They've been around since the late nineties when they were more commonly used by occupational therapists. Some people prefer the lighter feel of a duvet, says Henderson, and she suggests using something you already have at home to evaluate if the sensation of sleeping under a weighted blanket is for you. “Using a few large bath towels on top of your duvet can give you a good alternative feeling of how the weighted blanket might feel before you invest in one.”

Don't assume you need to buy an extra large blanket for added benefits – it's actually better to go for one about the same height and width as you, or just slightly larger – a blanket that's too big will not be as weighty, so you'll feel less pressure. Also, because blankets are weighted they can easily fall off a bed if they're too large. How does a weighted blanket work? The popularity of weighted blankets has been growing over the last few years and the choice on offer has naturally increased to cater. It’s up to you – some people like to replace their duvet with a weighted blanket, whereas others like layering them both, particularly during the colder months. If the sizes match up, you can also use a duvet cover on your weighted blanket, to keep it clean.But there are also more expensive ones like those from Simba and John Lewis. Where to buy weighted blankets? Their additional weight mimics a therapeutic technique called “deep pressure therapy”. Like a loving hug, this triggers the release of serotonin and dopamine, also known as the “happy hormones”. That's why many people find a weighted blanket helps to soothe anxiety and encourage a peaceful night's sleep. As smooth as velvet and just as soothing, the Kuddly Weighted Blanket is beautifully soft and contains ultra-silent glass sand beads, which stay quiet when they move to form and hug your body. 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. Henderson recommends that people with a medical condition or concerns about using a weighted blanket consult a medical professional before investing. And young children should be supervised when using a weighted blanket. How to wash a weighted blanket

We didn’t like: There wasn’t much to dislike, although I’d prefer a choice of colours. It’s also on the pricey side, but I felt that it was worth it. As they release feel-good chemicals to your brain, most people that use them find that they help to relieve anxiety symptoms, and promote relaxation.The blanket itself weighs a hefty 6.8kg (14.9 pounds) and is suitable for adults weighing 55-80kg (121 to 176 pounds). Cons: It’s not available in sizes bigger than a single, so perhaps better for use as a throw blanket for naps on the sofa. There aren’t multiple weight options. The inner blanket needs spot cleaning if you make any marks. Another option is to have one placed on top of a lighter tog duvet, so you can easily remove one or the other as needed. In the winter, both together has the additional benefit of warmth and weight to help encourage a good night’s sleep. The verdict: Weighted blankets Made from 100% breathable cotton top, the blanket has a tactile soft dot reverse and comes with eight straps which allow the blanket to be wrapped in quilt covers. The Buzio blanket is very lightweight, which makes it perfect for younger children (as long as they are aged over three years old of course).