It’s up to you – some people like to replace their duvet with a weighted blanket, whereas others like layering them both, particularly during the colder months. If the sizes match up, you can also use a duvet cover on your weighted blanket, to keep it clean.

According to sleep experts, using a weighted blanket can ease your nervous system, release oxytocin and boost serotonin levels (also known as the happy hormone), resulting in a calming effect on even the most anxious sleepers. This deep pressure therapy served up by snuggling under a weighted blanket emulates the stress-busting feeling of being enveloped in a comforting hug–that’s high-quality calming rest for the body and mind alike. Material: Cover - 100% Polyester, padding - 100% polyester, filling - certified, non-toxic micro glass beads. They're heavy because they have plastic or glass beads stitched inside, which compress the body gently. This helps to reduce restlessness and promote feelings of calm. It’s possible to use the blankets overnight if they feel good and the user is comfortable doing so, but short periods of time up to 20-30 minutes can also be helpful to slow down and encourage rest during busy or stressful times. It comes down largely to personal preference and comfort.” Something we especially liked about the Baloo weighted comforter is its 100 per cent cotton exterior and interior and that it’s made with only natural and chemical-free materials. The result is a breathable, super-soft blanket that helps you adapt to changing temperatures for a comfortable night’s sleep.Henderson recommends that people with a medical condition or concerns about using a weighted blanket consult a medical professional before investing. And young children should be supervised when using a weighted blanket. How to wash a weighted blanket Weighted blankets work in the same way massage does, with deep pressure touch, which calms the mind, very much like swaddling. They’ve been found to boost oxytocin levels and lower heart rate as well as help improve concentration levels. Many occupational therapists recommend the use of weighted blankets for children with anxiety. What is the best weighted blanket for a toddler? The idea behind weighted blankets is the offer of pressure stimulation, similar to the pressure from a deep touch or a hug," Dr AlBendar explains. "This comforting feeling can release feel-good hormones such as serotonin, often called the 'happy chemical', helping to decrease nervous system activity and give us that warm feeling of wellbeing."

Most weighted blankets are designed for use by one person or, even if it’s a particularly big one, they usually won’t cover the whole bed. But the Baloo weighted comforter is designed to be large enough for sharing, snuggling and sleeping soundly under. You’re even likely to find one that will cover your entire bed, so long as it’s no bigger than a superking. Weighted blankets have become a popular solution for many who are struggling with sleep and anxiety.

Size: 101 × 78.7cm | Weight: 1.2kg | Filling: micro glass beads | Removable cover: No Reasons to buy

We have weighted blankets from a company called Gravity, bought online, for both our ASD kids. They love the blanket, use it on its own or with a duvet depending on how cold they feel. I think you calculate 10% of their weight for the weight of the blanket you use" (Recommended by Mumsnet user, DoraemonDingDong) Our verdict From the studies that have been done, there is a common theme that weighted blankets may be a useful tool to help with anxiety symptoms,” says Henderson. “There have been various studies in different scenarios, from patients in a psychiatric facility to patients receiving chemotherapy. Results have shown that anxiety levels were reduced by up to 60 per cent with the use of the weighted blanket.” However, experts agree more research is needed. How do I choose the right one/weight for me? Material: Cover - 100% Polyester, padding - 100% polyester, filling - certified, non-toxic micro glass beads. This makes this blanket healthy, breathable, comfortable and durable, whilst stimulating the stress points and stimulating the positive hormones. Available in grey Weighted blankets work in a way that is similar to deep touch pressure therapy, as the heavy feeling of the blanket puts gentle pressure on the body, which helps to release serotonin to the brain, providing a sense of calm to the user.

How to wash a weighted blanket

The perfect choice for any budding astronauts or tiny star-gazers, this 2kg weighted blanket has a gorgeous planets and constellations design on it which makes it ideal for bedtimes (or for throwing over your shoulders while you gaze into your telescope). The top is made from breathable cotton and the bottom layer from a soft-to-the-touch polyester plush that feels really cosy. In short, they aren’t for everyone. They aren’t recommended for any children under three, and they shouldn’t be used by anyone with breathing difficulties like asthma or sleep apnoea, or a circulatory problem like Type 2 diabetes. What weighted blanket is best for kids? (overall winner)

To earn a spot on our roundup of the best weighted blankets, throws had to win the approval of our panel of testers. Each blanket tested weighed around 7kg and was used by at least three different people for three or more nights' sleep, as well as when unwinding on the sofa. Available in 3 sizes containing different weights means the weighted blanket is suitable for both adults and kids alike. Consult your physician for recommended blanket weight, although this is usually between 7-12% of your body weight. The 4kg blanket is ideal for children, whilst the 6kg and 8kg weight is suited to adults. Please note: this product should not be used by very young children, who are unable to move the blanket themselves. Size: 48"x78” or 60"x80” | Weight: 5 and 7kg | Filling: Glass micro sand beads | Removable cover: No Reasons to buy

Who should not use a weighted blanket?

Our testers judged how comfortable the blankets were to lie under and whether they felt too restrictive. They also considered whether their weight and size felt appropriate, if they helped them feel relaxed, and how easy the care guide was to follow. It’s really important that they’re used correctly – particularly for children – so make sure they don’t restrict movement, and the cover should never go past a child’s shoulders or cover their head or face. In particular, make sure your child is able to take if off themselves – for safety reasons. If you’ve started investigating weighted blankets for your child, you might be thinking that you’ll have to spend a fair bit to find the right one. But this Brentfords weighted blanket is a great budget option to help your child get a better night’s sleep without breaking the bank. The lightest weight available is 4kg so your child will need to be at least 40kg (around six stone) to use it but if you have a tween or teen this might be the right sort of weight for them. As the weighted blanket that proved most effective at soothing our testers to sleep and keeping them in the land of the Nod until the alarm went off in the morning, the Simba orbit weighted blanket had to be our best buy. It’s not the cheapest blanket, but the quality and design warrant the investment. If you can't get a blanket exactly the right weight, that's ok – if in doubt, choose an option on the lighter side.