Weighted Blankets Can Make You Fall Asleep Faster—Here Are the Best Ones Based on Your Needs
In a sea of sleep accessories designed to help us get a better night's rest, few are as beloved, as the weighted blanket. Sure, satin pillowcases and white noise machines are great, but the weighted blanket remains a tried-and-true essential for restless sleepers and cozy lovers alike. Plus, many folks swear by weighted blankets to help soothe anxiety and promote calmness—whether or not they're being used before bedtime or not. Here, we've rounded up the best of the best of your new favorite sleepy-time staple.
- Michael Grandner, PhD, sleep expert and director of the Sleep and Health Research Program at the University of Arizona
How do weighted blankets help?
Michael Grandner, PhD, Casper sleep advisor & director of the sleep and health research program at the University of Arizona, explains that weighted blankets were originally an occupational therapy tool designed to help children with developmental disabilities who often sleep restlessly and benefit from movement restriction therapies. This expanded to children with ADHD and other conditions that induce restless sleep.
"More recently, some adults have been using them as well, though there really is not much in the way of data to show what it does in adults," Dr. Grandner says. "If the effects for adults are similar to those in children, they may increase feelings of relaxation and comfort and may reduce restlessness."
Restlessness, insomnia, anxiety—these are all symptoms weighted blankets can reportedly soothe. While research is limited, Dr. Grander explains it all comes down to pressure. "Weighted blankets work by creating more pressure around the body during the night. For some people, this could restrict movement and restlessness and perhaps increase comfort," he says. This idea of "deep pressure touch"—a therapeutic technique that can have a calming effect on individuals—is the whole idea behind the weighted blanket, and why some people relax better under a little bit of weight.
How to choose a weighted blanket
Before you go snuggling up under the heaviest blanket you can find, hold up—not every weighted blanket might be the one for you. Some are super heavy, others are light. Some are filled with weighted microbeads, others are made from breathable knit stitches. Dr. Grandner recommends taking your personal sleeping habits into consideration, trying some options, and finding the right fit for you.
As for the weight, most manufacturers and big brands recommend going with 10 percent of your body weight, but that's just a suggestion. If you tend to get claustrophobic, go with a lighter blanket. Or, if you like that, "it's so heavy I can't move" sensation, opt with a heavier one instead. "Make sure that whatever blanket you buy has a reasonable return policy just in case it does not work for you," says Dr. Grandner. Noted.
The best weighted blankets
What are you "weighting" for? Treat yourself to a good night's sleep with one of the best weighted blankets from our list below.
Best weighted blankets for adults
Love the feeling of being held to sleep at night? Then you’ll love the Casper weighted blanket, which is basically “big spoon” in blanket form. Each blanket features a quilted design filled with microbeads that melt over arms and legs. That way, pressure is distributed evenly across the body, allowing you to relax and slip into the most restful slumber. Available in three weights: 10, 15, and 20 pounds.
If you’re on the market for a weighted blanket, you can’t go wrong with one from Baloo. Its line of eco-friendly weighted blankets feel as good as they look, made with a tightly quilted pattern that keeps the microbeads where they belong. If you’re looking for a lightweight throw, we love this 12-pound option that drapes as easily over you as it does the couch. Want some more weight? Check out some of the larger options, which weigh up to 25 pounds.
Love all things cozy? Get the UnHide blanket. It’s made from a ridiculously soft faux fur that feels almost exactly like the real thing (not to mention, is made from recycled plastics). Softness aside, it weighs 9.5 pounds, making it the heavy enough without feeling oppressive. It’s ridiculously comfortable, trendy, and just about the best blanket your money can buy.
One W+G writer described the Gravity weighted blanket as the less-sandy version of the mermaid’s tail you would build around your legs on the beach as a kid. Whether you have insomnia, anxiety, or just like the feeling of a thicker blanket, these weighted blankets are the bomb. They’re soft, science-backed, and come in a wide range of colors, styles, and weights (even a weighted robe, for comfort on the go).
Best weighted blankets for hot sleepers
Night sweats keeping you from getting good Zzzs? Get the Bearaby Tree Napper, an exquisite cooling weighted blanket that’ll keep you comfortable while you snooze. It’s made from a blend of natural eucalyptus fibers and Tencel Lyocell, which work together to regulate temperatures as you relax. Available in three weightd (15, 20, and 25 pounds), these knit throws are the stuff of dreams.
This blanket is made from lyocell bamboo, which is one of the most cooling materials to sleep in. Like the others, it features quilted sections that keep microbeads where they belong—just in a way cooler fashion. Throw this bad boy on the couch or over your bed and be prepared to stay cool on even the hottest nights.
This cloud-like blanket is made from bamboo lyocell, making it cool to the touch on even the hottest nights. It’s also designed to stimulate airflow while you sleep, so while other weighted blankets trap body heat, this circulates air for less-sweaty snoozing. They’re available in standard bedding sizes (twin through king), as well as a variety of different weights and colors, so you can find your perfect fit.
Nuzzie swaps out the microbeads for knit microfiber, giving you a totally breathable blanket you won’t ever want to take off. Since there are actual gaps within the knit stitching, air has room to flow, keeping you cool and relaxed as the night goes on. Choose from four different sizes: 8, 15, 20, and 25 pounds.
Best cheap weighted blankets
Searching for a budget-friendly blanket that’s actually worth snuggling in? You can’t go wrong with this throw from Tranquility, which is just $49. The quilted pattern keeps the weighted beads from bunching or twisting up while you sleep. But there are other styles to choose from, so if you do prefer the knit style or want a cooling blanket, Tranquility has something for you—all easy on the wallet.
Meet the best under $100 weighted blanket on Amazon. According to 40,000 5-star reviews, this blanket is the bee’s knees: It’s big, heavy, and comes with a removable cover you can pop in the wash when it’s time for a break. As one writer put it, ” This blanket delivers! Im confident you too will not be disappointed!” Noted.
If you want to go the under $50 route, check out the Zzzhen. True to its name, it will bring you all the zen in the world (not to mention, a good night’s sleep, too). Expect all the features you want out of a high-quality blanket (quilt design, breathable fabric, ideal weight) just without the luxury price tag.
You’ll never want to get out from under this throw, it’s that dreamy. Unlike the other options on this list, it’s made using double-sided sherpa so you can bliss out in maximum comfort. With three options (12, 15, and 20 pounds to choose from) adding one to your cart isn’t even a question.
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