Are you in the market for a weighted blanket? Studies have shown that they are effective at calming people and improving sleep habits. Also, they help people with ADHD and other related conditions sleep better, according to this report.
But, keep in mind that not all weighted blankets are the same. Different weighted blankets will be better for different people depending on their weight and sleeping habits.
One of the first questions people ask when looking for a weighted blanket is: how heavy should my weighted blanket be?
Your weighted blanket should be about 10% of your body weight. Adults can add between one and two pounds to that weight for their weighted blanket.
For example, if you weigh 120 pounds, your weighted blanket should be between 12 and 14 pounds.
The weight of your weighted blanket can fluctuate a little depending on your personal preference too. For some people, a lighter weighted blanket will be comfortable. Others might prefer a slightly heavier weighted blanket.
Obviously, you want to find the right weighted blanket for you as soon as possible. But, the reality is it might take a couple of purchases.
You might try a 14 pound weighted blanket for a few weeks and feel no change in your sleep patterns or little pressure. If it doesn’t feel snug, you might consider a 15 or 16-pound blanket.
Weight might not be your only issue, too. Weighted blankets are filled with a wide variety of fillings, from sand to glass beads. Glass beads are one of the most popular. But you might try a different filling if your current weighted blanket isn’t working for you. To learn more about weighted blanket fillings, click here.
Is a 15-pound weighted blanket enough?
A 15-pound weighted blanket is enough for a 130 to 150-pound adult. Just divide your weight by 10 to get the approximate weighted blanket weight for you.
How much do weighted blankets actually weigh?
Weighted blankets range from about 5 pounds to 30 pounds. The five to eight pound weighted blankets are typically for kids weighing between 50 and 80 pounds. Beyond that, you can typically find weighted blankets at 10, 15, 20, 25, and even 30 pounds.
Which is better: a 15 lb or 20 lb weighted blanket?
That depends on your weight. A 15 pound blanket is great for a 130 to 150 pound person. A 20 pound blanket works for a 180 to 200 pound person. You can be a little flexible with the weight and add a pound or two depending on how it feels.
What happens if you use a weighted blanket that is too heavy?
With a weighted blanket that’s too heavy, you may experience some intense soreness after sleeping with it for a couple of weeks. Soreness is normal but it should not be painful to sleep with your weighted blanket.
A heavy weighted blanket may also make you feel claustrophobic. You should still be able to move around inside the blanket without too much trouble. So, if you can barely move your arms and legs, you probably have a blanket that’s too heavy.
Also, a heavy weighted blanket will actually make it more difficult for you to fall asleep. You might have some difficulty breathing.
If you notice any of the above signs, don’t use the weighted blanket. See if you can return it for a lighter one or find another online that works better for you.
Read Also: What Are Weighted Blankets Made Of?
Is it okay to sleep with a weighted blanket every night?
Yes, you can sleep with a weighted blanket every night. If you’re new to using weighted blankets, you might get sore after a few days of use. How you use your weighted blanket is up to you. You might choose to just use it for a few hours at a time for a nap. Or, maybe overnight works better for you. Just test it out and you’ll learn what’s most comfortable over time.
Can weighted blankets be too heavy?
Yes, weighted blankets can be too heavy. The general rule is to divide your total weight by 10. Then add one or two pounds to that for your weighted blanket weight.
If you go too much heavier than that, you might experience some shortness of breath or claustrophobia. This will make it quite difficult to fall asleep, defeating the purpose of your weighted blanket. So it’s very important to purchase one that’s at the correct weight for you.
Is a 12 lb weighted blanket enough?
A 12 pound weighted blanket is enough for most teenagers or small adults. If you weigh between 100 and 120 pounds, a 12 pound weighted blanket is great.
Should you sleep with a weighted blanket every night?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. You should use your weighted blanket for three to four weeks and try out a few different things. One week, you could use it every night. The next week, four nights a week. Maybe you only use it for an hour before you fall asleep, then switch to a different blanket. You’ll have to figure this out for yourself.
When starting out with your new blanket, you may get sore after just a few days. That’s normal and shouldn’t discourage you from using your blanket. In the beginning, you may want to use it less to get used to the feeling of it.
How long does it take for a weighted blanket to work?
Most people will feel the beneficial effects of a weighted blanket after a few days. Some will feel the impact of it immediately, and others may not see any impact. If your weighted blanket doesn’t seem to work, just be patient.
You might have to try a few different types. You can go with a lighter blanket, a heavier one, one with different fillings…you have a lot of options.
For a weighted blanket to work well, make sure it’s the right weight. Just divide your total weight by 10 and add 1-2 pounds to get the weight of your weighted blanket.
This might not be the exact weight that works for you, but most people will find comfort within this range. The main benefits of a weighted blanket include reduced anxiety and improved sleep.
They don’t tend to work as well on people who have sleep apnea or snore, since they may restrict breathing. It may be a good idea to talk to a sleep doctor if you continue to struggle with sleep. Ask them if a weighted blanket is a good option for you and go from there.
Follow the advice in our weighted blanket ultimate guide to find the best weighted blanket for you.
We hope you enjoyed this weighted blanket weight guide. Do you still have some questions about weighted blankets? No problem. We might have the answer for you below!
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