What is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is designed to apply very slight pressure to the body, which helps the body to relax and unwind, providing a sense of calm. They are filled with non-toxic and hypo-allergenic micro glass beads and come in many different colours. When someone lies under the blanket, it helps to relieve stress and insomnia, whether you want to sleep under your weighted blanket or use it to unwind after a long day whilst you watch a film. There are more affordable weighted blanket options so everyone can enjoy the benefits that they have to offer.
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
There are many benefits of a weighted blanket, including: They provide a sense of calm for the wearer, helping to reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress, and generally calming the nervous system. They can help to improve sleep quality as they use deep pressure simulation, helping to increase levels of melatonin, the hormone that helps you to sleep. Both more expensive and cheap weighted blankets help you to feel safe and secure, distributing the weight across your entire body, creating a snuggle effect.
How heavy are weighted blankets?
Weighted blankets come in all different weights, from around 3kg up to 8kg, with the weight you choose depending on your own weight. Consult your physician in regards to the best weight for you, however it would usually be between 7 and 12% of your body weight. Weighted blankets should not be used by young children who are not able to move the blanket themselves.
How to wash a weighted blanket
The best way to keep your weighted blanket in great condition is to get a cover. Our weighted blankets all have several loops making it easy to attach a cover, and then all you need to do is remove the cover once a week, run it on a normal washing cycle, allow it to fully dry and then reattach to the weighted blanket. If you do need to wash the actual blanket, it’s best to run it on a very gentle cycle, as long as it is below 6kg. If your weighted blanket is heavier than this, you’ll need to either hand wash it or take it to a dry cleaners to make sure your machine isn’t damaged at all.
Can I sleep with a weighted blanket?
Yes, you can sleep with a weighted blanket if you are a healthy person in general. It is always advised to speak to your physician before you sleep with a weighted blanket, particularly if you have certain medical issues. Again, children who cannot move the blanket themselves should not be sleeping with the weighted blanket unsupervised. You can get machine washable covers for your cheap weighted blankets, or you could simply sleep with it over a flat sheet on your bed so you can keep it feeling fresh! Your weighted blanket can also be hand washed and air dried if needed.
