How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be: Determining the Right Size

Do you suffer from low-quality sleep? Does anxiety, insomnia, or ADHD stand in the way of good rest? If you face such obstacles, then you might’ve considered switching the blanket at least once so far.  However, then comes the task of choosing a suitable size and material.

There are several factors to consider to determine the correct size of a weighted blanket for you. In this article, you’ll discover everything you need to know about these products. In turn, you’ll improve your hygiene and overall well-being. Keep reading for the details.

What Is a Weighted Blanket?

In 1997, Keith Zivalich invented the weighted blanket after taking inspiration from his daughter’s stuffed toy. Later, he sold the first weighted blanket in 1998. His creation appeared in a Hollywood movie called “Fear Of Rain,” where the main character used the Magic Blanket for comfort. Since its first debut, the weighted blanket has become a worldwide sensation. But, what makes it different?

In short, it provides deep pressure stimulation (DPT), which promotes relaxation, eases anxiety, and enables REM sleep. Weighted blankets come in different sizes, colors, and weights for various situations. However, they all use micro glass beads for weight distribution. In that way, they assist you when struggling with finding sleep.

According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, weighted blankets can also be an effective measure against insomnia. So, it’s a convenient solution that might elicit change organically. Furthermore, weighted blankets might promote deep sleep, which reduces daytime sleepiness.

You can say that weighted blankets can combat anxiety for grown-ups, similar to a newborn swaddle. The way they apply pressure mimics receiving a hug, resulting in a calming effect. Plus, they don’t achieve this by making you feel too warm all of a sudden. Instead, the fabric allows you to get used to it without impairing your breathing.

Benefits of Using a Weighted Blanket

Many studies confirm the benefits of using a weighted blanket. Here’s a breakdown of some documented advantages of their prolonged usage:

  • Improve your mood: When someone hugs you, your body releases oxytocin, the “feel-good” hormone. Furthermore, your body releases less Cortisol, AKA the stress hormone. The hugging effect of a weighted blanket also produces serotonin and dopamine, much like chocolate.
  • Boost Melatonin: Studies show that melatonin also increases due to serotonin release. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for deep sleep. So, when you feel the measured pressure of a weighted blanket, it’ll also get you to fall asleep faster. Thanks to that added weight, it’ll be harder for you to resist finding peace.
  • Calms restless leg syndrome: People with Restless Leg Syndrome have problems staying still long enough to fall asleep. However, a weighted blanket helps them reduce the leg’s movements. It’s because the weighted blanket provides gentle pressure that calms down the jittery nerves in the legs. Next, they’ll manage to forget about their condition and soon rest.

In general, weighted blankets can improve sleep quality for autism, ADHD, and anxiety. Furthermore, they’re not only for sleep; people wear weighted robes, lab pads, and jumpsuits to get similar effects.

A common issue among Canadian families is not getting enough sleep due to daily stress. If this isn’t exactly news for you, then consider equipping your bedroom with some weighted blankets. Next, it’s time to learn how heavy a weighted blanket should be.

How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be?

What Is a Weighted Blanket

Weighted blankets come in many weights and sizes that fit all body types. You can find a size as small as 36×48 to 200×200 inches, and they can also weigh between 10 and 35 pounds. So, what’s the ideal weight of a weighted blanket, and what’s the perfect size?

The problem here is one of balance. You don’t want the blanket to burden you, and at the same time, you want to get the right amount of pressure to feel comfy. According to experts, you should choose a blanket that’s 5%-12% your weight. So, if your weight is 200 pounds, your weighted blanket should be about 20 pounds.

By following that formula, you’ll find the right answer in no time. However, if you can’t find a 20 pounds weighted blanket, add another 2%. For instance, 24-pound weighted blankets are much more common. So, there’s always a quick solution.

Given the increase in demand for these products, now it’s the best time to find the right one. For starters, all you need to do is measure your mattress. Then, simply look for weighted blanked for that size. Also, remember that there’s some leeway here: they don’t have to be an exact match.  Instead, the efficacy of the blanket is much more crucial. As long as it makes you feel peaceful, it’s the right one for you.

Where to Buy a Weighted Blanket?

Where to Buy a Weighted Blanket

If you’re interested in purchasing a weighted blanket, Amazon would be your best shot. Also, consider getting a weighted blanket from local shops that sell sleep products. As a third option, look for other similar web domains for directions.

For example, ComfyNorth is a Canadian company that reviews weighted blankets. Since winter temperatures are common in that country, weighted blankets are convenient for any homestead in Canada. Their web page has a great resource that covers the best Canadian weighted blankets.

Conclusion

Sometimes, our worries find a way to creep up on us even when we try to sleep. In turn, the nights morph into too short pauses just before the next round begins. Hence, instead of falling asleep, we end up wasting precious time rethinking our choices. What’s even worse is that this cycle often takes roots. Thankfully, there are products that we can take good advantage of. With their helpful design, weighted blankets can elicit much healthier habits in you. By carefully distributing a measured amount of weight, they’ll make you feel safe and secure. Then, you’ll have nothing to complain about, and simply – sleep.