As a general rule, weighted blankets are safe for healthy adults, older children, and teenagers. Weighted blankets, however, should not be used for
toddlers under age 2
, as they may pose a suffocation risk. Even older children with developmental disabilities or delays may be at risk of suffocation.
Why would you use a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets are a type of at-home therapy that can provide similar benefits to deep pressure therapy. These blankets have shown positive results for several conditions, including autism, ADHD, and anxiety. They can
help calm a restless body, reduce feelings of anxiety
, and improve sleep troubles.
What is the purpose of a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets use
deep pressure stimulation
, which is thought to stimulate the production of a mood-boosting hormone (serotonin), reduce the stress hormone (cortisol), and increase levels of melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep. This may help improve overall sleep quality.
Why weighted blankets are bad?
That being said, there are a few cons to weighted blankets, especially when it comes to having kids use them. They'
re heavy
, which makes them hard to travel with, they get hot, and it can prove difficult for children to use them on their own without parents there.
Do weighted blankets actually work?
A small 2015 study published in the journal Sleep Medicine and Disorders found that people who used a weighted blanket for two weeks
slept longer and reported better sleep quality
—and less movement during sleep—than when they didn't use the blanket.
Is it OK to sleep with a weighted blanket every night?
Can You Use a Weighted Blanket All Night? The amount of time you use your weighted blanket
is up to you
. Some sleep consultants recommend using it for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, while others sleep with it overnight. As you test it out, decide based on your preferences and what you find is most comfortable.
What are the pros and cons of a weighted blanket?
| Weighted blanket pros Weighted blanket cons | Can improve your sleep and general wellbeing They can be expensive | Helps you to feel calm and relaxed It may take a little while to get used to the weight | Relieves stress and anxiety The weight makes them more difficult to travel with |
|---|
Are weighted blankets good for side sleepers?
It is important to consider your sleeping position when choosing the most suitable weight for you. In general, the 20 lb weighted blanket is perfect when you sleep on your back, and the
15 lb weighted blanket is best for side or stomach sleepers
.
Are weighted blankets bad for circulation?
People with certain health conditions should also avoid weighted blankets. These include
diabetes
, circulation problems, and chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and obstructive sleep apnea.
Is sleeping with a weighted blanket bad?
Another study concluded that 30-pound weighted blankets are
an effective and safe way of reducing anxiety in adults
. Out of the 32 participants who took part in the study, 63% reported to have lower anxiety levels. When the human body is less anxious, the quality and quantity of sleep consequently improve.
What happens if you use a weighted blanket that is too heavy?
FAQs about weighted blankets
Additionally, while it may be tempting to get the biggest blanket you can find, one that's too large is
more likely to hang over your couch or bed
. Because this type of blanket contains weights, an overhang can cause it to fall off while you're sleeping.
How long does it take for a weighted blanket to work?
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.
Has anyone died from a weighted blanket?
But it should be noted that
two deaths have been linked to the
misuse of weighted blankets: one of a 9-year-old boy with autism in Quebec who had been rolled up in a heavy blanket, and one of a 7-month-old baby. …
Do weighted blankets keep you warm?
While you may not feel hot while sleeping under the blanket, the truth is that
a weighted blanket will keep you warmer than a regular blanket
. That's because the weight of the blanket will hold in your body heat. … A cooling weighted blanket may even help you sleep better in warm weather.
How heavy should weighted blankets be?
Recommended weights for a weighted blanket can vary
between 5% and 12% of their body weight
, with most people preferring a weighted blanket that weighs approximately 10% of their body weight. Regardless of its weight, a proper blanket should allow for comfort and movement. 25-60 lbs.
Are weighted blankets good for arthritis?
People suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia, and other painful conditions have found relief in sleeping with a weighted blanket. By promoting the ‘calming' hormones and neurotransmitters, a weighted blanket
helps to calm both the body and the brain
.
