Weighted Blankets
Weighted Blankets are known to help with conditions like anxiety, ADHD, restless sleep and autism. They help trigger and increase melatonin levels in your brain, helpful in regulating your sleep-wake cycle. These blankets can be filled with many types of materials, the best among them being glass beads. Other materials like plastic pellets aren't uncommon. Let's look at our top choices for weighted blankets in 2020.
What To Look For In A Weighted Blanket
Material
For a weighted blanket, it is what’s inside that makes all the difference. The two common options here are glass beads and plastic pellets. Plastic pellets are cheaper, but bigger which makes the blanket look bulky. Glass beads are expensive, but they are the same size as sand grains and therefore result in a thinner blanket. They are both equally effective so if you are on a budget, go for plastic pellets. If you are looking for a sleek blanket, glass beads should do the trick. For the blanket cover, cotton is advantageous as it is breathable while polyester is warm and comfortable. Make sure that the cover doesn't include any material or decoration that will look ugly after a few rounds in the washing machine.
Weight
The general rule is to pick a blanket that is 10% of a person’s body weight. You can find blankets weighing anywhere from 10 pounds to 25 pounds. For kids, different weight categories are available. If you weigh 110 pounds, look for a blanket weighing 11 pounds. If only 10 or 12-pound blankets are available, go for the higher weight. Weighted blankets are all about getting used to the feeling so you'll get used to it even if it weighs a bit more than you like. If however it weighs less than what you want, then the whole point of using a weighted blanket is lost. You can also try these blankets before buying, but it is hard to find them in retail stores. The best alternative is to buy online and return if you don’t like them.
Size
The size of the blanket comes down to personal preference, but there are a few things you should know. If you buy a blanket that is too wide, it may slip down the sides of the bed during the night. You don't want to be carrying it up every now and then throughout the night. It is therefore advised that if you have a king-size bed, go for a queen size blanket. If you have a queen-size bed, get a twin size blanket. Always go a size down with your blanket. As for the length, again make sure that there isn’t a lot of it hanging past your toes. However, there isn’t any major downside to a longer blanket and it comes down to your personal preference.
Removable Cover
Weighted blankets, as the name suggests, are quite heavy. They are hard to carry to a commercial washing saloon, which is what you’ll have to do as most washing machines people use at home can’t wash more than 10 or 15 pounds at a time. The best solution to this is using a blanket that comes with a removable cover. This would make your life easier and you won’t have to worry about washing the whole blanket. Just remove the cover, wash it, and you’re done. You can also have multiple blanket covers to reduce cleaning stress. Different covers for different seasons is also not a bad idea.
Do Weighted Blankets Work?
Studies show weighted blankets help people suffering from a number of medical conditions. Weighted blankets have the same effect as deep pressure therapy. This type of therapy is used to treat those who suffer from anxiety, autism, depression, and related conditions. It, therefore, makes sense that weighted blankets will bring some kind of relief to such sufferers and help them in getting better sleep.
Another theory that supports the effective use of weighted blankets is that of reduced cortisol levels. When a body is pushed downwards into the bed, it lowers a person’s cortisol levels. This results in improvements in heart rate, blood pressure, and glucose levels, giving you a comfortable feeling. Weighted blankets can also help in improving melatonin levels in the body. Melatonin is the chemical that regulates our sleep cycle. A good supply of melatonin results in better and comfortable sleep. Here is an article from Harvard University talking about weighted blankets.
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Pros and Cons of Weighted Blankets
Pros:
They help with anxiety and sleeplessness. They have the same effect as deep pressure therapy helping with anxiety, stress, and many other problems.
Weighted blankets provide a comfortable sleep and keep you warm, especially in winter. They also come in cozy fabrics which add to their comfort and helps you get used to them quickly.
Couples can definitely associate with this. One partner turns over in bed disturbing the other partner’s sleep. With weighted blankets, you are quite likely to give up this habit as the weight helps you sleep in one place comfortably.
These blankets are appropriate for all ages (except very young children). They come in different weights and sizes so all you have to do is pick one according to your body.
Cons:
They cost much more than your usual blanket.
You need to get used to having a heavy blanket on top of you. In the beginning, this can even be discomforting and feel unusual, resulting in an even worse sleeping patter. A week or so should be enough to get used to it though.
Weighted blankets can be dangerous for kids. It is discouraged to use weighted blankets for kids under 2 years of age.
Using weighted blankets in summer can be a bit tricky as the weight can make you feel too warm. You may have to compromise on one or two things in extreme summer temperatures.
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