Are you wondering how to choose the best-weighted blanket for yourself or for a family member? Read our blog post to discover the physical and mental health benefits to be gained and which particular blanket is best for you!
Weighted blankets are a fantastic addition to a self-care toolkit. They provide relief for insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Weighted blankets lessen the symptoms of these mental health issues by promoting a restful night's sleep.
However, customers are often unsure which weight they should opt for when purchasing a weighted blanket. Choosing the weight of your weighted blanket can be tricky, but luckily we have provided you with a complete guide to buying weighted blankets - including helpful charts and using the 10% rule. Keep reading for everything you need to know before purchasing a weighted blanket. We can ensure you pick one that it's just right!
What Is A Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket is a tool that provides therapeutic relief for those who suffer from stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. Weighted blankets are designed to add pressure to the body, in a similar way to how mothers swaddle their babies.
Weighted blankets are sold in various weights, usually between 5 and 30 kilograms. They are filled with glass beads or plastic pellets to provide deep pressure stimulation that promotes restful sleep and deep relaxation.
You can choose from a variety of different weights and also a variety of different materials when purchasing your weighted blanket. You can buy weighted blankets which are made from fleece or sherpa material for added warmth, or from cotton to keenly resemble your regular duvet.
How Does A Weighted Blanket Work?
A weighted blanket works by providing deep pressure stimulation. When we receive a hug, the pressure of the physical contact stimulates the release of oxytocin in the brain, a happy hormone that can make us feel more relaxed. Weighted blankets are designed to act like a hug for the whole body by applying this same pressure.
A weighted blanket can also help stimulate the production of serotonin and dopamine in the brain. These hormones help to relieve symptoms of stress, anxiety, and depression. Using a weighted blanket can help us to achieve a state of calm and wellness which will allow us to get a better night's sleep and prevent insomnia.
If we sleep well, this will help us restore our energy levels, and better prepare us to take on the stresses of daily life. The mind-body connection is powerful, and by taking care of our bodies, we can achieve much higher levels of mental wellness.
Benefits Of Weighted Blankets That Will Surprise You
Here are some of the significant benefits you will begin to notice when you start using your weighted blanket each night.
Improved Sleep
Weighted blankets decrease your nervous system activity. This activity is what often triggers anxiety and hyperactivity. Anxiety and hyperactivity can eventually lead to insomnia and can make it difficult for you to sleep. A weighted blanket also helps to prevent night-time movement and keep you still, promoting a more balanced sleep.
Improved Mental Health
A weighted blanket stimulates the production of oxytocin, also known as the 'love drug', that is released when we receive physical affection like hugs. A weighted blanket is designed to feel like a hug, producing oxytocin. Weighted blankets also stimulate the production of serotonin and dopamine, and all of these hormones make up a recipe for overall mental wellness. Weighted blankets are surging in popularity due to their stress-reducing properties.
Reduction In Body Pain
Weighted blankets can be used to suppress movements of the legs caused by restless leg syndrome, which is a condition that causes discomfort and involuntary movement of the legs. For those with chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia, the weighted blanket can help to ease the cycle of anxiety and depression associated with having the condition, leading to a better quality of life.
How To Determine If A Weighted Blanket Is Too Heavy For Adults?
A weighted blanket can be too heavy, and if you can't move at all under your weighted blanket, this indicates that you need a lighter one. You shouldn't opt for blankets over 35kg in general, as these will be too heavy. To help you figure out which weighted blanket you should buy, we have created a helpful guide to find your perfectly weighted match.
The 10% Rule
How heavy should a weighted blanket be in proportion to your own bodyweight? Well, when choosing a weighted blanket you can use your body weight to calculate the ideal blanket weight. The 10% rule states that your weighted blanket should weigh around 10% of your total body weight.
Weighted Blanket Weight Chart For Adults
To help you with your calculations here is a helpful chart, based on the ideal body weight to blanket weight ratio:
|
Body Weight (pounds) |
Blanket Weight (pounds) |
|
120 |
12 |
|
130 |
13 |
|
140 |
14 |
|
150 |
15 |
|
160 |
16 |
|
170 |
17 |
|
180 |
18 |
|
190 |
19 |
|
200 |
20 |
How To Know If A Weighted Blanket Is Too Heavy For Children?
Weighted blankets are suitable for children as long as you calculate the weight properly, as you do not want to restrict their movement and breathing during the night.
