If you’re having a hard time sleeping, suffering from sudden onset anxiety, and can’t seem to destress, you might be looking into getting a weighted blanket.
How do weighted blankets work?
These sleep tools help improve sleep, calm the mind, and reduce stress. They work by deep pressure stimulation (DPT). DPT is a gentle, firm pressure that stimulates the feeling of a hug or a massage. It decreases the activity of the body’s nervous system that controls the fight-or-flight part of the brain. At the same time, this special touch also increases the activity of the body’s rest and digest system, which lowers the body’s heart rate and blood pressure. This helps you feel calmer.
Of course, not all weighted blankets are made the same. That said, there are a few factors you should consider before spending your money on one.
Should your weighted blanket be 10% of your body weight?
A common belief is that a weighted blanket should be 10% of your current body weight to be effective. This isn’t exactly true. The 10% rule is suggested for safety reasons.
Basically, using a weighted blanket that is more than 10% of your body weight can be dangerous. Of course, our body weight shifts regularly. In fact, it can fluctuate around 5 pounds throughout the day. So, how effective can this unwritten rule of 10% really be?
The perfect weight for sleep and relaxation
Many people prefer a weighted blanket with a lower weight because it doesn’t feel overwhelming.
Research by Psychology Today says the ideal weight for sleep and relaxation without excessive pressure or the generation of too much heat is 5kg.
What’s better? Having a cover or no cover?
Most weighted blankets come with a removable washable cover attached by many loops and ties. These covers can feel like a huge hassle when they need to be washed, and if they aren’t tied properly, the blanket can feel cumbersome. Additionally, covers can also come in cooling materials, warm fleece mater, and sometimes double-sided with a cool side or a warm side.
Comparatively, some weighted blankets are single units. Without a cover, they are easy to care for and transport from one room to the other. Plus, you don’t have to mess around with any loops and ties.
Make sure you pick a weighted blanket with glass bead filling
Weighted blankets can come with small plastic pellets or tiny glass beads filling. Those with micro glass bead filling are of higher quality. Plus, they’ll be more breathable, and if you’re a hot sleeper, breathability is important.
Also, glass bead filling is more silent and make sure they’re encased in small pockets. This will also ensure evenly distributed weight.
The kuddly weighted blanket
Kuddly is a great choice if you’re look for a high-quality, single unit weighted blanket.
It weighs around 5kg, and it’s machine washable. Plus, ultra-silent micro-glass sand beads give the kuddly blanket its weight.
As such, you really can’t go wrong choosing kuddly.