Getting to sleep at night over the past year has been a real struggle. I’ve tried pillow sprays, reading before bed, and everything else I could possibly think of to clear my mind and make me feel calm. It was frustrating that I couldn’t seem to find anything that worked for me.
After some research, I got it into my head that maybe I should try a weighted blanket. My parents gifted me one for Christmas, and I have been using it at night ever since.
WHAT IS A WEIGHTED BLANKET?
Weighted blankets are essentially what it says in the name – a blanket with added weight. Usually these are tiny, little glass or plastic beads that are distributed evenly over the interior lining of the blanket. The weight can be anything from 5Ibs (which is what I have) all the way up to 30Ibs. Researching which weight would be best for you and following medical advice on the topic is always important, especially if being used by children.
Weighted blankets have been around in the special needs community for a while. For those needing help with sensory processing, such as austism and ADHD, they have been used to provide a calming pressure. It’s only in recent years that weighted blankets have started being used by people suffering from anxiety and stress.
IS IT WORTH YOUR MONEY?
Part of me didn’t fully believe it would live up to the hype, but it has honestly never felt so good to be proven wrong. It feels like a hug in the form of a blanket, and definitely adds a new layer of comfort. I have mostly been using mine over the top of my duvet at night to help me sleep, but I also enjoy using it when reading too. This may sound silly, because it’s just a blanket, but it makes me feel safe which in turn calms my nerves and helps me relax.
Getting used to the extra weight took a little time, but now I can’t imagine going to sleep without it. Just lying in my bed with my duvet feels like something is missing. I also haven’t had any issues in feeling too hot either, which was originally a concern of mine. My weighted blanket is from kudd.ly and I couldn’t recommend more! It is washing machine friendly, they offer two different colours, and the material is super soft and velvety. It also comes packaged wrapped in a bow which makes it the perfect gift for someone else too.
Do you use a weighted blanket? Let me know in the comments!
*This isn’t a sponsored post, I just genuinely love my blanket from the company mentioned.
This sounds like such a good idea. And it’s not hot at all?
It hasn’t been for me so far! I’m thinking maybe in the summer months it might be too hot so I might end up picking the blanket or the duvet to use at night. But currently I’m having no overheating issues with it. I think the material they’ve used feels quite breathable and light in a way 😊
Great post! I don’t have a weighted blanket but I really want one in the future. One of my gfs have one and I love using it when I come over! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I didn’t know that its great for people who have ADHD and/or Autism. xx
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Thanks! I have found the weighted blanket really helps me relax more and destress, especially when I’m struggling to sleep. I hope you’re able to get one soon! 🙂
Never heard of weighted blankets but they seem sooo comfy. My issue I guess would be avoiding having my boyfriend stealing it during the night (he is both a blanket and pillow stealer – this night I went to the bathroom for 5seconds and when i came back he was already hugging my pillow ha ha, what a guy).
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They are super comfy! Hopefully if you get one you’ll be able to keep your boyfriend from stealing it in the middle of the night haha!
I know quite a lot of people who have a weighted blanket and they love it. I get quite bad anxiety and so have considered it but I’m a little bit worried about feeling trapped, if that makes sense? Great post x
That makes perfect sense! Personally, I opted for the lightest weight (5Ibs) because I was also worried about feeling trapped. This weight, for me, is enough to make me feel secure whilst also not making me feel trapped. But I understand that it may not be right for everyone 🙂
I’ve got a weighted blanket (although it’s a different brand to yours) and I love it! It’s so comforting x
Oh nice! What brand do you have, if you don’t mind me asking?
Mine is Kalm Koala: https://kalmkoala.com/products/koala-blanket?variant=31611394949194
They are quite expensive but I was lucky enough to get it as a Christmas present from my mum the year before last x
How heavy is yours? I got one but now I realize there are different weights. Mine is so heavy I can barely move! Maybe I just need to get a lighter one? I don’t know the weight of mine but it’s HEAVY
Oh no! I wasn’t sure how much weight I would be able to handle so I went for the lighter ones. Mine is 5kg and I’m finding it to be really comfortable and not too heavy at all.
Maybe I’ll go throw mine on a scale! I think I just need to find one that’s lighter. Thanks!
Haha, sounds like a good plan!