How do weighted blankets work?

You can find out more information on how weighted blankets work here.

Research has shown that sleeping under weight not only improves sleep quality but also helps to lower stress and ease anxiety! This makes getting up in the morning so much better - feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day!

The science behind weighted blankets goes a bit like this: the added weight activates the effects of Deep Touch Pressure or DTP. This activation increases serotonin (for happiness) and melatonin (for natural sleepiness) and decreases cortisol (your fight or flight). All of this, combined with the sensation of a warm, familiar hug, is what dreams are made of.

What are the health benefits of using a Weighted Blanket?

There are quite a few! In a nutshell, weighted blankets can improve sleep, reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, and help relieve pain. In particular, people with autism, fibromyalgia, restless leg syndrome, or sensory processing disorder have found that weighted blankets greatly benefit their health.

How does a weighted blanket reduce anxiety?

Deep Touch Pressure or DTP is activated by the added weight from the blanket on your body. DTP helps your body produce more serotonin (the happy hormone) and melatonin (the sleepy hormone), but it also helps to suppress high cortisol levels (the stress hormone). Less stress, more happiness = better sleep.

How long does it take to get used to sleeping with a weighted blanket?

Whether or not this is the first time you're using a weighted blanket, it's important to allow your body to adjust to the additional weight with ease. Don't rush the process! We highly recommend using the weighted blanket for shorter periods of time while your body adjust (cue cozy naps on the couch!).

For night-time sleep, we recommend using the blanket over half of your body for about a week. Feel free to use your normal comforter or flat sheet during this time to keep warm! Once the week is up, you can slowly move the blanket up each day until it covers you completely.

It can sometimes take up to 14 days for your body to full adjust to the new added weight. It takes roughly 14-21 days for us to form new habits, so give your body time to adjust to the weight and to the benefits. Deep sleep is on the horizon.

How do I choose the right weight?

You should definitely check out our Sizing Guide.

We recommend roughly 10% of your body weight. You can use a range of 8-12%, if 10% isn't available or you're in between sizes!

So, if you weigh 150lbs, a 15lbs blanket will work great for you! If you weigh 130lbs, you can opt for the 12lbs.

Please note that we only recommend our Twin sizes for those under 5'. If you're sharing your blanket, we only recommend a King. 

Should I sleep with a weighted blanket if I have a pre-existing medical condition?

While sleeping under weighted blankets can help with some common sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome, we typically do not recommend them for people with medical conditions like sleep apnea. Some of our customers with similar conditions have experienced discomfort from sleeping under added weight. If you still want to give it a try, we recommend consulting with your doctor first.

I can’t seem to adjust to my new blanket. Do you have any advice?

If you haven't already, we HIGHLY recommend using your original comforter and lying the weighted blanket over your legs or half your body for at LEAST a week.

After this "ease in" period, your body should be able to adjust to the weight allowing you to use the entire weighted blanket. This is based on the general consensus that it takes about 14-21 days for you to form a deep sleep routine, so don't give up and please give it some more time!