How Heavy Should A Weighted Blanket Be?

The growing popularity of weighted blankets has many people seeking their calming effect and sleep-promoting benefits. Weighted blankets provide enhanced sleep quality and relieve stress through their deep pressure stimulation. Hence, as the quest for better sleep continues, the weighted blanket has become a sought-after solution. 

However, choosing a weighted blanket is not as simple as other sleep products. One of the main questions we get asked is, “How heavy should a weighted blanket be?” A well-chosen weighted blanket can not only improve the sleeping experience but also provide other critical benefits, such as battling sleep disorders and anxiety.

Let’s begin!

 

Breeze™ Cooling Weighted Blanket

The Ideal Weight

Weighted blankets, as the name suggests, are significantly heavier than regular ones. Made of various materials like cotton, bamboo, linen, flannel, polyester, and more, these contain plastic pellets or microglass beads. Their purpose is to add pressure to our bodies. Available in different shapes and sizes, the weighted blankets can weigh anywhere from 5-30 lbs. 

A general rule of thumb, the ideal weight of a blanket is 10% of your body weight. Let’s suppose you weigh 150 lbs; according to this rule, you would need a weighted blanket of 15 lbs. 

However, your preferred weight could, in fact, be anywhere from 5 to 12 percent of your body weight. At the end of the day, it is all about personal preference. The perfect weighted blanket is the one that is most comfortable for you and provides you with the benefits of deep pressure therapy. You may prefer a heavier-weighted blanket compared to another who feels right in a lighter-weighted blanket. 

Ready to experience the soothing embrace of a weighted blanket? Reach out to Gravid now, and let's find your perfect cocoon of comfort today!

Weighted Blanket Weight Chart

As stated earlier, most weighted blankets are within the 5-12% range of a person’s body weight. However, regardless of its weight or the person’s body type, a proper blanket should allow for comfort, movement and a good night’s sleep.

Here is a chart to help our customers figure out the correct weight:

Use Case	Blanket Weight
160 lbs or less	15 lbs
160 lbs or more	20 lbs
Sharing with a partner	30+ lbs

What If My Weight Falls Between Two Weight Recommendations?

Again, this really comes down to personal preference. 

But unless you have other reasons not to, like a tendency to feel claustrophobic, rather choose the heavier blanket. This way, you can be sure you’ll get the full benefits of the weighted pressure. In general, the human body actually prefers the extra weight!

Finding the Right Weighted Blanket for Your Child

As far as Gravid’s range of blankets is concerned, we do not recommend them for children under the age of 10 or anyone who weighs less than 100 lbs. Nor for anyone with a physical ailment, disability or limitation that would prevent them from easily removing the blanket on their own.

If your child is older, studies have shown that weighted blankets can help children with ADHS and/or ASD fall asleep, maintain uninterrupted sleep throughout the night, and promote daytime relaxation. [1] You can apply the same 10% of your body weight rule to your child.

How Weighted Blankets Can Improve Your Sleep

Are you having trouble sleeping due to a sleep disorder or restless leg syndrome? Weighted blankets are the perfect solution that not only enhances your sleep health but also provides you with several other benefits.

• Reduces Stress And Promotes Relaxation

Weighted blankets are a great stress reliever. Commonly referred to as the anxiety blankets, these heavy blankets stimulate the production of happy hormones known as dopamine and serotonin. Additionally, they also reduce the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. By relaxing the nervous system, these blankets help you fall asleep peacefully.

• Improves Focus For Those With ADHD 

If you are an individual struggling with hyperactive movements in bed, the heavy weight of these blankets ensures limited motion and provides you with a sense of calmness that, in turn, leads to a restful sleep.

• Ideal For Restless Leg Syndrome

Deep touch pressure therapy is used to support sensory modulation and reduce anxiety. When it comes to restless leg syndrome, this therapy triggers a calming reflex in the body that relaxes the entire body, including the restless leg. The weighted blankets help keep your legs still, ensuring relaxed muscles and calmer nerves.

Summary

Determining the right blanket weight is easy if you follow the general guidelines. Namely, 10% of your body weight or staying within the 5-10 % range. 

For additional peace of mind, please feel free to consult our professional team at Gravid.  Remember, at the end of the day, the best weighted blanket for you is the one that makes you feel the most comfortable.

Experience the serene comfort of Gravid weighted blankets, engineered with non-toxic, micro-rounded glass beads. Each bead has a diameter of 1mm, the optimal size to keep the weight evenly distributed across the surface of your body. 

Contact us today for a wide range of weighted blankets and the best option for you. 

FAQs

Can a weighted blanket be too heavy?

Yes. A weighted blanket should make you feel like you are being hugged, not smothered. Your weighted blanket might be too heavy for you if you can’t freely roll over, if it makes you feel more restricted or anxious, or if it makes it difficult to breathe.

How Can A Weighted Blanket Help Me?

A weighted blanket uses deep pressure stimulation to improve your sleep [4] and reduce anxiety and stress. Studies have shown it can also help with chronic pain [2] and restless leg syndrome [3], amongst others. 

What Should I Look For In A Weighted Blanket?

Important factors include the appropriate weight, what material it’s made from, what filling is used, and the correct size for your bed. The best weighted blanket is made from breathable fabric like Lyocell, is filled with glass beads instead of plastic, and ensures even weight distribution for years to come.

Can I Use A Weighted Blanket If I Have Sleep Apnea?

Generally, yes. But before using a weighted blanket, first consult your physician. If you are proactively treating your sleep apnea with a CPAP machine, you should be able to enjoy the numerous benefits that sleeping under a weighted blanket can have.

Article Resources:

1 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34184958/

2 - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34425251/

3 - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10300619/

4 - https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/43/Supplement_1/A460/5846888