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A weighted blanket is a great way to stay warm and be comfortable while you sleep. It adds another layer of coziness to your bed. There are plenty of weighted blankets on the market now, but you may be finding yourself wondering how heavy should my weighted blanket be when it comes time to buy one for yourself or as a great gift. The good news is that we’re here to help you answer that question before it begins to look overwhelming.
There are also many benefits to a weighted blanket that go above and beyond the element of comfort. They can help improve the quality of your sleep as well as the duration. The pressure and weight of the blanket can help many health conditions as well. These include, but aren’t limited to, anxiety, stress, depression, ADHD, PTSD, insomnia, and Autism. The weight of the blanket around your body stimulates the brain to produce more serotonin, helps reduce activity in the nervous system, and helps you wind down and get ready for rest . There are several other health benefits of a weighted blanket that can make it a great addition to your bedding.
How heavy should my weighted blanket be?
A few things to consider when purchasing a weighted blanket are the size, weight, fabric, filler, and cover. When it comes to weight, adults should buy a blanket that is about 10% of their body weight. For example, if you weigh 130 pounds, you should purchase a 13 lb blanket. This is the ideal weight to gain therapeutic or health benefits, however you can go heavier or lighter if it is more comfortable for you.
For children, it is the same idea, roughly 10% of their body weight, with wiggle room for about 1-2 pounds. Most children’s weighted blankets are 3-7 pounds. Children a year old or younger should not be using weighted blankets, as they could be detrimental or dangerous to them while sleeping. It could constrict their breathing while sleeping, so ensure that you are purchasing it when your child is old enough to sleep safely with it on their own. If you have a child under 5 years of age and are considering a weighted blanket, consult with their doctor to make sure it is safe for them before purchasing.
If you’re intending to use the weighted blanket for sleeping, thinking about the size of the bed is important when selecting the right size of weighted blanket for you as well. For a single size bed, a blanket up to 41” x 60” is ideal to cover the entire bed. For a twin, 48” x 72”, for full or queen, 60” x 80”, and for king, 86” x 92”. Here’s a quick guide table to give you an idea of which weighted blanket would be best for you.
| Body weight | 120 lbs | 130 lbs | 140 lbs | 150 lbs | 160 lbs | 170 | 180 | 190 |
| Weight of blanket | 12 lbs | 13 lbs | 14 lbs | 15 lbs | 16 lbs | 17 lbs | 18 lbs | 19 lbs |
FAQs
Can a weighted blanket be too heavy?
A weighted blanket is designed to hug your body and create a cozy, calming effect.If it is too heavy, a weighted blanket can feel constricting and uncomfortable. This is not the intended effect of the blanket, therefore it is important to choose the right weight for your body weight. Weighted blankets that are 35 pounds and over should generally be avoided as they could be uncomfortable and restrictive.
Can a weighted blanket be too light?
Again, it is important to purchase a weighted blanket that is roughly 10% of your bodyweight in order to get the intended effect. If you are interested in a weighted blanket for health or therapeutic reasons, it will not be as effective if you purchase one that is too light for your body. Overall, it is up to you and your preference and comfort level, but best practices should be followed to get the desired results.
Best weighted blankets for adults
YnM Weighted Blanket
- Breathable Material
- Removable Cover
- Affordable
Quility Blanket with Soft Cover
- Plush Cover Material
- Quiet Micro-Glass Beads
- Comes in Different Colors and Sizes
Dr. Hart’s weighted blanket
- Patended ContourWave Design for Comfort
- Comes With a Weighted Comforter
- Includes a Duvet Cover
Best weighted blankets for kids
Roore 5 lb Children’s Weighted Blanket
ZonLi Weighted Blanket for Youth and Kids
- Made from Breathable Cotton
- Comes in Different Colors and Sizes
Hypnoser Weighted Blanket for Kids
- Durable Construction
- Smaller Pockets Provide Even Weight Distribution
Overall
Weighted blankets offer a great way to aid in improving sleep as well as combating anxiety, insomnia, and more health issues. They are a great addition to your nighttime setup and can be a thoughtful gift for others as well. They can provide a feeling of comfort and security at night and calm the nervous system to help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. It is important to consider the size and weight of the blanket in order to utilize it properly and reap the intended benefits.
Adults should be buying a weighted blanket that is 10% of their body weight, but that can be slightly adjusted based on comfort level and preference. Same goes for children’s blankets, with about 1-2 pounds of wiggle room in regards to the blanket weight. It is important to stick to this and avoid purchasing a blanket that is too heavy, especially for children because it can constrict them and their breathing which could be dangerous. For the max amount of benefits, stick to the chart above that outlines the 10% rule. Overall, the impact this product will have on your quality of sleep and of life could be significant, so start exploring options to find the perfect weighted blanket for you and your needs.