HAVING trouble sleeping? A weighted blanket might just be the thing you need to switch off and get a proper night of rest.
But if you're not sure where to start, then we've put together our picks of the best weighted blankets – and there's one for every budget, and every need.
What is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is a heavy blanket that can be used to help aid sleep and reduce feelings of anxiety.
They're heavy because they have plastic or glass beads stitched inside, which compress the body gently, causing less restlessness and promoting feelings of calm.
They're made from all different materials and come in a variety of styles and colours – some have washable outer layers or fleecy covers for extra cosiness.
Weighted blankets tend to be pricier than regular blankets and prices generally start at around the £80 mark.
How does a weighted blanket work?
Weighted blankets work in a way that is similar to deep touch pressure therapy, as the heavy feeling of the blanket puts gentle pressure on the body, which helps to release serotonin to the brain, providing a sense of calm to the user.
Snuggling down with a weighted blanket is like being enveloped in a warm hug and users report feeling secure and safely cocooned. During sleep, body movement is reduced, so there's less tossing and turning, resulting in a more restful night.
As they release feel-good chemicals to your brain, most people that use them find that they help to relieve anxiety symptoms, and promote relaxation.
While more research needs to be done, early signs have shown weighted blankets can be helpful for a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, chronic pain and autism.
Best weighted blankets at a glance:
- Best weighted blanket for a deep sleep: Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket
- Best large weighted blanket: Eve Sleep Cotton Weighted Blanket
- Best cooling weighted blanket: Kudd.ly Cooling Weighted Blanket
- Best weighted blanket for sensitive skin and allergies: Baloo Soft Weighted Blanket
- Best quilted weighted blanket: The Mela Weighted Blanket
- Best fluffy weighted blanket: Rocabi Weighted Blanket
- Best weighted blanket for kids: snoozzzy 5lb Weighted Blanket
- Best weighted blanket for pressure distribution: Kally Sleep Anxiety Weighted Blanket
- Best printed weighted blanket for kids: Rest Easy Sleep Better Batman Weighted Blanket
- Best weighted blanket with removable cover: John Lewis Synthetic Collection Weighted Blanket
- Best multi-use weighted blanket: Remy Sleep Weighted Blanket
- Best knitted weighted blanket: Sommio Weighted Blanket
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