reduce symptoms of ADHD, allowing users to concentrate better on the tasks at hand. 

This is because weighted blankets act as calming agents that put the mind at ease and make it easier for individuals to focus on whatever task they are doing.

All in all, weighted blankets can be an excellent tool for reducing stress and improving sleep quality. They are also beneficial for those with anxiety, depression, sensory processing disorder, and ADHD, as deep pressure stimulation helps to reduce symptoms associated with these conditions. 

Reduces Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome

A weighted blanket may help reduce your symptoms of restless leg syndrome. The deep-pressure stimulation of the blanket helps to relax the muscles and reduce twitching, allowing individuals to sleep more soundly at night. 

Furthermore, using a weighted blanket can help decrease levels of stress, which is thought to help with restless leg syndrome.

Increase Serotonin Levels

Weighted blankets can also help increase levels of serotonin — the feel-good hormone associated with happiness. The warmth and pressure of a weighted blanket can stimulate the body’s natural production of serotonin, which helps to improve moods and overall well-being. 

Studies have also found that using a weighted blanket significantly increases melatonin levels — the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.

Supports Melatonin Production

Melatonin is the body’s natural hormone controlling sleep and wake cycles. Using a weighted blanket can help increase the production of this hormone, promoting better quality sleep.

The deep pressure stimulation mimics the feeling of being held and helps relax the body into a deeper state of rest, allowing users to experience more restorative sleep.

Helps with Fibromyalgia

Weighted blankets can also help those with fibromyalgia. By providing deep pressure stimulation, weighted blankets can reduce pain and improve sleep quality in individuals with this condition. 

Furthermore, the calming effects of a weighted blanket may also help reduce anxiety levels commonly associated with fibromyalgia.

Help with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Sensory Processing Disorder

Weighted blankets also benefit those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD). 

The deep pressure stimulation of the blanket helps to relax the body, allowing users to focus on the present moment. 

This can help reduce sensory overload and provide a calming effect often beneficial for these conditions.

Helps manage OCD

Weighted blankets can also benefit those suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The blanket’s deep pressure stimulation can help reduce anxiety symptoms, allowing users to manage their OCD better. 

Furthermore, regular use of a weighted blanket can provide a sense of safety and control, which is often difficult for people with OCD to achieve.

Helps with PTSD

Weighted blankets can also benefit those with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The deep pressure stimulation of the blanket helps to reduce symptoms of anxiety and panic attacks associated with PTSD. 

Furthermore, regular use of a weighted blanket can provide a sense of safety and control often lacking in individuals with this condition.

Boosts mood

Weighted blankets can also help to boost mood and increase oxytocin levels, the hormone associated with feelings of love and connection. 

Furthermore, deep-pressure stimulation has been found to reduce cortisol levels — the stress hormone linked to depression and anxiety.

It feels Like a Hug.

Finally, using a weighted blanket can feel like you’re being hugged — which is a natural source of comfort and reassurance. 

The warmth and pressure of the blanket create a sense of calm that can help reduce stress levels and improve sleep quality. 

So if you’re looking for something to provide comfort, invest in a weighted blanket for a hug that never ends!

What Is a Weighted Blanket?

A weighted blanket is typically filled with plastic pellets or glass beads, weighing between five and 30 pounds. It is designed to provide deep pressure stimulation – similar to the sensation of being hugged or swaddled – which can help reduce anxiety, stress, and insomnia by promoting feelings of safety, security, and calmness. 

Weighted blankets are commonly used in therapeutic settings to help individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), dementia, and mental health conditions. Still, they have gained popularity among people seeking relief from everyday stressors. 

While more scientific evidence is needed to determine if weighted blankets genuinely have an effect in decreasing anxiety or sleepless nights, many people find that using a weighted blanket helps them feel calmer and more at ease.

How to Choose the Right Weighted Blanket

When you consider shopping for a weighted blanket, it is weight. For adults, choose a blanket 10 percent of your body weight. For children, select one 10 percent of their body weight plus 1-2 pounds. 

Additionally, check with your manufacturer or doctor before making any decisions. Then, consider additional features like breathable cotton fabric and quilting to ensure your blanket is comfortable.

What Is the Recommended Weight for a Weighted Blanket?

The weighted blanket’s ideal weight is 10 percent of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you’d get a 15-pound blanket. Most adult-weighted blankets are between 10 and 25 pounds, and kids’ blankets generally start at around 5 pounds. 

If your weight falls between sizes, it is recommended to size up since lighter blankets may not provide the desired calming sensation. 

When purchasing a weighted blanket for someone with mobility issues, like children, get a light blanket so they can quickly push off it when needed.

Should Your Weighted Blanket Have Glass Beads or Plastic Pellets?

