Weighted blanket - hype or truly useful?

What is a weighted blanket?

Many people may not be able to imagine the actual product when they hear the term weighted blanket. But recently, the special blanket has been experiencing some hype. Weighted blankets are heavy and promise therapeutic benefits due to their weight. By distributing the weight of the blanket evenly over your body when you cover yourself with it, it is supposed to mimic the feeling of a hug. The idea behind it: The pressure created by the weight of the blanket acts on your muscles, joints, and tendons, releasing any tension you may have there. This should help you relax better and find deep physical and inner peace, whether asleep or awake. The deep pressure created by the weight of the blanket is also said to stimulate your body to release more serotonin. This "happy" hormone is closely related to the production of the sleep hormone melatonin, which is why the main use of weighted blankets is for falling asleep faster and generally sleeping more soundly. These effects are achieved by small plastic or glass beads, which are incorporated into the interior of the weighted blankets and thus create the heavier weight of the blanket.

Did you know: A weighted blanket with a filling of plastic or glass beads is quilted so that the weight of the filling is evenly distributed. This way, the beads stay in one place when you sleep and do not roll into one corner of the blanket. Be it glass or plastic, you do not have to worry about the beads breaking, as the balls are very small.

The blankets are available in various weights ranging between 6 and 12 kilograms. You can determine which weight is best for you personally based on your body weight. In order for the blanket to work well during sleep, it must be sufficiently heavy. If the weighted blanket is too light, you will not feel the promised feeling of security. As a rule of thumb, the weighted blanket should ideally be 10% of your body weight, maximum 15%. That way, the weight of the blanket will exert enough pressure on your body for the promised relaxation effects to occur. With the extra weight, you will also automatically stop moving around as much while you sleep. Thus, tossing and turning in bed at night can become a thing of the past thanks to a weighted blanket.

In addition to the different weight classes, weighted blankets also vary in size and material. Manufacturers often offer the standard sizes commonly used for bed covers and European comforters for weighted blankets as well, such as 100, 135 or 150 cm wide x 200 cm long. There are also differences in the material of the filling and the covers of weighted blankets in various products. Cotton or a poly blend is often used for the cover of the blanket. Both a cotton and a polyester cover are breathable, making the weighted blanket suitable all year round. By the way: if the weighted blanket is not warm enough during winter, you can use it together with a "normal" comforter and wrap it in one cover. This way, you do not feel cold during your sleep.

Who benefits from a weighted blanket?

Since weighted blankets are primarily advertised as having a calming and relaxing effect, they are especially recommended for people who suffer from anxiety disorders, restlessness, and high stress, making it difficult for them to sleep at night. Weighted blankets are also called therapy blankets and name says it all: In addition to sleep disorders, they are also intended to relax those suffering from a psychophysical disorder such as ADHD or autism. Among other things, these disorders and diseases can trigger a feeling of hypersensitivity, perceptual disturbances, and general anxiety in those affected. The pressure generated by the increased weight of the weighted blanket creates a calming feeling which counteracts these symptoms. Thus, the weighted blanket unfolds its effect not only in the bedroom but has positive effects whenever you want to come to rest.

Wrapping yourself in a weighted blanket after a hard day at work and reading a favorite book on the sofa, for example, can provide deep moments of relaxation and make you feel better overall. In principle, a weighted blanket is suitable for all people, children and adults alike. If children use such a blanket, it is only particularly important that the weighted blanket does not weigh more than 10% of the child's weight. But even adults should make sure that the weighted blanket is not too heavy. Depending on the model, the blanket is suitable only for one season. Like regular covers and comforters, weighted blankets differ in their designs. Some are made for warm summer nights and are therefore especially breathable, others are perfect for cold winter nights. Some have glass beads, others are filled with beads made of plastic, etc. Since the selection has increased immensely in recent years, before buying such a blanket for children or adults, we recommend that you first do extensive research. Compare by quality, price and similar factors and if possible, test a few weighted blankets in comparison.

How can you support the effect of a weighted blanket?

Even the best weighted blanket can't serve its purpose if your sleeping environment continues to exude chaos and restlessness. Therefore, it is crucial that you create a quiet oasis in your bedroom where you can relax and sleep well. Electronic devices such as a television have no place in your bedroom, as they can overstimulate you and can lead to even more stress, especially before bedtime. Instead, before going to sleep, surround yourself with other relaxation aids that create a cozy and secure atmosphere. This may be a new wall color in a natural or pastel shade that has a calming effect on your psyche or a scented candle that lets your senses switch off with its pleasant scent. With the right lighting, you can create a feel-good atmosphere in your bedroom, which will help you to relax and thus guarantee restful sleep.

Conclusion: Weighted blanket – Yes or No?

Weighted blankets create deep pressure due to their weight, which creates a relaxing effect. That's why this therapy blanket is especially great for people who want a more relaxing sleep experience or an additional aid for falling asleep. But even if you simply crave less stress and more quiet moments in your everyday life, a weighted blanket can be useful for you. Who doesn't like to snuggle up with a blanket on the sofa? The best way to find out whether it has the desired effect for you is to simply try out this special, heavy blanket yourself for a short time as a test. Good to know: If you decide against a weighted blanket, there is still a wide range of things you can do for your sleep quality. A pleasant atmosphere in the bedroom is the basis for deep relaxation and therefore worth a lot. In addition, relaxation exercises and sleep rituals can help you wind down, so you can get a better night's sleep, enjoy your well-deserved rest, and be full of energy during the day.