If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep and tried a few different things without success – have you tried weighted blankets?
The best weighted blankets for adults are designed to provide comfort, stimulate the release of hormones through weight therapy which is known to help with anxiety issues, and might just be exactly what you’re looking for to give you that excellent night of sleep.
Although weighted blankets are simplistic in design, there is some science behind why and how these blankets make a difference to how we sleep.
I will explain everything you need to know in this article and recommend 5 of the best weighted blankets that’ll help with anxiety, stress, insomnia, and other conditions that may be disrupting your sleep.
Contents
How Weighted Blankets Work
Weighted blankets are exactly as their name suggests, blankets with some added weight. So, how can something as simple as this help improve sleep? I can explain.
The extra weight gives the user a feeling of comfort, much like being hugged. But without any feelings of being trapped or restricted as they are not that heavy.
The pressure from the blanket causes the body to naturally produce more feel-good endorphins and chemicals (this process is known as weighted therapy).
One of which is serotonin, which converts into melatonin, a chemical that tells our bodies it’s time to sleep.
On the physical side, the feeling of a weighted blanket is comforting for most people. This alone is enough to relieve some tension and aid relaxation.
Benefits of a Weighted Blanket
Weighted therapy has a number of benefits and can help with a list of disorders, some of the more common sleep-related issues that a weighted blanket can help with include:
Insomnia – This condition makes it incredibly difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.
Restless Leg Syndrome – RSL is a condition that makes it difficult not to fidget and move your legs, which means interrupting your sleep.
ADHD – This condition makes it difficult for some people to relax, calm down, and fall asleep.
Anxiety – Suffering from anxiety can make it difficult to unwind, as can stress and other related mental health issues.
Sensory Disorders – Sensory disorders can cause you to be overly sensitive and cause feelings of confusion.
Outside of the conditions these blankets help with, they are inexpensive, natural, and easy to try out as a solution. All huge plus points for me.
How Much Weight Should Be in a Weighted Blanket?
When choosing a weighted blanket the rule of thumb is to choose a blanket that weighs around 10% of your body weight.
So if you weigh 100 lbs, then a 10 lb blanket will be just right. Obviously, a couple of lb’s either way isn’t going to make a huge difference, but err on the side of a lb or two more than 10%.
Weighted Blanket Weight Chart
| Body Weight (lbs) | Blanket Weight (lbs) |
|---|---|
| 100 | 10-12 |
| 120 | 12-14 |
| 140 | 14-16 |
| 160 | 16-18 |
| 180 | 18-20 |
| 200 | 20-22 |
5 of the Best Weighted Blanket for Adults Reviewed
Platinum Health Premium Weighted Blanket (12lbs for 100-130 lbs Person)
Feedback is positive, it’s very effective at helping you fall asleep quicker, and you’ll feel the hugging and comforting feeling throughout the night.
The manufacturers say that you can use just sections of the blanket and scrunch up parts of it to change the amount of weight you want so it’s suitable for a wider range of body weights than smaller blankets.
The outer blanket is made from 100% minke polyester for that super-comfy, soft feel. The weight inside is made from a polyfill. The measurements are 60″ x 80″, so more than enough blanket to keep you covered and all snuggled up.
[thrive_link color=’green’ link=’http://amzn.to/2Egnuun’ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Click here to buy this weighted blanket on Amazon[/thrive_link]
YnM Weighted Blanket (Varous Sizes and Weights)
YnM advertises this weighted blanket as being great for anxiety, ADHD, OCD, sensory processing disorders, and other conditions that are causing a lack of quality sleep.
I covered these conditions in detail above if you need to know a little more about them. But, the bottom line is that this blanket will improve the quality of your sleep though weighted therapy.
The best thing about YnM’s weighted blankets is that they offer a wide range of sizes and weights so you can pick the perfect size and weight depending on your own weight.
The weighted inner layer and duvet cover are separate. So you can use it as a blanket in summer without the weight, and split the parts to wash them.
The outer cover is 100% cotton for a lovely soft feel. The weighted compartments are filled with hypoallergenic sand pellets which feel soft and evenly weighted.
[thrive_link color=’green’ link=’http://amzn.to/2BzzqEH’ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Click here to buy this blanket on Amazon[/thrive_link]
Hypnoser Weighted Blanket (15lbs for 130-160lbs Person)
This weighted blanket from Hyposer is perfect if you’re in the 130-160lbs weight range. It’s also a decent size measuring 48″ x 72″, and has s nice comfy feel.
I really like the diamond patterned inner layer on this blanket. It makes sure the blanket is sewn together really strong, I’m sure most reading this will have had a comforter or similar with the diamond stitching and seen it lasts forever.
It’s worth pointing out that the weight comes from non-toxic glass beads. This means it’s not completely silent when you’re moving around, but you’ll hardly notice it and the benefits are that the weight distributes evenly, and it won’t make you too hot.
A great weighted blanket. Very effective at helping you sleep better, which means you’ll be energized, feeling your best, and ready to face the day with a smile when you wake up!
[thrive_link color=’green’ link=’http://amzn.to/2DFJmOM’ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Click here to buy this blanket on Amazon[/thrive_link]
InYard Premium Weighted Blanket (5-15lbs for 50-160lbs Person)
It’s an interesting blanket. It has 100% flannel on the back and 100% polyester on the front. It’s filled with non-toxic and hypoallergenic plastic poly pellets, so an added benefit if you suffer from allergies.
It’s the perfect natural sleep aid. No need for sleeping pills, medicines, or other invasive methods. Just simple weighted therapy that works. Helping you fall asleep quicker, get better quality sleep, and improve your health.
This blanket fits right in the middle of the bunch looking at the versatility and materials. A good choice if you’re buying your first weighted blanket, and doubles up just fine as a comforter.
Your purchase comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. This means if you’re not satisfied for any reason you can ask for a refund – no questions asked.
[thrive_link color=’green’ link=’http://amzn.to/2DFMWsc’ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Click here to buy this blanket on Amazon[/thrive_link]
ZonLi Weighted Sensory Blanket (20lbs for 180-220lbs Person)
Unlike some of the other blankets, the outer cover is removable for easy washing. It’s 100% cotton too so very soft and luxurious feeling.
If you’re the kind of person who tosses and turns in the night, has fidgetly legs, insomnia, or other reasons why you’re not getting the quality sleep you need – this is the blanket for you.
[thrive_link color=’green’ link=’http://amzn.to/2GqrnOm’ target=’_blank’ size=’medium’ align=’aligncenter’]Click here to buy this blanket on Amazon[/thrive_link]
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.