When shopping for a weighted blanket, you’ll find that most use plastic poly pellets or glass beads. The main difference between the two materials is size – glass beads tend to be much smaller than plastic pellets and thus take up less space in the finished blanket, making it thinner. 

However, plastic pellets are more affordable than glass beads, so some weighted blankets opt for this option. Some weighted blankets also include polyester fiberfill, which adds warmth but makes them less breathable than those without fill. 

Ultimately, whether you choose a blanket with glass beads or plastic pellets depends on your preferences regarding the blanket’s bulkiness and warmth.

Does the Weighted Blanket Have a Removable Cover?

Yes, weighted blankets can have a removable cover. Most covers are cotton or minky fabric and offer a cozy yet breathable feel. Some companies sell the covers with their weighted blankets, while others offer it as an add-on. 

Washing the blanket can be tricky since some are heavy, so having a removable cover makes maintenance easier. It also ensures your blanket won’t get stained or covered in pet fur over time.

How Big Should Your Weighted Blanket Be?

When picking the size of your weighted blanket, it’s important to remember that it should cover your body from the neck down without a lot of extra fabric. 

For most adults, this will mean getting a twin-size blanket. If you purchase one for a child, look for a smaller size and weight tailored to their needs. 

Additionally, you should ensure the blanket does not hang over the sides of your bed, as it can slide off during the night.

Does a Weighted Blanket Have Any Health Risks?

Using a weighted blanket is generally safe for most people. However, certain health risks should be considered before using one. 

Weighted blankets should not be used for toddlers under 2 years old due to the risk of suffocation. People with obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, or claustrophobia may find that a weighted blanket can worsen their conditions, and they should consult their doctors before trying one. 

In general, it’s advisable to talk with your doctor if you have any medical conditions or concerns about the safety of using a weighted blanket.

How to Clean a Weighted Blanket?

Cleaning a weighted blanket can vary depending on its material and whether it contains glass beads, plastic pellets, or organic materials. To wash your weighted blanket, check the care instructions on the tag, owner’s manual, or manufacturer’s website.

Generally, you can machine wash and dry the blanket using a bleach-free gentle detergent and cold or warm water on a gentle cycle. If your weighted blanket has a removable cover, you can wash it in cold water with a regular washing setting.

It’s also possible to spot small clean stains with soap and cold water, take blankets labeled as ‘dry clean only’ to professional dry cleaners, or use an at-home kit. Air drying generally works best for both types of blankets, but make sure that you fluff out any trapped air during drying to distribute the inner fill evenly.

Weighted blankets should typically be washed every few weeks if used regularly. For occasional use, like a lap blanket or desk blanket, washing the weighted blanket three to four times yearly is recommended. 

To get the longest life out of your weighted blanket, consider investing in and using a removable cover that can be easily washed and replaced when necessary. 

Generally, weighted blankets should be replaced every 5 years with proper care and maintenance.

Who Should Not Use a Weighted Blanket?

Weighted blankets should not be used for young children and infants because the beads inside could pose a choking or suffocating hazard. 

In addition, people with certain medical conditions, including chronic respiratory or circulatory issues, sleep apnea, asthma, low blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, epilepsy, and claustrophobia, should not use weighted blankets. 

Speaking to your healthcare provider before using a weighted blanket for a child is essential.

Are Weighted Blankets Worth It?

Yes, weighted blankets are worth it! The feeling of lying underneath the extra weight of a weighted blanket is soothing. 

People who use them have reported that they experience restful nights and an increased sense of calm during sleep. 

While some people have experienced emotional releases while using their weighted blanket, there are also methods such as breathing and meditation that could help facilitate this. 

Although these items come at a higher cost than other blankets, many say it is worth it for the excellent sleep quality they receive from using one. So overall, weighted blankets are worth investing in!

Do You Put Weighted Blankets Over a Comforter?

Yes, you can put a weighted blanket over a comforter. The best way to do this is to place the weighted blanket on top of the comforter, directly against your skin. 

This will help you get the most out of both items, as the comforter will provide warmth, and the weighted blanket will provide comfort and support during sleep. 

Alternatively, replace your current comforter with a weighted blanket – it depends on what works best for you!

Our Recommendation

It’s time to say goodbye to tossing and turning all night long! Upgrade your sleep quality with the ZonLi Knitted Weighted Blanket from Amazon. The blanket is designed with extra-plush fabric, hypoallergenic fibers, and seven breathable comfort layers. 

Get ready for deep and restful sleep with the ZonLi Knitted Weighted Blanket! Its advanced weight distribution technology evenly distributes the pressure for maximum relaxation. Sleep like a baby and upgrade your bedding today.