What Is a Weighted Blanket?
Weighted blankets are therapeutic coverings that usually weigh between five to 30 pounds and are designed to relieve stress and create a sense of calmness. There has been research done to show that these heavy blankets can help induce naturally deeper sleep cycles.
Benefits of Weighted Blankets
Weighted Blankets are exactly what they sound like — they’re heavy blankets (typically 15 pounds or more) filled with a material such as plastic pellets. The theory is that the deep pressure you feel from being under all of that weight has a calming effect. One of the most popular uses for weighted blankets is for treating children with disorders like autism and ADHD.
Limitations of Weighted Blankets
That being said, there are a few cons to weighted blankets, especially when it comes to having kids use them. They’re heavy, which makes them hard to travel with, they get hot, and it can prove difficult for children to use them on their own without parents there.
How to Pick the Best Weighted Blanket For You?
If you are going to try a weighted a blanket, keep in mind that they can get pricey. A 20-pound Gravity Blanket, for example, costs $189.Committed to shelling out some cash? Zhdanova recommends sticking with a weighted blanket on the lighter side. Most experts advise choosing one that’s roughly 10 percent of your body weight — so if you’re 150 pounds, you should buy a 15-pound blanket. Zhdanova notes that you shouldn’t use a weighted blanket if you snore or have sleep apnea, because anything that is placed on your chest can disrupt your breathing even further.
But if stress, a mile-long to-do list and funneling caffeine to get through the day is the battle you’re fighting, a weighted blanket may just help you put those sleepless nights behind you.
Other Weighted Blankets to Consider
As the coronavirus continues to surge across the country this winter, many of us may be feeling increasingly anxious and stressed out. And with extra time at home, we may be looking for new ways to relax as we enter the new year. With that in mind, we rounded up seven other weighted blankets worth considering in 2021.
1. Gravity Blanket
Gravity Blanket is highly-rated and available in four sizes: 15, 20, 25 and 35 pounds. According to a 2019 sleep study, 72 percent of the participants using the Gravity Blanket reported more restful sleep and 76 percent said they were able to fall asleep faster.
2. Casper Weighted Blanket
The Casper Weighted Blanket is throw-sized, meaning you can use it in bed or take it with you to the couch. It features a polyester batting fill and inner liner, and a breathable cotton outer shell to keep you cool while you sleep. It also sports quilted channels to evenly distribute the microbeads fill.
3. Bearaby Velvet Weighted Blanket
Last fall, Bearaby introduced its velvet weighted blanket made from recycled marine plastic. According to Bearaby, this blanket boasts an Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certification, meaning it was independently tested and is free of harmful substances. It’s available in three weights — 15, 20 and 25 pounds — and five colors ranging from a rich, jewel-toned emerald to a demure rose quartz.
4. Degrees of Comfort Cooling Weighted Blanket
If you live somewhere warm during the winter or find that you sweat easily at night, opt for a cooling model, such as this bestselling weighted blanket instead. It’s available in a plethora of sizes to fit your shopping needs, ranging from five pounds that’s light enough for small children to a 30-pound blanket, which fits a king-sized bed, such as the Casper Original Foam Mattress.
5. Baloo Weighted Blanket
Are you shopping for an eco-friendly weighted blanket this winter? Baloo’s offering is made from Oeko-TEX certified cotton and was recently named one of the best eco-friendly weighted blankets of 2020. The highly-rated quilted weighted blanket is filled with micro-sized glass beads, which helps evenly disperse the weight. It’s available in four sizes: 12, 15, 20 and 25 pounds, plus for added protection and comfort, you can order the linen duvet cover, which is also made in three sizes.
6. Saatva Weighted Blanket
Saatva's diamond-quilted weighted blanket is made from soft, organic cotton velvet and manufactured at Fair Trade-certified factories, according to the brand. It's stuffed with glass beads, which is considered a higher-end and eco-friendly filling for weighted blankets.
7. Tranquility Temperature Balancing Weighted Blanket
You don’t have to splurge on a weighted blanket, unless you’re willing and able to, of course. While most blankets featured on this list will set you back hundreds of dollars, you can order a well-made weighted blanket that costs under $45, depending on the size you choose. Tranquility, a popular brand among BETTER readers, created an affordable, temperature-regulated weighted blanket, meaning it keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Plus, you can order it at various weights between 12 and 20 pounds.
These weighted blankets are ideal for people who like the feeling of being swaddled or having a light hug applied to their whole body. For people with that comfort preference, a weighted blanket can be a perfect match.
Written by - Gunika Manchanda
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