A Weighted Blanket Could Be The Secret To Your Best Sleep Yet And Here Are Our Favourite Ones

Chances are, you'll have had a discussion about the best weighted blankets in the last 12 months.

Yes, because we've barely been able to leave our house and what else is there to do but have such conversations like, what's the best weighted blanket? But also because it seems like all of a sudden everyone is talking about weighted blankets and their benefits.

At the very least you've probably had one served to you as advert, or had a little browse. There's so much choice - weight, price, materials... so here's our guide to the best weighted blankets...

What does a weighted blanket do?

Lovers of weighted blankets say they can help with anxiety, sleep issues and on the whole just feel really relaxing and comfortable.

According to sleep experts at MELA, ‘Deep Pressure Therapy (DTP) is a term for when pressure is applied equally across the body, which is proven to have a calming effect on the nervous system. The technique, applied through a hug, or say, a weighted blanket, has been shown to increase the release of dopamine and serotonin by around 30%, and decrease the stress hormone cortisol by the same amount, promoting the production of melatonin, the hormone that helps sleep.’ The blanket also can help increase the levels of oxytocin, a hormone that helps provide a feeling of relaxation, making you feel at ease.

What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?

‘DTP has been shown to have powerful benefits for those with insomnia, anxiety, depression, autism, tourettes, restless leg syndrome, ADHD and PTSD,’ say MELA.

A Study from Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders (2015) found that a weighted blanket helped those with insomnia sleep better, simply because it helped them feel more settled before bed.

How do weighted blankets work? What are they filled with?

Usually, they’re filled with glass beads of plastic pellets to get them to the desired weight.

How heavy should a weighted blanket be?

A weighted blanket should weight between seven and 12 per cent of your body weight. Around 10 per cent is recommended by most places.

How do you use a weighted blanket?

You can use it however you like, whether it’s to destress on the couch after a long day, or in bed as a duvet or over your sheet/duvet. It’s recommended you have the blanket up to your chest neck area, and sleep on your back to get the full, calming affect.

What are the best weighted blankets?