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The Top 10 Weighted Blankets For Stress-Free Shut-Eye
Sweet dreams are waiting.
More than one-third of Americans don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). If you’re one of them, you’ve probably tried many things, from essential oils and sleep masks to body pillows and a new mattress to try and get better rest. Another great tool for improving your quality of sleep is a weighted blanket. The best weighted blankets are touted for their ability to help with everything from insomnia and anxiety to ADHD and autism.
What is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is filled with poly pellets, weighted discs, or glass beads to add heft. They come in many different materials, and range in weight from five to 30 pounds. Many people compare the feeling of a sleeping under a weighted blanket to wearing a weighted vest during an X-ray — only much more comfortable. Much like a regular duvet cover and comforter set, this bedding typically comes in two parts, or layers. The inner layer holds the weight, while the outer layer offers up sensational comfort in the form of soft, cozy materials.
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
A study in the American Journal of Occupational Therapy suggests that deep pressure touch (DPT), like that simulated in weighted blankets, is effective for those looking to calm their anxiety. It also increases your natural production of serotonin, also known as the “happiness hormone.” Additionally, it coaxes your system into the production of melatonin, which helps you sleep.
What’s more, the added pressure of a weighted blanket is said to give you a sense of protection, as it mimics the feeling of a warm hug. In fact, that’s the chief reason behind the continual use of weighted blankets in therapy for those experiencing anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD), and autism.
Experts recommend choosing a weighted blanket that’s roughly 10 percent of your body weight. (So, if you’re 150 pounds, a 15-pound blanket is right for you.) And of course, the material you prefer is up to you! Whether you’re shopping for you, your child, or someone you love, you’ll find an option here that works for you. Keep scrolling to see our picks for the best weighted blankets. Better sleep is on the way!
