A weighted blanket is an extra heavy blanket that can be used to help you get to sleep and reduce feelings of anxiety. The additional weight of such blankets have a direct affect on the production of melatonin the user produces as they sleep. This hormone helps promote a feeling of well-being and creates a soothing effect for those using them. This goes a long way in creating lower levels of anxiety at night, encouraging a better night’s sleep.

Plus, once the ties were used to secure the weighted blanket inside the cover, it was not moving anywhere and stayed in place until we removed it for washing. We tested this weighted blanket in the 6.8kg option, but a heavier 9kg version is available too. They're made from all different materials and come in a variety of styles and colours – some have washable outer layers for hygiene or fleecy covers for extra cosiness. If you can't get a blanket exactly the right weight, that's ok – if in doubt, choose an option on the lighter side.

What is the purpose of a weighted blanket?

What I didn't expect is that the removable cotton cover makes this blanket feel the most like a duvet. It just felt a bit more familiar having this on the bed at night than a fleecy blanket or one of the ones without a cover on. For the washable blankets she machine washed them as per the care instructions to see how they fared in the washing machine and how easy they were to get dry afterwards. The effects of weighted blankets on our bodies are various. By affecting the hormone levels in our body, weighted blankets can help improve our mood, put us to sleep, and even alleviate symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, autism, and depression. After all, few things are more calming than a warm hug – even when it comes from a weighted blanket. Each blanket tested weighed around 7kg and was used by at least three different people for three or more nights' sleep, as well as when unwinding on the sofa.

Some people find the weight comforting and liken it to being hugged or swaddled. It is also said to help with a variety of issues such as stress and anxiety that may adversely affect sleep. How heavy should a weighted blanket be?Adults only - Whilst some weighted blankets are suitable for children, the recommendations in this guide are based on adult use only. Likewise, those who struggle with circulation issues should avoid weighted blankets due to the pressures applied to the body as the user sleeps. Anyone who has suffered from claustrophobia or experienced similar phonic reactions should avoid weighted blankets as well. How Weighted Blankets Can Help You? Finding the perfect cover shouldn’t be too troublesome. It all boils down to the material of the cover if we’re being honest. And that's because the cover material dictates all of the important features you'd want: how easy it is to wash, how well it can regulate the temperature, and how soft it is to the touch. For additional information on washing and drying a weighted blanket, feel free to take a look at ourin-depth weighted blanket washing guide. Conclusion It's only available in one size (single, 135cm x 200cm) but comes in two different weights 6.8kg/15lb or 9kg/20lb to suit different requirements.