One of the best feelings after a long hard day is snuggling into a soft comfy blanket and losing yourself in the warmth.
But what if your blanket could cuddle you back?
Why Weighted?
There have been many studies conducted about why, or even if, weighted blankets work, and what it boils down to in the end is that it really just depends on the person; some people love them, some don’t notice a difference, and others outright hate them.
For those who did notice a difference, they found that weighted blankets helped them reduce anxiety, relax more easily, toss and turn less, and sleep longer.
People with anxiety issues, as well as those with autism and insomnia, all stated that sleeping with a weighted blanket helped them settle down easier and the weight felt comforting while they slept.
What Kinds of Weighted Blankets are There?
There are many different types of weighted blankets in Canada.
Their differences range in everything from material to size, and also what creates the weight.
When thinking about the material, you can get flannel or fleece, cotton, and there are even waterproof blankets you can buy.
While it may seem like you should get your blanket to fit your bed size, that is not necessarily the case; get a blanket that fits your body.
Remember, you want the weight on you; if you sleep in a king-size bed and therefore get a king-size blanket, you’re only getting some of the benefits.
As for what creates the weight within the blankets, there are many different options.
The original weight used was plastic poly pellets; these are the same pellets that were used in Beanie Babies, and they are still used in many blankets today.
There are also micro glass beads or steel shot beads.
On the natural side, there is sand, rice, grains, beans, and even river rocks.
How Heavy Should You Go?
While there is no definitive guide on how heavy your weighted blanket should be, manufacturers and Canadian sleep resources tend to recommend about 10% of your total body weight.
So, for a 200-pound person, a 20-pound blanket would be ideal.
That is not a hard rule, though; some may prefer heavier while others report that they like slightly less than the 10% weight marker.
Can a Child Use a Weighted Blanket?
There are small, child-sized weighted blankets available but it is recommended that they only be used with supervision, such as during naptime or over a closely monitored baby cam.
Children who use weighted blankets have reported that they feel safer and secure when they sleep and that they feel better when they wake up.
Parents also report that their children wake up less often during the night and that, when they do wake up, it is easier to get them to settle down again.
How Do They Work?
As stated above, weighted blankets help to keep people feeling cozy and protected while also reducing stress and anxiety, but how does it do that?
Well, sleeping with a weighted blanket feels very similar to your brain as getting a hug.
It releases oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, which are all feel-good hormones, while lowering cortisol, which is your stress hormone.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a soft, cozy way to feel more comfortable and secure when you are sleeping, a weighted blanket might be just the thing for you.
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