I recently purchased a weighted blanket. Ours is by Sleepeasy, but now many
companies are producing them.
I had read about them for a while and thought they may be helpful to me.
Going through perimenopause has been quite stressful with many disrupted
nights and I hoped it may help. There have always been other priorities but
when I saw this one for a reduced price I could not resist!
They are essentially a heavy blanket filled with beads or similar in
strongly stitched pockets or squares weighting between around 5 to 30 pounds
and certainly heavier than a normal blanket or most quilts. They purport to
produce a deep pressure stimulation that is said to relax the nervous system
similar to a great big bear hug, except this comes from having the blanket
wrapped around you.
What Are The Benefits Of A Weighted Blanket?
Weighted blankets are said to have several benefits. I have read that
researchers are still studying the effects for physical and emotional
benefits.
Benefits so far are mainly listed as being helpful to reduce anxiety,
relieve stress, aid restful sleep and essentially to give the body a big
relaxing hug. Many people say that they have a fantastic sleep while using
one.
However, I cannot verify them so do your research and it is best to buy
one based on whether you like it and feel you personally receive benefits
from it. Any other benefits would be a bonus.
If we choose to use them it should be because we find them comfortable and
personally helpful.
What I Like About The Weighted Blanket
I like the colour of ours being a dark grey it goes with everything. I
think I would always choose a dark neutral colour for these blankets as it
is more versatile. They do come in many colours though so choose whichever
suits you and your decor.
I do like the way in mine that the beads are contained in individual
pockets so they do not move about very much at all and the stitching is very
strong and secure.
I have taken to draping the weighted blanket over me and hubby in the
evenings while watching a film and draped over the sofa it looks great in
our living room and not like just something for bedtime.
I do enjoy the feeling of a big hug and find it very relaxing. Hubby found
it so relaxing the first time we tried the weighted blanket that within 15
minutes he fell asleep and did not see the film!!
It is warm, but surprisingly not too warm. When I use it I sleep really
well without waking up several times as usual.
My personal experience is that I like to feel the weight of it over my body
and find that feeling very calming and relaxing. I can never rest properly with only a light sheet for covering, so I was
always going to be a good candidate for a heavier blanket.
The first night I used it I did not struggle to drop off to sleep which for me usually takes about an
hour. Now it is much less than that. I did not wake up all night and usually since starting perimenopause I have
woken up two or three times every night.
It is warm, but I bought it in late autumn and since then it has not been
too warm. I am not sure if it will be too warm in the summer yet.
I do not feel that it is too heavy when using it as a blanket. Carrying it
around I feel it is very heavy, but once on the bed, to me, it just feels
comforting.
Can Everyone Use A Weighted Blanket?
Weighted blankets are generally safe for healthy adults, older children and
teenagers.
However, they are not suitable for everyone. If you are considering using a weighted blanket for an adult that has any
underlying health conditions or for a child of any age please consult with a qualified healthcare
practitioner first to ensure that it is safe for you to use.
Our weighted blanket is for adults. It should not weigh more than about 10%
of your body weight and so would be unsuitable for a child to use.
You can buy children's weighted blankets specifically for them although
please check with a doctor first that it is suitable for your child.
Weighted blankets should never be used for a child under age 2 or older
children with developmental difficulties or learning difficulties due to the risk of
suffocation.
They are not recommended for people with epilepsy in case the person has a
seizure under the blanket.
The heaviness of a weighted blanket may cause difficulties for people with
certain pre-existing conditions, such as Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Asthma and sleep apnea where any breathing issues may be exacerbated and diabetes where any circulation issues may be further affected by the
heaviness of the blanket. In people with Claustrophobia, a weighted blanket can feel too heavy and restrictive.
Please always check with a Dr first if you have any health
conditions.
As it is heavy I would not recommend it for anyone who likes only a light
covering. When I took it out of the box it was so heavy I thought I would
not like it. However, in my experience, it does not feel anywhere near as
heavy on the body as it does when carrying it or moving it.
Things To Bear In Mind About A Weighted Blanket
The way the beads are stitched into the covering is something to watch out
for in any of these blankets. I have read that in some blankets the beads
fall into uncomfortable clumps when the individual pockets are too large or
too weak.
You do need to look for quality design so the beads are held in their
separate individual pockets and remain comfortable. The stitching needs to
be secure and strong.
Check if there is a washable cover or if the whole blanket is washable.
Or do you need to handwash and is this practical for you? Some are dry clean
or spot clean. You need to choose whichever suits you best.
If the whole blanket is washable check if it will fit into your washing
machine.
Personally, I would use this blanket over a sheet so that it does not
require washing so much, or use a cover. I wash our sheets and covers on at least a weekly basis and I would not
want to be washing this blanket every week. However, used as a blanket over a sheet or with a washable cover it will
need washing much less.
Check the size you need. You want it big enough to cover your chest to toe
and some drape at the sides but not enough so it is falling off you onto the
floor as that will be uncomfortable. Remember the bigger it is the heavier
it will be to move around and also to wash. In hindsight, I would probably
have gone for a single size as it is mainly me using it.
I would go for the smallest size you are comfortable with using. If you are
using it for yourself only I think a single size may be better. Or if there
are two of you then either a double or two single sizes to give more
versatility.
Check if there is a trial period and returns policy if you do not get on
with it as it is such a personal item.
Washing Weighted Blankets
I think the only concern I personally have is that my double bed sized one
is so heavy my washing machine will not accommodate it.
However, being dark grey and using it over a sheet or quilt in bed
hopefully, it will not need washing so often.
To improve it I feel a detachable cover I the same colour would have been
most useful.
I have now found a quilt cover that will fit to sort this issue when using
it for sleep purposes. So will treat the blanket as I do our quilts. When
using it in the living room we use it without the cover.
Final Thoughts On A Weighted Blanket
You do importantly need to check if you have any health conditions if you
are fine to use a weighted blanket.
If healthwise you are ok to use a weighted blanket and you like the feeling
of a heavier cover you may find this type of blanket very
relaxing. If you enjoy a light covering in bed you may not like this but if you like
the feel of a comforting hug and the feeling of a heavier cover on your body
you may well take to it.
I cannot recall the last time I slept so well and so soundly since we had
this blanket.
Do your research and make sure you can return and refund if you do not
get on with it. Give it a week or so to get used to it. I took to it immediately but some people have said it takes them a
while.
A good night's sleep is extremely important to me I do not function well on
a disturbed sleep so this has made a huge difference to me.
Before buying a weighted blanket do your own research and see if it will be
right for you. This is a very personal choice and requires some
thought.
Weighted blankets will not suit everyone. However, if they do suit you they
can make a big difference to the way you relax and sleep. I am very glad I
got mine and as I am getting a much sounder sleep I am feeling much better
these days.
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