Getting a good night’s sleep is so tough that many people find themselves on the hunt for the perfect sleep solution. In recent years, weighted blankets have boomed in popularity as a natural sleep aid. But its effectiveness depends primarily on whether you manage to find the weighted blanket weight that’s right for you.
After all, weighted blankets should mimic a comforting hug, not a suffocating one.
Before delving deeper into the weighted blanket weight recommendations for children, adults, and the elderly, let’s take a look at how a weighted blanket works and a few of its benefits.
What is a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket is exactly what it sounds like — it’s a heavy blanket filled with glass beads or plastic pellets for heaviness. The weighted blanket weight acts as a therapeutic technique known as deep touch pressure stimulation, which is responsible for creating a sense of calm and releasing feel-good hormones, such as serotonin and oxycontin.
Weighted blankets were initially used as a form of therapy in the 1970s, and it has since gained mainstream traction for improving sleep quality.
These blankets have numerous benefits and are designed to offer some relief if you experience the following:
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Restless leg syndrome
- ADHD
- Sensory processing disorder
How Does a Weighted Blanket Help You Sleep?
Weighted blankets have been touted as an effective solution for battling sleepless nights. One study conducted on 31 adults with chronic insomnia found that weighted blankets seemed to improve sleep quality.
The study tracked participants’ sleep cycles to determine whether a weighted blanket offered them a good night’s sleep. Researchers concluded that participants woke up feeling more rested and refreshed. Because of the weighted blanket, the participants’ sleep duration had increased, and there was also a decrease in their movements at night, providing an uninterrupted night’s sleep.
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The blanket’s deep touch pressure stimulation is responsible for reducing the symptoms of insomnia and creating a feeling of overall relaxation. The pressure is comfortable enough to make you feel like you’re being hugged or swaddled, helping you fall and stay asleep.
The blanket can also calm your mind if you struggle to keep anxious thoughts at bay every time your head hits the pillow. The weighted blanket weight works by distracting you from your thoughts and lulling you into a deep sleep.
Weighted Blanket Weight Guide Based on Age
When it comes to weighted blankets, picking the right weight is essential because it can mean the difference between a good night’s sleep and an uncomfortable one. Weighted blankets typically weigh anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds, and the best way to determine the weighted blanket weight that’s right for you is by considering your age and body weight.
The general guideline is that a weighted blanket should be 10% of your body weight plus one or two pounds, but other factors, such as age, can also come into play.
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How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be for Children?
Infants and toddlers should not use a weighted blanket, but it can help children get a good night’s sleep, provided you find a weight that’s suitable for them.
The recommendation that a weighted blanket should be 10% of body weight plus one or two pounds applies to children. For a child who weighs 80 pounds, this means that a weighted blanket between 9 to 10 pounds might be most suitable for them.
Choosing the right one is crucial for your kid’s comfort, so be sure to pay extra attention to how your kid responds to the pressure. Some children might be able to handle a heavier blanket, while others might prefer a lighter one. To ensure that your kids reap all the essential weighted blanket benefits, the weight should be just right and cover the entire length of their bodies.
How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be for Adults?
Usually, a weighted blanket between 12 to 20 pounds is ideal for adults, depending on body weight. For an adult who weighs 150 pounds, a 15-pound weighted blanket would be the right fit.
But when you’re on the hunt for a new weighted blanket, it also helps to consider a few other factors, including your preferred sleeping type.
For instance, if you tend to shift around a lot during the night, you might want to choose a weighted blanket weight that won’t hinder movement. In such cases, going with a lighter weighted blanket can be beneficial and won’t make you feel trapped.
When choosing your weighted blanket, keep your personal wellness goals in mind. If you need to combat sleep anxiety, a weighted blanket that’s on the heavier side may be beneficial, but it all comes down to your own preference.
How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be for Older Adults?
The general guidelines for weighted blanket weight also apply to older adults, but in most cases, experts recommend using the lightest weight possible.
Before you purchase a weighted blanket, it’s essential to consider if you have any underlying conditions that may make it unsafe to use a weighted blanket. If you experience respiratory or circulatory problems or are recovering from surgery, it’s best to consult a doctor for their recommendation.
Do the Same Guidelines Apply for Couples?
The weighted blanket weight guidelines are different if you intend to share a blanket with your partner.
When choosing a weighted blanket for couples, one factor to keep in mind is that there shouldn’t be a significant difference in your body weight and your partner’s. For instance, if you’re 120 pounds and your partner is 200 pounds, chances are that you won’t be able to find a queen size blanket that’s comfortable for both of you. Either it will be too light for your partner or too heavy for you.
In case a couple’s body weight differs by a lot, it might be worth investing in separate weighted blankets that are more suited to your respective body weight. However, if you’re in a similar weight bracket, the ideal weighted blanket weight will be around 7% of your combined weight.
The following weighted blanket guide for adults can help you determine which weight you should consider for you and your partner.
| Individual Adult Weight | Combined Couple Weight | Blanket Weight |
| 120 to 170 lbs | 150 to 215 lbs | 15 lbs |
| 170 to 220 lbs | 215 to 290 lbs | 20 lbs |
| 220 to 270 lbs | 290 to 350 lbs | 25 lbs |
When it comes to picking the perfect weighted blanket, weight might be one of the most important considerations, but here are a few others to keep in mind:
- Temperature - Some weighted blankets may cause you to overheat during the night, so it’s essential to pick one that’s breathable and won’t trap heat.
- Hypoallergenic - If you’re susceptible to allergies, be sure to invest in a weighted blanket that’s hypoallergenic, non-toxic, and odorless to ensure you get a good night’s sleep.
- Washable - To take proper care of your weighted blanket, it’s important to wash it regularly. For your convenience, try to look for a weighted blanket that comes with a removable, machine-washable cover.
Ultimately, weighted blankets should be comfortable and offer gentle pressure stimulation. The Puffy Weighted Blanket is designed to deliver a calming hug-like feeling for a good night’s sleep.
With Puffy’s sleep trial guarantee, you can cozy up and test the weighted blanket for a full 101 nights. This way, you can rest easy knowing that you’ve chosen the weighted blanket weight that’s perfect for you.
Choose Your Puffy Deluxe Weighted Blanket
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