Quick Answer: Weighted Blankets
Weighted blankets use deep pressure stimulation (like a firm hug) to reduce anxiety and help you fall asleep faster. Choose 10% of your body weight (150 lb person = 15 lb blanket). They genuinely help many people with anxiety, insomnia, and restlessness, backed by clinical research. Not suitable for children under 2, people with breathing difficulties, or those who cannot remove the blanket themselves. Start with a lighter weight if unsure. Most people adjust within 3-5 nights.
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How Weighted Blankets Work
Weighted blankets use deep pressure stimulation (DPS), the same principle behind swaddling infants, therapy vests, and hugs. The evenly distributed weight activates your parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest mode) while reducing cortisol and increasing serotonin and melatonin production.
Research published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine (2020) found weighted blankets significantly improved sleep quality and reduced insomnia severity. Participants fell asleep faster, slept longer, and reported less daytime fatigue after 4 weeks of use.
The Science of Deep Pressure
Deep pressure activates mechanoreceptors in your skin that send calming signals to the brain. This triggers a shift from sympathetic (fight-or-flight) to parasympathetic (rest) nervous system activity. Heart rate slows, breathing deepens, muscles relax, and cortisol drops. It is the same mechanism that makes massage, firm hugs, and gentle compression feel soothing. Weighted blankets provide this pressure passively while you sleep.
Proven Benefits
- Anxiety reduction: Multiple studies show significant reduction in anxiety symptoms. Particularly effective for generalized anxiety and pre-sleep worry
- Faster sleep onset: Reduced tossing and turning. Many users report falling asleep 15-20 minutes faster
- Insomnia improvement: The 2020 Swedish study found 60% of insomnia patients had significant improvement after 4 weeks
-
Restles
sness: The weight reduces movement during sleep, beneficial for restless legs and general restlessness - ADHD and autism: Used therapeutically for years. Helps with sensory regulation and calming
How to Choose the Right Weighted Blanket
Weighted Blanket Selection Guide
Weight: 10% of your body weight is the standard guideline. 120-150 lb = 12-15 lb blanket. 150-200 lb = 15-20 lb. 200+ lb = 20-25 lb. When in doubt, go lighter. Too heavy can feel restrictive rather than calming.
Size: Should cover your body but NOT hang off the bed (the weight will pull it off). Choose a size smaller than your mattress. Twin blanket for twin/double bed. Queen blanket only for queen bed.
Fill: Glass beads (best, smaller, quieter, cooler) vs plastic poly pellets (cheaper, bulkier, noisier). Glass bead blankets feel more natural.
Cover: Cotton or bamboo for hot sleepers. Minky (plush) for cold sleepers. Machine-washable duvet cover is essential since the inner blanket is hard to wash.
Budget: $80-200 CAD for quality options. Under $60 often uses cheap fills that shift and clump.
Who Should Not Use a Weighted Blanket
Do not use if: Children under 2 years old (suffocation risk). Anyone who cannot remove the blanket themselves (mobility issues, certain disabilities). People with respiratory conditions (COPD, severe asthma) where chest weight could restrict breathing. Claustrophobia (m
ay trigger panic). Circulatory problems where compression is not advised. When in doubt, ask your doctor.
Pairing with Your Mattress
A weighted blanket adds perceived warmth because it restricts air circulation. If you sleep hot, pair it with a cooling mattress (hybrid or innerspring with good airflow), cooling sheets (bamboo or Tencel), and a cool bedroom (18C). At Mattress Miracle we can help you find the right mattress-blanket combination for your sleep temperature preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can couples share a weighted blanket?
Generally no. The 10% body weight rule applies per person. A blanket heavy enough for one partner may be too light or heavy for the other. Most sleep experts recommend individual weighted blankets, or use the Scandinavian method (separate duvets on one bed).
How long does it take to adjust?
Most people adjust within 3-5 nights. Some love it immediately. If it feels too heavy after a week, try a lighter blanket. Start by using it on your legs only, then gradually covering your full body over several nights.
Can I wash a weighted blanket?
The inner blanket is usually too heavy for a home washer (over 15 lb can damage the machine). Use a removable, washable duvet cover and wash that regularly. The inner blanket can be spot-cleaned or taken to a laundromat with commercial-size washers.
Do weighted blankets work for everyone?
No. About 70-80% of users report benefits. Some people find them too warm, restrictive, or uncomfortable. Personal preference matters. If possible, try one before buying (some retailers offer trial periods).
Visit Mattress Miracle
Find us at 441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario. Rated 4.9 stars on Google. Family-owned since 1987.
Find Your Perfect Mattress at Mattress Miracle
We are a family-owned mattress store in Brantford, helping our community sleep better since 1987. Come try mattresses in person and get honest, no-pressure advice.
441 1/2 West Street, Brantford, Ontario
Call 519-770-0001