The 10% Rule
The 10% rule also applies to weighted blankets for children and can help you to calculate the ideal blanket weight for your child. Simply use your child's body weight to calculate what weight they will need.
Weighted Blanket Weight Chart For Children
Here is a helpful chart to determine how heavy your child's weighted blanket should be:
|
Body Weight (pounds) |
Blanket Weight (pounds) |
|
120 |
12 |
|
130 |
13 |
|
140 |
14 |
|
150 |
15 |
|
160 |
16 |
|
170 |
17 |
|
180 |
18 |
|
190 |
19 |
|
200 |
20 |
How To Choose A Weighted Blanket If You Are In Between Sizes?
If you are in between sizes, it's always better to opt for the heavier weight. This is because the blanket isn't likely to be too heavy for you, but the lighter blanket may not offer enough weight to be evenly distributed across your body.
When To Avoid Weighted Blankets
Most weighted blankets are completely safe to use. However, there are some contraindications to look out for that suggest a weighted blanket may not be the right choice for you. Before you ask, “how heavy should my weighted blanket be?” It might be best to take a look at some of these health conditions which would make it ill-advised for you to invest in a weighted blanket.
Asthma
Asthma restricts breathing, and asthma can cause difficulty breathing at night. When you use a weighted blanket, additional pressure can be placed on your ribcage, making it more difficult to breathe. So, if you have severe asthma, then a weighted blanket might not be suitable for you.
Claustrophobia
When those with claustrophobia use a weighted blanket, the deep touch pressure may not provide the same anxiety relief as it does for the average user. In fact, it could have the opposite effect and trigger panic. So, if you have claustrophobia, you must consider whether a soft weighted blanket would provide relief or trigger your claustrophobia.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Like asthma, obstructive sleep apnea can cause difficulty breathing at night. The weight evenly distributed across the body from a weighted blanket could cause further restriction of breathing that can be potentially dangerous.
Respiratory Disorders
If you suffer from any kind of respiratory disorder, a weighted blanket can exacerbate the feeling of tightness in the chest and lead to difficulty breathing during the night. So, those of you with any type of respiratory disorder should avoid using weighted blankets.
Low Blood Pressure
Weighted blankets work well to lower blood pressure and reduce stress. However, if you already have low blood pressure, then using a weighted blanket is not recommended, as falling asleep with extra weight on your body could be harmful.
Type 2 Diabetes
Those of you who have type 2 diabetes usually suffer from poor circulation. As weighted blankets lower blood pressure, this can be dangerous for diabetes sufferers. For this reason, it is best not to use weighted blankets to fall asleep if you have type 2 diabetes.
How To Choose Which Weighted Blanket To Purchase?
To purchase the correct weighted blanket for you, you will need to know your body weight so that you can make your 10% rule calculations and use our helpful chart. There are some additional factors to also consider when purchasing a blanket for a calming effect.
Price
When looking for a weighted blanket it is important to understand that they tend to be a little pricey. Weighted blankets improve sleep quality because they contain lots of filling to achieve weight. This means that you can generally expect to pay between $90 and $200 for a quality weighted blanket.
Variety
Finding the perfect weighted blanket includes considering which material you will find most comfortable and which blankets will be easiest to clean. You might consider a weighted blanket with a removable cover for easier cleaning. The filling and the material of the weighted blanket determine how easy it is to clean, so be sure to do some research into cleaning weighted blankets before you make your purchase.
Weight Options
You now know how to calculate which weighted blanket weight you need, so you can look at the weight options available in the blankets you're considering buying. If you're in between sizes, you should opt for the heavier blanket.
Brands
You want your weighted blanket to evenly distribute weight across your body and not clump up in certain areas. This is why it's always best to opt for high-quality brands that provide soft and durable materials.
Customer Reviews
Check out the customer reviews before buying your weighted blanket. If there are any negative reviews of the product and its quality, you should steer clear of buying it. Weighted blankets are expensive, so you don't want to buy one only to be disappointed with the quality.
Summary
When buying your first weighted blanket, there's a lot to consider. By reading this guide, you will have all the knowledge you need to make a perfect choice. So, go ahead and purchase your weighted blanket and start enjoying more restful sleep and emotional wellness!
Bluzen is a family-run business who are devoted to providing its customers with the tools to practice self-care and improve their mental and physical health. Our essential oils and self-care accessories are designed to promote and provide a better quality of life for our beloved customers.