Do your thoughts keep you up at night or do you struggle to get a full night's sleep? If you're having a negative experience falling asleep at night, one small way to help combat those feelings is investing in the best weighted blankets for a good night's sleep.
They have been around for a while and have gained popularity in recent years, but what is a weighted blanket? Put simply it is a blanket with weights in it that give the sensation of being hugged, or cuddled, which in turn releases chemicals such as serotonin and melatonin - both crucial for sleep and general wellbeing. It's these chemicals that make us feel secure - and ultimately less stressed. Some blanket manufacturers also suggest anxiety-inducing cortisol levels are also reduced with their products. You can use your weighted blanket on top of your bed linenor on the sofa as a throw.
There’s lots of research around the benefit these blankets bring, but they’re already proven, and being used in medical applications. Weighted blankets are commonly used in the treatment of children with behavioural issues such as autism and ADHD. The best weighted blankets may not be for everyone. You can also get cooling weighted blankets if you're worried they will make you too hot.
Best weighted blankets at a glance
• Best weighted blanket overall: John Lewis Specialist Synthetic Weighted Blanket - View now on John Lewis
• Best technology: Simba OrbitTM Weighted Blanket - View now on Simba
• Best premium weighted blanket: Gravity Blanket: The Weighted Blanket for Sleep - View now on Amazon UK
With that in mind, we’ve chosen the best weighted blankets on the market today and answered all the frequently asked questions you have about using them.
The best weighted blankets
Best premium weighted blanket
Description
If you've heard of weighted blankets, you'll have likely heard of Gravity Blankets. Like every
Pros
- Doesn't bunch up
- Different colours available
Cons
- Can be heavy for some
Best breathable weighted blanket
balooliving.co.uk
Description
Fancy a weighted blanket, but prefer to use sheets you already own? A Baloo weighted blanket might
Pros
- Lightweight and breathable
- Gentle
- Can use all year round
Cons
- Some reviews have found it is not heavy enough for their liking
Best affordable weighted blanket
Description
Mela might not be as well-known as Gravity blankets, but they're just as impressive. Made from
Pros
- Different sizes and weights available
- Great instructions and aftercare
Cons
- Would like more colours
Best weighted blanket overall
www.johnlewis.com
Description
With a special weighty filling to create a reassuringly cosy feel and even pressure across your
Pros
- Well made
- Different sizes available
- Warm and cosy
Cons
- Takes a while to adjust
Best technology
simbasleep.com
Description
The Simba Orbit weighted blanket uses impressive nano-bead technology to help guide away
Pros
- Washable cover
- Breathable cotton material
Cons
- Only one size available
Best temperature-regulating weighted blanket
theoodie.co.uk
Description
Oodie has garnered a great reputation in keeping us warm in their famous cosy hoodies and the
Pros
- Reputable name
- Soft and warm
Cons
- Would like the option of being able to buy a spare cover
Best weighted blanket for travel
Description
This Silentnight Weighted Blanket is great for those who want some comfort on the sofa, in bed or
Pros
- A good option for using around the house
- Warm when you need warmth and cooling when it's hot
Cons
- Hard to dry at home
Best weighted blankets FAQs
How to wash a weighted blanket
The best way to wash a weighted blanket is either in your washing machine or to get it professionally cleaned. Choose a gentle wash cycle and use cold or warm water to air dry the blanket, spread it out flat and occasionally shake it out to make sure the inner fill evenly distributes. If your blanket weighs above 10kg, you may need to take it to a launderette to be cleaned due to the weight of the item.
When do you use a weighted blanket?
While some can be used at night to boost serotonin and melatonin, other manufacturers suggest using them in bursts, such as naps or while working. Weight is obviously a key part in how these blankets work, and the blanket you get is always determined by your body weight. Most manufacturers say a blanket should be 10 per cent of your weight.
Hannah Mellin is a Homes & Garden Product Writer for Yours. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's renovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle, three cats and a tortoise called Bobby.