Gringras P, Green D, Wright B, et al. Weighted blankets and sleep in autistic children--A randomized controlled trial. Pediatrics. 2014;134(2):298-306. doi:10.1542/peds.2013-4285 For most people, weighted blankets are completely safe to use, but there are a few groups who should be more cautious. For example, if you are pregnant or suffer from respiratory or circulatory problems (such as asthma or type 2 diabetes) you should always consult with a doctor before purchasing. The same goes for children, as they can potentially become trapped underneath a weighted blanket. How heavy should weighted blankets be? Generally, the frequency is a matter of personal preference. You may find you sleep well when using it every night, or that you don't always need it. If the blanket is your child's, speak to your pediatrician about what type of blanket you buy and how it should be used. The person using the weighted product should be able to remove it at all times; this is essential to prevent them from becoming uncomfortable or overheated. Do not roll someone up in a weighted blanket under any circumstances. McCall WV. Paying attention to the sleeping surface and bedclothes. J Clin Sleep Med. 2020 Sep 15;16(9):1427-1428. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.8704

Eron K, Kohnert L, Watters A, Logan C, Weisner-Rose M, Mehler PS. Weighted Blanket Use: A Systematic Review. Am J Occup Ther. 2020 Mar/Apr;74(2):7402205010p1-7402205010p14. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2020.037358

Weighted blankets are increasingly popular with sleepers battling insomnia or nighttime anxiety. To be effective, a weighted blanket needs to provide enough pressure to have a calming effect, without providing so much pressure that the user feels trapped or uncomfortable. We’ll examine the top considerations when choosing a weight for your weighted blanket.

Weighted blankets are generally considered safe for children aged 3 years and older who weigh at least 50 pounds. In recent years, a number of bedding brands have introduced weighted blankets specifically designed for children. These blankets typically weigh between 3 and 12 pounds. Always consult with an Occupational Therapist or health professional before using a weighted blanket or other weighted product. Weighted products should be used with suitable supervision at all time. Danny is a Certified Sleep Science Coach with an in-depth knowledge of sleep health. He has tested hundreds of mattresses and sleep products. The user should not be left under a weighted blanket overnight as they can become overheated and uncomfortable. They are best used as an aid to relax a person before bed and while they get to sleep. Ideally, they should then be removed. Weighted blankets are believed to stimulate production of “happiness” hormones like dopamine and serotonin and reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. This helps the user enter a more relaxed state, which is conducive to sleep. However, these health claims are the subject of ongoing research.Large items (delivered by two people, such as appliances and furniture) can be returned using our Home Collection service. Losinski M, Sanders SA, Wiseman NM. Examining the Use of Deep Touch Pressure to Improve the Educational Performance of Students With Disabilities: A Meta-Analysis. Research and Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities. 2016;41(1):3-18. doi:10.1177/1540796915624889 Weighted products are not suitable for people with certain conditions such as epilepsy, heart conditions, breathing difficulties or circulatory problems. Society has a sleep problem, but the best weighted blankets may help you nod off at night as well as relax during the day. Whether it’s caused by a hectic life schedule, work stress or too much screen time, it can be hard to switch off when you need to. A heavy, weighted blanket may be just what you need.

Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and holistic sleep wellness consultant who treats patients in New York and Florida. Physical, learning or other difficulties which mean the child is unable to remove the blanket independently This one can also be hand-washed or dry-cleaned and it comes with a drawstring storage bag to help keep the blanket clean and in good condition. Because the warmer cover is removable, the blanket needs to be tied to the cover to stop it from sliding around or falling to one side; the ties are located in all four corners and on all four edges, so it can be quite a mission to attach. But once it’s in, the blanket’s not going anywhere. As a rule of thumb, the weight of a weighted blanket should be about 10% of your body weight. Of course, the ideal weighted blanket weight depends on what feels right to you. Preferred weights can vary between 5% and 12% of the sleeper’s weight. Look for a blanket that provides a feeling of comfort, but that still feels safe when you are resting beneath it. You may need to try a few different weights before settling on one you find comfortable. Weighted blankets may not be suitable for sleepers who tend to feel claustrophobic.It’s important to note that many of the medical claims made by manufacturers of weighted – or “gravity” – blankets should not be taken as fact, and rather treated the same as we would the claims made by makers of things such as supplements and essential oils. For added convenience, the cover can be removed and machine-washed at 30°C. It’s one of the most expensive blankets on our list, but if you’re prepared to pay a bit of a hefty price for a weighted blanket, you can’t really go wrong here.