One of the primary uses of a weighted blanket is for the treatment of anxiety. Deep pressure stimulation can help reduce autonomic arousal. This arousal is responsible for many of the physical symptoms of anxiety, such as increased heart rate. Autism The lowdown: Aeyla (previously Mela) has a good selection of weighted blankets with three covers to choose from. So when the sun comes out and you don’t want to be snuggling up under a velvety blanket, you can switch to a more cooling eucalyptus or cotton cover instead and continue to reap the relaxing benefits. Machine wash and dry:Every component of the blanket – including the inner shell that contains the weighted materials – can be washed and dried in a household machine. These models usually come with detailed laundering instructions about water temperature, acceptable cleaning agents, and drying heat level.

Ali A, et al. (2017). Massage therapy and quality of life in osteoarthritis of the knee: A qualitative study.

The number of weighted blankets on the market is burgeoning, each a must-have for warmth, anxiety-reduction and self-care. So, if you're already shunning screens thirty-minutes before bed, spritz your pillow in sleep spray and listen to a Headspace meditation pre-kip, it might be time to add a weighted blanket to your bedtime arsenal. Many people will understand the frustration of nights spent tossing and turning, when counting sheep does little to take you into the land of Nod. Treatments are available for insomnia, but those looking for a non-medicated route to better sleep would do well to give weighted blankets a go. A 2021 study done by researchers at UC San Diego found weighted blankets reduced perceptions of chronic pain. Ninety-four participants with chronic pain used either a light or weighted blanket for one week. Those in the weighted blanket group found relief, particularly if they also lived with anxiety. The weighted blankets did not reduce levels of pain intensity, though. Medical procedures

Researchers have studied the effectiveness of weighted blankets in the alleviation of physical and emotional symptoms. Although more research is needed, results have so far indicated there may be benefits for a number of conditions. Anxiety A weighted blanket may induce the sensation of being hugged, swaddled, or gently held. This engages the ‘5 senses’ by ‘grounding’ or ‘earthing,’ which in turn may induce a relaxing state and sense of calmness. The weighted blanket may gently push down on the body, helping you feel safe, secure, or in a protected space. Just as a firm, warm, and cozy hug can be a powerful agent for relaxation, a weighted blanket may help you wind down and de-stress before bed.”Weighted blankets derive much of their comfort from their added heaviness, but the hand feel of the blanket can greatly enhance this comforting quality. The Luxome Removable Cover Weighted Blanket is a perfect example, combining a luxuriously soft fabric with a glass bead fill to help you get a better night’s rest.

Simba may be best known for its rolled-up mattresses, but the brand’s sleep-promoting expertise extends far beyond what we sleep on, it seems. The Orbit weighted blanket promises “better, deeper sleep”, and we found it delivered, allowing our tester to sleep soundly throughout the night. We prioritize safety during our weighted blanket tests. As a rule, the weight of each tester must represent at least 10% of the blanket’s weight for all testing stages. If we are evaluating a blanket for couples, both participants must meet this weight threshold.The blanket is machine-washable, ideally in front-loading washers on a delicate, cool water cycle. Due to the chunky knit, the product should not be hung to dry. Instead, place the blanket on a flat surface or tumble dry on a low setting for two or three cycles. The blanket is available in three sizes, each carrying a different weight. The medium is 15 pounds, the large is 18 pounds, and the extra large is 30 pounds. Unlike some weighted blankets, this model is entirely machine-washable – including both the inner blanket and cover. Some weighted blankets are constructed with breathable cover fabrics and interior components to keep you cool during the night. Others may absorb and trap body heat; combined with their hefty weight, this can lead to excessive warmth. So, if you’re up for being swaddled like a baby, we've tried and tested the best options on the market to help you spend your money wisely. A good night's sleep is incoming. Meet the experts: Weighted blankets are known for using gentle weight to promote a sense of calmness or relaxation using deep touch pressure stimulation. The sensation of being hugged, swaddled, or gently held may produce a sense of calmness. A weighted blanket may also help you feel safe, secure, or in a protected space, which can be a powerful agent for relaxation, especially before bed (it may make it easier to fall asleep).”

The general rule is to start with a weighted blanket that is about 10 per cent of your body weight, says Henderson. “So, someone of 11 stone, 154lbs, would use a blanket with a weight of around 15lbs. This is recommended only as a guide; preferred weights can vary between 5 per cent to 12 per cent of a person’s weight. Chen H-Y, et al. (2016). Effect of deep pressure input on parasympathetic system in patients with wisdom tooth surgery.Chronic pain is a challenging diagnosis. But people who live with chronic pain may find relief through the use of weighted blankets. Most weighted blanket covers are removable and can be washed and dried in a household machine. In some cases, the entire blanket can be laundered at home. Alternatively, you may need to spot clean or dry clean your blanket to prevent early wear and tear. Most sizes for the blanket are sold with white or gray colors, but the 12-pound throw is available in four other colors: white, silver, navy, and rose. All three are derived from sustainable, 100% natural dyes. It’s generally safe for adults to sleep with a weighted blanket every night – in fact, our tester now sleeps under their Simba blanket at all times. Starting slow can be a good idea, though.