Henderson recommends practising deep belly breathing when using a weighted blanket, to help activate our “rest and digest” response. “The mind’s focus is then on the sensation of the blanket and the breath, not any thoughts that had been racing beforehand, meaning it can also be used as a mindfulness tool when used in this way,” she explains. What is the science behind weighted blankets? Weighted blankets are typically filled with thousands of tiny glass beads that apply light pressure to the user. This pressure can have a soothing, calming effect on the body, says Nichola Henderson, a holistic life, self-development coach and wellness specialist. So that it’s weighted where it matters, the glass beads are focused in the centre of the blanket rather than on the edges. Our tester wasn’t sure if this would mean that the weight would cover not all of their body, but the area is generously large enough to do the job. 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.

Weighted Blanket 5lbs, Dinosaur Fleece Blanket for BUZIO Kids Weighted Blanket 5lbs, Dinosaur Fleece Blanket for

Its Karma switch blankets come with removable covers in various colours, including indigo, olive green, peachy petal and, of course, grey. And if that’s not enough choice, the covers are reversible to offer an additional option, and they can be bought separately to give so much more choice. Karmara’s weighted blankets are also available in a wide range of weights, including 6kg, 8kg, 10kg and 12kg. As the weighted blanket that proved most effective at soothing our testers to sleep and keeping them in the land of the Nod until the alarm went off in the morning, the Simba orbit weighted blanket had to be our best buy. It’s not the cheapest blanket, but the quality and design warrant the investment.Another option is to have one placed on top of a lighter tog duvet, so you can easily remove one or the other as needed. In the winter, both together has the additional benefit of warmth and weight to help encourage a good night’s sleep. The verdict: Weighted blankets It’s possible to use the blankets overnight if they feel good and the user is comfortable doing so, but short periods of time up to 20-30 minutes can also be helpful to slow down and encourage rest during busy or stressful times. It comes down largely to personal preference and comfort.” The main priority is that it feels comforting, not too heavy and not too light. It is always a good idea, where possible, to try a few different weights around the 10 per cent guide, to see what feels good. The blanket should encourage the feeling of rest and relaxation and help soothe and calm the body and mind. It’s important to choose a texture that feels soothing too, nothing that will irritate your skin.” Is it OK to sleep with a weighted blanket every night? Henderson recommends that people with a medical condition or concerns about using a weighted blanket consult a medical professional before investing. And young children should be supervised when using a weighted blanket. How to wash a weighted blanket

ROSMARUS 3.6kg Kids Dinosaur Weighted Blanket for children

It may also help to stimulate the vagus nerve to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which signals to the body that it is time to unwind and relax. The blankets can be useful for people who struggle to relax or have problems getting to sleep.” We were also thrilled with the quality for the price because weighted blankets aren’t always the most budget-friendly buys. But the blyss is an excellent value-for-money investment that is brilliant for use in bed and for getting cosy during the day while working from home or evenings in front of your favourite Netflix series. The blanket also comes with a drawstring dust bag to keep it fresh while it’s not being used.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. Some people prefer the lighter feel of a duvet, says Henderson, and she suggests using something you already have at home to evaluate if the sensation of sleeping under a weighted blanket is for you. “Using a few large bath towels on top of your duvet can give you a good alternative feeling of how the weighted blanket might feel before you invest in one.” The cotton is super-soft next to the skin and breathable for ultimate comfort, which our tester found helped them sleep much better than without the blanket. And we particularly like that this weighted blanket works just as well draped over the bed as it does in the living room on a chair or sofa. The design is gorgeous and comes in a range of colours, including a berry red, green, grey and blue. We were also impressed by the ethical production process that ensures every worker at each stage is paid a fair wage.