Can You Benefit From A Weighted Blanket?

It’s that time of year when many of us are pulling out heavier blankets for the colder months of winter. If you have a chronic illness maybe you’ve already heard about weighted blankets, maybe even sleep with one year-round. If not familiar with weighted blankets, I’ll share some of the basics of buying one.

Weighted blankets come in all sizes, including children’s and throws. The blankets work by distributing weight evenly across the body to imitate a hug to induce better sleep by increasing Serotonin levels inducing a deeper sleep.

The key difference from your average blanket is they are made with glass beads as a filler. You purchase the weight of the blanket based you your own weight. It is also suggested that if you are a first-time user to buy a lighter one to start off.

The blankets come in a variety of fabrics and many have slipcovers you can purchase as well. I’m a very hot sleeper and they even make weighted blankets for people like me. Look for Cooling in the description.

I started my search last night for a new one since the first one I purchased was too heavy. I learned a lot about how they are made and why some are more expensive than others.

When you’re looking for a blanket you want small sewn 5″-3″ squares, that way the beads are more evenly distributed. The larger the square the more the beads can roll around.

Another important feature to look for is if it is machine washable, I found several that were hand wash only and I can’t go for that. I would recommend a duvet cover for your blanket which will allow you to keep it clean and only have to wash the blanket occasionally.

There are many lists of the top brands to buy, after looking at a few lists, I went to Amazon. I could not justify the $300 price of the top-rated blankets, it just doesn’t make sense. I found several including one on the list that cost $100 for a small size. I’m only buying a blanket for my side of the bed, not the entire King Size bed. He sleeps with the heavier blanket I bought years ago.

I found something interesting as I did more research. One brand I discovered said on more than one occasion, they are not for people with sensitive joints and back pain! Wait, hold the phone! What! I have sensitive hip joints and bad back pain. Do I need one of these blankets?

If you do decide to buy one, make sure you buy the right weight for your body. I’ve heard the praises of weighted blankets for years but for me, it was not the right choice.

Ask lots of questions and shop around before buying there are so many nuances to each blanket.

Melinda

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