Is a Weighted Blanket Worth it?

Hi! I have a fun topic for you today. Recently on one of my outings of half an hour, Aaron and I went to a pharmacy. There I saw something I’ve been interested in for a while now: A weighted blanket. There was only one left and I felt compelled to buy it. I’m so happy I did – it’s a really great feeling!

What is a Weighted Blanket?

As the name implies, it’s a blanket with more weight to it than usual. They can weigh between 10 and 30 pounds. The reason they’re so heavy is because they’re filled with a heavy material. This is usually something like glass, metal or polypropylene beads, sand, pebbles or grains. This material is evenly distributed within sown squares on the blanket so you don’t end up with the filling in one corner!

Benefits

Weighted blankets are great for autism, anxiety and other mental disorders but they can help anyone have a better sleep.

Weighted blankets work with the principle of deep pressure therapy to switch from the sympathetic nervous system to the parasympathetic nervous system. This means getting out of ‘fight or flight’ mode and into relaxation mode. Important hormones like dopamine, serotonin and melatonin are released, helping to increase happiness and decrease tension.

A weighted blanket can also help with pain relief due to these hormones.

Disadvantages

There aren’t too many disadvantages when it comes to these blankets but there are a few.

Weighted blankets aren’t recommended for people with sleep-breathing problems like sleep apnea. They’re also not good for babies.

Another disadvantage is the higher cost, but most people find it worth it.

What Weight Do I Choose?

Since weighted blankets come in different weights, you might be wondering which one to buy. The general rule is to get one that is at least 10% of your body weight. So if you weigh 150 pounds, the right blanket for you would be 15 pounds. If you’re in between two weights, it’s recommended to get the heavier blanket.

So, is it worth it?

My conclusion is that weighted blankets are definitely worth it! I feel super comfortable and can use it even in warmer weather. The weighted blanket feels like a comforting hug and I enjoy using it with my meditation. I recommend trying it out, especially with a single size which is less expensive than ones for double beds, queens or kings!