The general rule of thumb is to choose a weighted blanket that is roughly 10 percent of your own body weight. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. Realistically, a blanket weighing between 5 and 12 percent of your body weight may be comfortable. The best way to determine your optimal blanket is to test out different weights. Some people should avoid weighted blankets, or at least consult with a physician before using one. For instance, you should definitely have a word with your doctor about weighted blankets if you live with a chronic respiratory or circulatory issue, such as asthma, low blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes. Some weighted blanket manufacturers actively discourage people with these conditions from using their products.

In other words, weighted blankets can help but don't assume that they 100% will. Talk to a medical professional, try it out, and don't be afraid to search for other means if the weighted blanket doesn't seem to calm you down. Do you have to have a weighted blanket to deal with stress, anxiety, and ASD? And if there isn't an exact match among the weight options, we'd generally suggest going under. So, if from the previous example you find the best weighted blanket on the market, it's better to get a 7kg weighted blanket than a 10kg weighted blanket. What to consider when buying the best weighted blanket Lastly, while it can be romantic, we don't typically advise sharing a weighted blanket. This is especially true if you plan on sleeping with it. The last thing you'd want is for your partner to toss about and accidentaly cover your face with the weighted blanket. Machine wash, not dry:Some weighted blankets can be washed in a machine as a whole, but should be air dried rather than machine dried.A weighted blanket should never feel so heavy that you can't easily move around underneath it. To find the best weight for you, you'll need to do some basic math. Most manufacturers recommend choosing a weighted blanket that's roughly 10% of your body weight. So if you weigh around 150 pounds, a 15-pound blanket is ideal. Don't worry about hitting the exact number; within the 7% to 12% range is considered good. We were also thrilled with the quality for the price because weighted blankets aren’t always the most budget-friendly buys. But the blyss is an excellent value-for-money investment that is brilliant for use in bed and for getting cosy during the day while working from home or evenings in front of your favourite Netflix series. The blanket also comes with a drawstring dust bag to keep it fresh while it’s not being used. Shoppers seeking a weighted blanket that won’t lead to excessive overheating should look no further than the Hush Iced 2.0 Cooling Weighted Blanket. From the lightweight cover to the cool fill material, this blanket was designed with hot sleepers in mind. Again, have a chat with your family doctor before deciding which blanket – if any – will be the most effective sleep strategy for your child. Do Weighted Blankets Make You Hot?

Our testers judged how comfortable the blankets were to lie under and whether they felt too restrictive. They also considered whether their weight and size felt appropriate, if they helped them feel relaxed, and how easy the care guide was to follow. The most common recommendation is that a weighted blanket should be around 10% of your body weight. However, this varies from person to person and you must feel comfortable under the blanket. It’s important that you feel relaxed but not too constricted. You should be able to move around easily if you need to.

The verdict: Weighted blankets

One of the more commonly asked questions in regards to weighted blankets is how they can potentially help people with autism. And this is especially true when it comes to children. The fact of the matter is that we can't tell you with certainty whether a weighted blanket will or won't help you or your child. However, here's what we've found researching this topic. Depending on availability, we test up to three weights for each blanket. This allows us to gauge how comfortable the blanket is for different weight groups. Some blankets also promote more airflow than others due to how they are constructed. Knitted blankets have an openwork design that allows air to pass through freely, and this can help you keep cool – even if the blanket is exceptionally heavy. Quilted blankets cannot circulate air as well and often sleep hot as a result.

Bean, S. R., Khawaja, I. S., Ventimiglia, J. B., & Khan, S. S. (2021). COVID-somnia: Sleep Disruptions Associated with the COVID-19 Pandemic. Psychiatric Annals. The main priority is that it feels comforting, not too heavy and not too light. It is always a good idea, where possible, to try a few different weights around the 10 per cent guide, to see what feels good. The blanket should encourage the feeling of rest and relaxation and help soothe and calm the body and mind. It’s important to choose a texture that feels soothing too, nothing that will irritate your skin.” Is it OK to sleep with a weighted blanket every night? We didn’t like: While it’s a definite plus that the cover can be removed for washing, the corner ties that attach it to the weighted blanket were a little fiddly. It took me a couple of attempts and about 15 minutes to get the cover on properly, which might get tedious if you want to wash it on the reg.From the studies that have been done, there is a common theme that weighted blankets may be a useful tool to help with anxiety symptoms,” says Henderson. “There have been various studies in different scenarios, from patients in a psychiatric facility to patients receiving chemotherapy. Results have shown that anxiety levels were reduced by up to 60 per cent with the use of the weighted blanket.” However, experts agree more research is needed. How do I choose the right one/weight for me? Though all weighted blankets serve the same purpose — they provide pressure to help you relax and feel calm — there are actually a variety of factors that set the styles apart. Here are the most important details to consider when choosing the right weighted blanket for you: There are very few studies that examine the use of weighted blankets for ADHD, but a 2014 study was performed using weighted vests. In this study, researchers explain that weighted vests have been used in ADHD therapy to improve attention and reduce hyperactive movements.