Weighted blanket FAQs

What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?

Weighted blankets are designed to help you feel calm, cocooned and grounded — like the grown-up version of swaddling. They work through something called Deep Touch Pressure (DTP) therapy, which gives the body gentle, even pressure while you rest. Research suggests this can have a “calming effect on the alleviation of anxiety”.

There’s science behind that sleepy, soothed feeling, too. That steady pressure can lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) while helping your body make more of the mood-boosting serotonin and sleep-promoting melatonin it needs.

Psychotherapist and author Eloise Skinner says it’s all to do with how our nervous system responds. “The type of pressure experienced when using a weighted blanket is known as deep pressure stimulation, which can have a similar physical impact as a massage or firm hug,” she explains. “Research indicates that this type of pressure decreases the activation of the body’s sympathetic nervous system (including the ‘fight or flight’ response that can make us feel anxious, stressed or overwhelmed). At the same time, deep pressure stimulation activates the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing the body to feel rested, relaxed and restored. There can also be accompanying effects on hormones, supporting feel-good hormones such as oxytocin, and reducing stress-related hormones such as cortisol.”

And it’s not just physical. “Weighted blankets can make a person feel safe, secure and supported,” adds Eloise. “Some people could also experience a nostalgic feeling, reminding them of safety they’ve experienced during childhood, or replicating the firm sensation of physical touch.”

Who should not use a weighted blanket?

They’re not right for everyone. “Elderly individuals, older adults with reduced mobility, those with conditions such as sleep apnoea, and pregnant women should consider avoiding weighted blankets, as the added weight could make it difficult for them to change positions in bed,” says James Higgins, CEO & Sleep Expert at Ethical Bedding.

“Individuals living with neurological conditions, sensory disorders, or claustrophobia should also carefully consider whether a weighted blanket is the right choice for them, as the confined feeling of the blanket may increase anxiety,” he adds.

How heavy should a weighted blanket be?

A good rule of thumb is to go for one that that’s around 10% of your body weight. It’s also worth thinking about warmth, explains Martin Seeley, sleep expert and CEO of MattressNextDay. “When the colder months set in, many of us instinctively reach for an electric blanket, but with energy bills rising by 2% for millions of households, a weighted blanket can be a really cost-effective alternative.

Not only can it help you sleep better thanks to its grounding effect, but the dense layers of fabric and fillings like glass beads or pellets work to trap heat and create a warm, cosy microenvironment. The weight of the blanket also minimises air movement around your body, reducing heat loss compared to lighter quilts. If you’re looking for extra warmth, opt for a blanket with a wool cover rather than cotton, as wool naturally retains more heat. Heavier, denser blankets will also hold onto warmth more effectively, making them a smart swap for chilly nights without the added energy costs.”

Do weighted blankets help with Restless Leg Syndrome?

Weighted blankets definitely don’t cure Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), but they can help lessen the effects of it — particularly if you find stress a common trigger for a flare-up. “Weighted blankets work to provide gentle and even pressure across the body, offering sensory stimulation and a deep touch pressure sensation. This stimulation has been suggested to have a calming effect on the nervous system that could potentially reduce anxiety symptoms,” explains James.

Can you use a weighted blanket if you’re a hot sleeper?

They’ve got a cosy reputation, but surprisingly, not all weighted blankets are overly warm. If you run hot at night, choose one with a breathable cotton or bamboo cover and micro glass bead filling rather than plastic pellets. Lighter weights can help too. Martin points out that heavier, denser blankets will hold on to more warmth — which is bliss in winter, but might feel a little stifling in summer.