6 Weighted Blanket Dos and Don’ts to Maximize Your Sleep

Getting a great night's sleep can feel like a Herculean task at times. With the stressors of everyday life and near-constant exposure to technology, it’s no wonder that one out of every three Americans isn't getting the sleep they need. That’s where weighted blankets come in handy. The pressure of these therapeutic blankets puts your autonomic nervous system into “rest” mode, alleviating symptoms of stress while also priming your body for sleep. 

At a glance, using a weighted blanket for sleep might seem pretty straightforward: you place the blanket on top of you and wait for its snooze-enhancing benefits to take hold. But if you want to maximize your sleep, there are a few things you should know. Below, we’re sharing six weighted blanket dos and don’ts to help make your restless nights a thing of the past.

1. Do: Invest in a high-quality weighted blanket

Weighted blankets are no longer a niche market. Since the launch of our wildly popular Gravity weighted blanket in 2017, many brands have piled into the market, releasing their own weighted blanket products at various price points. Unfortunately, this has led to an abundance of cheaply-made weighted blankets made with low-quality materials and fillers. These blankets are often uncomfortable, unnecessarily noisy and not at all conducive to a good night’s sleep. 

In contrast, our Gravity weighted blanket features fine-grade glass beads (one of the quietest weighted blanket fillers) housed inside gridded stitching to ensure even distribution of weight, no matter how you use your weighted blanket. The end result is a premium-quality blanket that envelops you in a warm, cozy hug and noiselessly lulls you to sleep.

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2. Don’t: Ignore size and weight recommendations

By far, one of the biggest mistakes people make when buying a weighted blanket is overestimating how much weight their body can handle. Choosing a too-heavy weighted blanket can make you feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable, whereas choosing one that’s too light will make you feel, well…nothing.

If this is your first weighted blanket, we recommend following the rule of thumb that says to choose one around 10 percent of your total body weight. Ultimately, it’s a matter of your preference, but this is generally a good starting point to reap all the benefits a weighted blanket has to offer.

3. Do: Cover your entire body

One way weighted blankets help calm us down is by acting like a hug, delivering gentle pressure to make us feel safe and secure. If you want to achieve the full extent of this hug-like feeling, try covering your entire body in the blanket from the neck down to your feet. If you’re using your weighted blanket to combat symptoms of restless leg syndrome, you can also try folding the blanket in half and concentrating the weight on your legs.

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4. Don’t: Set the thermostat too high at night

A consistently cool sleeping environment is essential for nodding off quickly and getting the high-quality rest you need. However, most weighted blankets are made with thicker fabrics and materials that can trap your body heat, making you too hot to sleep. Fortunately, the fix is simple: turn the temperature down before bedtime. Lowering the thermostat, even by a couple of degrees, can go a long way in helping you fall (and stay) asleep.

Of course, some people have no control over their bedroom temperature. If you don’t have air conditioning or sleep with someone who has different opinions on the best temperature for sleep, try our cooling weighted blanket. It features revolutionary moisture-wicking fabrics to keep even the hottest of sleepers cool and comfortable at night.

5. Do: Make it a regular part of your routine

Weighted blankets work best when they are a consistent part of your nighttime habits. When you use a weighted blanket regularly, your brain starts to associate it with rest and relaxation, making it easier to clear your mind at night and fall into a deep sleep. To make the most of your weighted blanket, try pairing it with other soothing bedtime activities — like reading, listening to music or practicing meditation.

6. Don’t: Feel obligated to share your weighted blanket

When it comes to weighted blankets, sharing isn’t always caring. While our Gravity weighted blanket comes in a range of sizes to cover both you and your partner, this option is generally best suited for couples who are similar in size and weight. If you and your partner’s body weights differ significantly, one or both of you may not experience the full benefits of the weighted blanket due to the blanket being too light or too heavy. For this reason, you may want to consider buying individual weighted blankets that are tailored to your size, weight and personal preferences. 

Slip into the Perfect Slumber with Gravity Blankets

There is nothing sweeter than getting undisturbed and sufficient sleep, night after night. With these weighted blanket dos and don’ts, you can invest in the right weighted blanket for you and use it to ensure a good night’s sleep.

On the hunt for the perfect weighted blanket? Shop our collection of high-quality weighted blankets and give yourself the gift of better sleep!

 

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