When starting to use a weighted blanket, start with approximately 10 minutes and observe the change in your body and mind before and after use,” suggests Henderson. “Make sure it feels comfortable, secure, and you can move it easily as needed. If it feels good after that time, then you can increase the time to 20-25 minutes and again just observe how you feel after that time. The general rule of thumb is to choose a weighted blanket that is roughly 10 percent of your own body weight. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Realistically, a blanket weighing between 5 and 12 percent of your body weight may be comfortable. The best way to determine your optimal blanket is to test out different weights. Baumgartner J, et al. (2021). Widespread pressure delivered by a weighted blanket reduces chronic pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Some blankets also promote more airflow than others due to how they are constructed. Knitted blankets have an openwork design that allows air to pass through freely, and this can help you keep cool – even if the blanket is exceptionally heavy. Quilted blankets cannot circulate air as well and often sleep hot as a result. Simba may be best known for its rolled-up mattresses, but the brand’s sleep-promoting expertise extends far beyond what we sleep on, it seems. The Orbit weighted blanket promises “better, deeper sleep”, and we found it delivered, allowing our tester to sleep soundly throughout the night.Danoff-Burg S, et al. (2020). Worth the weight: Weighted blanket improves sleep and increases relaxation. 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.” Most weighted blankets contain plastic pellets, ball bearings, and other objects that make them feel significantly heavier than a standard cover or duvet. However, some newer weighted blankets feature open-knit designs that many sleepers find more breathable. Typical weights for these blankets range from 5 to 30 pounds. Sleepers tend to feel most comfortable beneath a blanket that comprises roughly 10 percent of their own body weight. The lowdown: Aeyla (previously Mela) has a good selection of weighted blankets with three covers to choose from. So when the sun comes out and you don’t want to be snuggling up under a velvety blanket, you can switch to a more cooling eucalyptus or cotton cover instead and continue to reap the relaxing benefits.

Weighted blankets are typically filled with thousands of tiny glass beads that apply light pressure to the user. This pressure can have a soothing, calming effect on the body, says Nichola Henderson, a holistic life, self-development coach and wellness specialist. The general rule is to start with a weighted blanket that is about 10 per cent of your body weight, says Henderson. “So, someone of 11 stone, 154lbs, would use a blanket with a weight of around 15lbs. This is recommended only as a guide; preferred weights can vary between 5 per cent to 12 per cent of a person’s weight. A 2020 study included 28 participants with trouble falling and staying asleep. With the use of a weighted blanket over 6 weeks, there were self-reported improvements in sleeping through the night, sleep quality, and getting to sleep faster. Most sizes for the blanket are sold with white or gray colors, but the 12-pound throw is available in four other colors: white, silver, navy, and rose. All three are derived from sustainable, 100% natural dyes.Weighted blankets are often touted as therapeutically valuable for those with certain medical conditions like autism, depression and PTSD, but overall, the research supporting these claims is thin. As with any product, be wary of any medical claims from manufacturers. Who Shouldn’t Use a Weighted Blanket?

Many weighted blankets are specifically designed for children. A weighted blanket for kids will range between 3 and 10 pounds. If your child weighs more than 100 pounds, then a blanket for adults or children may be more suitable.As a general rule, a weighted blanket should be 5 to 10 percent of your body weight. The weighted blanket should also fit snugly to the size of the bed. Although this is not always the case, some heavier weighted blankets are wider and/or longer than their lighter counterparts. Most weighted blankets are designed for single person use, so twin is the most common size offered by manufacturers. A common size for larger weighted blankets is 60 inches wide by 80 inches long, which corresponds to a queen size mattress.

Another option is to have one placed on top of a lighter tog duvet, so you can easily remove one or the other as needed. In the winter, both together has the additional benefit of warmth and weight to help encourage a good night’s sleep. The verdict: Weighted blanketsHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Newer versions sometimes swerve the beaded inners entirely, instead creating heaviness by layering up cotton into a weave – like this one from Remy Sleep. This makes it easier to wash, and they can look a little cuter when hung over your sofa arm or bed, too. Do weighted blankets work? Helix is a company best known for mattresses, but the brand also offers a line of bedding that includes the Helix Weighted Blanket. The blanket’s outside cover is made of cozy fleece on one side and soft microfiber on the other, both of which have an exceptionally soft feel. The blanket is designed with high-quality glass bead fill encased in a cotton shell. Grid stitching keeps the glass beads in place, resulting in even distribution across the blanket and preventing the fill from bunching up. Ali A, et al. (2017). Massage therapy and quality of life in osteoarthritis of the knee: A qualitative study.