The Lowdown on Weighted Blankets
2020 Oct 7th
Struggling to fall asleep, stay calm, or keep focused?
A weighted blanket may be the answer! Weighted blankets are well-loved for promoting feelings of calm and improving sleep quality. But how do they work exactly? And how can you choose the best weighted blanket for you? Let’s dive in…
How Do Weighted Blankets Work?
If you’ve ever felt calm and relaxed wrapped in a big blanket, you’ve had a small taste of what a weighted blanket can do!
Weighted blankets are made by filling a fabric shell with a material such as plastic pellets. These pellets give the blanket its weight, which triggers something called Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS).
We make our Balance Weighted Blankets with hypoallergenic, non-toxic glass beads (a healthier option than plastic pellets!). These glass beads are wrapped in a breathable 100% cotton shell lined with polyester to keep the beads in place.
So what does Deep Pressure Stimulation do exactly? Simply put, Deep Pressure Stimulation mimics the sensation of gentle squeezing, holding, or a hug. This triggers a chain reaction in the body that relaxes the nervous system and leads to an overall calming sensation.
Here’s a closer look at what weighted blankets can do:
What Are the Top Benefits of Weighted Blankets?
- Relieves Stress & Anxiety
Who hasn’t felt stressed out or anxious before? Stress and anxiety can cause your heart rate to increase and your breathing to get faster. But the pressure of a weighted blanket switches your autonomic nervous system into “rest” mode instead. This increases the feel-good hormone serotonin while decreasing the stress hormone cortisol, which promotes an overall sensation of calm (individuals with anxiety disorders may find weighted blankets particularly helpful!)
- Aids Sensory Disorders
Individuals with conditions like Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often struggle with sensory overload. This can make things like paying attention and socializing a challenge. The pressure from a weighted blanket can help provide relief from this overstimulation, promote calm, and improve focus.
- Increases Deep Sleep
Those who struggle with insomnia, restlessness, or even occasional sleeplessness may find a weighted blanket helps. First off, the pressure from a weighted blanket calms your heart rate and breathing. This prepares your body for rest and makes falling asleep easier. Deep Pressure Stimulation also helps you stay asleep by increasing serotonin, a building block of the sleep hormone melatonin.
How to Choose the Right Weighted Blanket
Ready to give a weighted blanket a try? There are a few simple factors to consider first…
A weighted blanket should be roughly 7-12% of your body weight. Please note, weighted blankets are not recommended for people under 70 lbs (32 kg).
Our Balance Weighted Blankets come in two sizes and three weights. Here’s a handy chart to help you choose the right weight:
What Should You Do if You’re Between Sizes?
If you usually sleep on your side, have mobility issues, or sensitive joints, we recommend choosing the next weight down. If none of these stipulations applies to you, you can add a couple pounds to 10% of your body weight to determine the best blanket weight.
A Few Simple Precautions
To be safe, a weighted blanket should never go above your shoulders or cover your head when you’re sleeping. It should also never be used to restrain a person or for children under three years old.
Ready to Enjoy the Benefits of a Balance Weighted Blanket?
Whether you're stressed, anxious, or sleepless, a Balance Weighted Blanket can do a world of good. Pick one up today and see for yourself!
