How to Choose a Weighted Blanket

Are you thinking of buying a weighted blanket? If so, you are joining a growing number of people who find these blankets help them enjoy a better night’s sleep. How do they work? The principle of the weighted blanket is to replicate a type of therapy that is used to help people relax. This is called Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS). The blanket is made from an outer lining, inside of which are small pellets or discs of plastic, glass, or other materials. These add weight – we’ll talk more about how much – that effectively pushes down on the body, providing a comforting effect. 

Weighted blankets are used to help people with anxiety problems to relax so they can sleep better, and are also known to help those who suffer from ADHD. They are not expensive and come in various different sizes and weights. So, what do you need to think about when choosing a weighted blanket? Let’s talk about some important factors to consider.

Weight of the Blanket

This is the most important factor to consider. The weight is provided the pellets inside the blanket’s lining, and these are sewn into small sections in order that they can distribute the weight evenly across the body. What you need to consider is the weight of the blanket you buy.

Weighted blankets usually weigh between 5 to 30 pounds. There is a rule of thumb that is proposed by medical experts, which says that you should be looking at a blanket with a weight equivalent to 10% of your body weight, plus a couple of pounds. So, if you weigh 100lbs, you should choose a blanket of around 12lbs. The reason for this is that while you want to feel the weight – as it is that which creates the cocoon effect – you do not want it to be too heavy, so it is uncomfortable.

What is it Made From?

You also need to check out the fabric that the blanket is made from, and you can click here for some examples of the blankets available right now. You will find that cotton and nylon are the usual materials for these blankets. Also, you may want to know what the filling is – the beads or discs that provide the weight – as this can vary too. Glass beads are favored by many as they are eco-friendly, and they do a very good job of providing a spread weight.

You can find weighted blankets that are waterproof, too, should you wish. Size is another consideration – are you buying a blanket for one person or for a couple? These are just a few of the factors that enter the mix when you are looking at weighted blankets, and you also need to consider the price as this can vary.

A weighted blanket can make a lot of difference if you are someone who does not sleep well, so it makes a lot of sense to check them out more carefully. Choose the right weight, and you may enjoy your sleep better than ever before.