It has been seen that weighted blankets have become much more popular and are being used by 80 % of households. Also, it should be mentioned that since then, its sales have increased at a rapid rate. These blankets have garnered positive reviews among the masses and also have visible benefits on their overall health.
But, while shopping for such blankets many people seem to fail to understand how heavy a weighted blanket one should buy and how they would be able to differentiate between the right and wrong one. The obvious factor is that one should look for before another factor is the weight. Because if you choose the wrong weight, then your blanket would seem like pressure on you and cause you discomfort. You also won’t be able to receive the therapeutic benefits that you are supposed to receive because your blanket is extra heavy that your body can take. So, in this article, we shall discuss the appropriate weight of such blankets depending on your age.
Weighted Blankets And What Are They Made Of
Weighted blankets are the types of blankets that are made to provide therapeutic benefits to your body and relieve it from many issues. They provide a sense of calm and warmth to the body when you sleep and thus help in the release of the happy hormones in the body which are also known as serotonin and oxytocin. Because of this reason, you can also call them anxiety blankets since they help in dealing with sleeplessness. These blankets are very much beneficial for people who are dealing with issues like anxiety, autism, depression, insomnia, PTSD, etc. Weighted blankets are made up of things like tiny poly pellets, tiny beads of glass, steel beads, and also plastic beads that are made up of polypropylene. Also, there are a few blankets that are available in the market which are made up of cotton fabric like a duvet and weigh around 35 pounds. But it is suggested that one should select a mattress according to their body size and weight.
Weighted Blankets: Weight Guide And How Heavy Should They Be
You already have got a brief idea about weighted blankets and their benefits to your body. Now you will have to understand the weight balance of such blankets and how you should make a purchase depending on the weight. There is a very simple rule that you can follow while purchasing and using such blankets. The rule is:
Total weight of the blanket = Adding 1 to 2 pounds to the body weight of an individual x 10%
Also below is mentioned a small table that would work as a guide on looking for the right blanket for yourself.
| Age | Average Weight | Blanket Weight |
| 11years – 13 years | 70 pounds – 90 pounds | 5 pounds |
| 14 years – 20 years | 100 pounds – 160 pounds | 10 pounds – 15 pounds |
| 21+ years | 165 pounds – 200 pounds | 20 pounds |
| 21+ years | 200 pounds and more | 25+ pounds |
This is also to be taken note that if your kid is under 10 years of age or you are an adult and are dealing with issues of the heart, respiratory issues, sleep apnea, etc then consult a specialist before using weighted blankets. For elderly people as well, a doctor’s suggestion is a must before using a weighted blanket. But for any healthy adult, these blankets work wonders on their physical and mental health.
These blankets are very much beneficial for those dealing with issues in sleeping. They help people in falling fast asleep by reducing tension and increasing the happy hormones in the body. People tend to sleep faster when they are free of stress and tension. And that is why these blankets are very much useful while taking power naps. Power naps work as a secret weapon to increase productivity while at the same time saving your energy. At times, when you are overloaded with work and your every second count, you must restore your fallen energy by taking power naps at intervals. Power naps also help increase your power of learning and help in saving your time. It, in a way, provides you 8 hours’ worth of energy in minutes. A 25-30 minute nap is sufficient to last for several hours but 90 minutes of nap provides you with significant energy to last for the night. A 90 minutes nap helps your body to cover the REM cycle and boosts sufficient energy in your body that is similar to sleeping for 8 hours. W
While you are continuously at work or working on completing a project a weighted blanket can come in handy in achieving quick power naps. As we know that weighted blankets help in soothing the mind and the body and getting fast asleep, with the help of this, while at work, you can soothe your already stressed mind and body and fall fast asleep.
Signs Your Blanket Is Heavier For You
As we have already discussed how an error of judgment can lead you to get your hands on the wrong blanket weight. Weighted blankets which are heavier than 35 pounds must be avoided. You must also notice if:
- You are unable to move under your blanket and have a feeling of suffocation.
- You are feeling claustrophobic and have breathing issues.
- If you are unable to sleep under the blanket and feel pressured and uncomfortable.
You can call such weighted blankets perfect for you only if:
- You find yourself comfortable while sleeping under it.
- Your duration of sleep has increased and you find yourself relieved from stress and anxiety.
- You don’t spend much time staying awake at night and feel relaxed.
Conclusion
These weighted blankets have been in the market for quite some time but they have become popular in recent years and are being suggested by most doctors worldwide. They are very much helpful for patients with certain health disorders and work as a therapeutic agent.
