If you’ve been struggling with sleep issues or stress, you might have heard about weighted blankets. But what exactly is a weighted blanket? Simply put, it’s a special type of blanket filled with materials like glass beads or plastic pellets to make it heavier than a standard blanket. This added weight provides gentle, even pressure across your body, which can create a calming effect similar to a cozy hug. Many people find that this pressure helps them relax, fall asleep faster, and stay asleep longer. Let’s explore the benefits of weighted blankets and look at some of the best options for both adults and kids
What Is a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket is a type of blanket filled with materials such as glass beads or plastic pellets to make it heavier than a regular blanket. The extra weight provides gentle, even pressure across the body, creating a sensation similar to a comforting hug. This can help people feel more relaxed and calm, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. Weighted blankets are often used to help with anxiety, stress, and insomnia, providing a sense of security and comfort. They come in various sizes and weights, so you can choose one that best suits your needs and preferences.
Weighted Blanket Benefits
Listed below are several weighted blanket benefits that are too good to be true:
1. Improves Sleep Quality
A weighted blanket can significantly improve sleep quality. The gentle pressure it provides, known as deep pressure stimulation, can help your body produce more serotonin and melatonin, hormones that regulate mood and sleep. This pressure can help you fall asleep faster by calming your mind and reducing restlessness. Additionally, it can help you stay asleep longer by minimizing tossing and turning throughout the night. As a result, you wake up feeling more refreshed and energized, ready to take on the day.
2. Reduces Anxiety and Stress
Using a weighted blanket can help reduce anxiety and stress levels. The blanket's weight feels like a gentle, comforting hug, which can have a soothing effect on your nervous system. This deep pressure stimulation can decrease the production of cortisol, the stress hormone, helping you feel more relaxed. This calming effect can be particularly helpful at the end of a long, stressful day, making it easier to unwind and prepare for a good night's sleep. By reducing anxiety and stress, a weighted blanket can contribute to better overall mental health.
3. Provides Comfort for Sensory Disorders
Weighted blankets can be especially beneficial for individuals with sensory processing disorders, such as autism or ADHD. The deep pressure can help them feel more grounded and secure, providing a sense of stability and comfort. This can be particularly useful during moments of sensory overload, helping to calm the mind and body. The blanket's even pressure can also improve focus and attention, making daily tasks more manageable. For those with sensory sensitivities, a weighted blanket can be a valuable tool for enhancing comfort and well-being.
4. Eases Symptoms of Restless Leg Syndrome
People with restless leg syndrome(RLS) can find relief using a weighted blanket. The gentle pressure can help reduce the urge to move the legs, a common symptom of RLS. This can lead to amore peaceful and uninterrupted sleep. By calming the nervous system and promoting relaxation, a weighted blanket can alleviate the discomfort associated with RLS, allowing for a more restful and restorative night's sleep.
5. Enhances Mood
The use of a weighted blanket can also enhance your overall mood. By increasing the production of serotonin, the hormone that contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being, the blanket can help improve your mood. This effect can be particularly beneficial during periods of low mood or depression, providing a natural and comforting way to lift your spirits. The combination of better sleep, reduced anxiety, and improved mood can significantly enhance your quality of life.
Weighted Blankets For Autism
Weighted blankets can be particularly beneficial for individuals with autism, especially those who experience sensory processing challenges. The pressure provided by the blanket offers a calming, soothing sensation similar to a gentle hug, which can help manage sensory overload and reduce anxiety. Many people with autism struggle with sleep disturbances, and the gentle pressure from a weighted blanket can promote relaxation, improve sleep quality, and help establish a more consistent sleep routine. Moreover, the calming effect of the blanket can enhance focus and attention by providing a sense of security and stability, making it easier to concentrate on tasks. Overall, a weighted blanket can be valuable in promoting comfort, reducing stress, and improving overall well-being for individuals with autism.
Recommendations
Best Weighted Blankets For Adults
Listed below are some of the best weighted blankets for adults:
1. L'AGRATY Store Breathable Weighted Blanket
This weighted blanket is perfect for adults because it offers a blend of comfort and quality. Made from soft, breathable microfiber, it keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter.The blanket is filled with non-toxic, hypoallergenic glass beads that are evenly distributed, ensuring a consistent weight across the entire blanket. The high-strength sewing thread prevents the beads from shifting, maintaining the blanket's effectiveness over time. Available in sizes suitable for twin and queen beds, this blanket can be used not only for sleep but also while reading, relaxing, or meditating.
2. Cottonblue Store Weighted Blanket
The Cottonblue Sherpa fleece weighted blanket is the best choice for adults seeking comfort and quality sleep. With 220 GSM smooth fleece on one side and 220 GSM fluffy Sherpa on the other, it feels like living in the cloud. This luxurious softness is perfect for resting, watching TV, napping, or outdoor activities. The safe, natural ceramic beads in a 7-layer design are securely locked in small compartments, ensuring even weight distribution and preventing leaks or rustling.
3. Topcee WeightedBlanket
Filled with non-toxic, hypoallergenic glass beads, this blanket offers a soothing sensation. The precise positioning technology ensures even distribution of the beads, preventing them from moving around. This design, along with high-strength sewing thread, keeps the weight consistent. Recommended in sizes 48"x72" for twin beds and 60"x80" for queen beds, this blanket can be used while sleeping, reading, relaxing, or meditating.
Best Weighted Blankets For Kids
Here are the best picks when it comes to weighted blankets for kids:
1. Lush Decor Store Weighted Blanket
The blanket features a fun fire truck print on one side and a stripe pattern on the other, making it great for little firefighters. It provides a calming, therapeutic experience, helping to relieve stress and promote relaxation. The set includes a 40"x60" weighted blanket and a41"x61" reversible cover, which stays secure with four internal ties and a hidden zipper. Weighing 7 pounds, the blanket is safe for children as long as it doesn't exceed 10% of their body weight.
2. Lush Decor Qaanitha Rainbow Weighted Blanket
This blanket gently hugs your child, providing a soothing, therapeutic feeling that helps ease stress and promotes calmness. The two-piece set includes a 60"x40" weighted blanket and a61"x41" removable cover for easy cleaning. The weighted blanket is designed for spot cleaning, while the cover can be machine washed in cold water.
Final Remarks
With benefits such as better sleep, reduced stress, and enhanced mood, it’s no wonder weighted blankets are becoming so popular. We’ve shared some top choices for both adults and kids, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. If you think a weighted blanket might help you, consider giving one a try and experience the soothing effects for yourself.
However, improving your sleep quality doesn't stop at using a weighted blanket. For a more comprehensive approach to better sleep, consider integrating the Nightly app into your nightly routine. This innovative sleep aid app leverages neuroscience-backed research and AI-generated sleep sounds called Monaural Beats to help users achieve better sleep.
The Nightly app personalizes these Monaural Beats based on your past nights of sleep, as well as your mood and activities leading up to bedtime.This personalization means that the more you use the app, the better it tailors its sleep aids to your needs, helping you get more restorative sleep in less time.
All you need is a smartphone to get started—no additional hardware or technology required. By combining the calming effects of a weighted blanket with the advanced technology of the Nightly app, you can create an optimal sleep environment. Whether you're dealing with insomnia, stress, or simply looking to improve your overall sleep quality, these tools can make a significant difference.
Visit the Nightly app today to explore its features and learn more about how to achieve a restful and rejuvenating night's sleep. Experience the benefits of better sleep and take the first step towards a healthier, more refreshed you.