6 of the Best Weighted Blankets for Insomnia

Many people who suffer from anxiety and insomnia find that using a weighted blanket can profoundly change the way you sleep. Not only do they help you fall asleep quicker, but you will also have a deeper, more relaxing sleep and wake up refreshed. They also help you calm your mind and increase your overall relaxation. Originally developed for children on the autism spectrum to help them feel secure and safe, adults and teens are now discovering that these products work well for many different anxiety and sleep disorders.

What is a weighted blanket and why should you use one?

Weighted blankets are heavier than a regular blanket. They generally weigh between 2 to 30 pounds, making them much heavier than regular comforters. They get their weight from non-toxic poly-pellets sewn into pockets of the lining, they kind of feel like multiple pockets of small sandbags. The poly-pellets distribute weight across your body and create a “deep touch pressure” stimulation similar to getting a massage or feeling as though you are being held and comforted.

They are often recommended as a safe alternative to medication for those who have disorders that make it difficult to fall asleep since they are particularly effective in helping achieve a relaxed state, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

How to choose the right one?

To get the best results, it is essential that you get the right weight for your size. The generally accepted formula to figure this out is you get a design that weighs 10 percent of your body weight. For children, the method is 10 percent of body weight plus 1 to 2 pounds. Don’t be tempted to save a bit of money by buying a lighter weight; try to stick to the 10% formula to get all the benefits of this therapy (see below for more info on sizing).

The other important consideration is the type of fabric you choose. You may want to think about fabrics types that you like and find comfortable. Most styles have either polyester or synthetic fabric, or 100% cotton. There are pros and cons to both types. Cotton is generally not as warm but is more breathable than polyester, and some people find them more comfortable. Many people love fabrics like Minky, which are polyester, not only for their softness but also for their warmth.

Do they work?

For most people, yes, they do work to relieve anxiety and help sleep problems. There is research showing that weighted blankets can provide anxiety and stress relief for troubled sleepers due to the grounding effect. The grounding effect means that it grounds your body during sleep by pushing it downwards. Grounding the body causes a calming effect by reducing the stress hormone cortisol. Research suggests that they can promote relaxation by triggering the release of the hormones dopamine and serotonin, which helps to improve your mood.

Who should avoid weighted blankets?

While many individuals are finding they are getting a lot of benefits from using these types of blankets, they aren’t meant for everyone to use. If you are considering this type of product, it would be a good idea to discuss it with your doctor first, to rule out any issues that may arise. It is especially important if you have any chronic health issues, particularly circulation or respiration problems.

Since weighted styles can get very warm, especially in the summer months, you will probably want to avoid them if you have temperature regulation problems.

They are also not for use on children who are under two years of age, and they are not to be put over your head.

One other thing to note, if you are prone to claustrophobia they may not be a useful treatment for you. The products that weight 20-30 or more pounds are probably best avoided or used with caution, since they may make some individuals who have claustrophobia feel restricted and anxious.

Dimensions and Sizing

These blankets come in a wide range of weights, anywhere from 2 lbs to 30 lbs.  Before purchasing any of the products mentioned below, you need to spend a few minutes figuring out the best size and dimension for your body weight. It is straightforward to do this; all you need to do is calculate 10% of your weight and then take that number and look for a product that is that weight. So if you weigh 150 lbs, you should look for a 15 lbs design. If you weigh 200 pounds, you get a 20 lbs design, etc. Once you know the sizing and have settled on a brand, you need to check the dimensions of any products you are considering. They are generally designed to cover your body; you don’t buy them to cover your whole bed. However, you can get double, queen, and king size options for couples.

If you are unsure about sizing, most manufacturers have extensive sizing charts on their websites for reference.

Cost

There is no question that these blankets are expensive. You will have a hard time finding one that costs less than $150 for an adult size and some go up to around $300. You should be able to purchase a good quality option for less than about $200 since most have the same types of materials and filling. Most of the products that we recommend are made in the USA by small manufacturing companies. This is obviously part of the reason for the high cost. Despite the price, the majority of individuals find the value to be worth the benefits that they get out of this type of treatment.
If you are unsure whether this type of treatment will work for you, only buy from a company that has an excellent return policy so you can send it back if you don’t like it.

Depending on what you are using the weighted blanket for, some insurance plans may cover the cost if you have a prescription. Check with your insurance provider if your doctor has recommended this type of treatment for you.

What is the filling?

Most products are filled with 100% non-toxic, commercial-grade poly pellets. These pellets are put into squares in the design so that the pressure is distributed evenly. The weight can range from 2 lbs to 30 lbs, depending on the customer’s height and weight for that person.

Benefits

This post is mostly focusing on the sleeping and calming benefits of using a weighted blanket to help calm down and relax the body and mind, but there are many other benefits to them. Here is a brief list of some of the other disorders and health concerns that can benefit from this type of treatment:

• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• PTSD
• Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
• ADD/ADHD Spectrum Disorder
• Asperger’s and Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
• Panic Attacks
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Sensory Disorders of any kind
• Somnambulism (Sleep Walking)
• Stress
• Tension

Cleaning

When you are spending $150 or more on something that you are going to be using every day, it’s vital that it is easy to clean. Most of the blankets can be hand washed and air-dried. One in our list can be machine washed and dried (SensaCalm). Some designs come with an outer layer that can be removed and cleaned (Harkla), or you can purchase a cover separately that can be removed and machine washed (Amy Garden).

Where to buy

The explosion in popularity of these blankets for adults over the past year means that they are easy to find online and in some retail stores. You can find them at Bed Bath & Beyond, online through Amazon, or specific manufacturers’ websites.  You can also find handmade options on Etsy.

The Bottom Line

If you have difficulty sleeping or find anxiety is keeping you up at night, weighted blankets may well be something that you can benefit from. A lot of people realize that they sleep better and feel less stressed since these products provide a sense of security and calmness that lead to a more restful sleep.

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Marie Davis

Website reviewer and traveler. Would rather be shopping.

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