When it comes to the material of the weighted blanket itself, there are two things to take note of – the padding and the filling. The central feature of weighted blankets is that they promote a co-called grounding sensation. This works by applying subtle levels of pressure on the user as they sleep, forcing them slightly deeper into their mattress. However, the catch is that the cover is somewhat of a pain to put on and take off. This is partly due to the weight of the blanket making it a bit of a workout. But also because to keep the cover properly positioned, you have to tie it to the blanket - in seven places! But it’s worth noting that this is the case for most weighted blanket covers. For the washable blankets she machine washed them as per the care instructions to see how they fared in the washing machine and how easy they were to get dry afterwards.

If your budget doesn’t quite stretch that far, the TheaWellbeing blyss weighted blanket with cover is a fantastic value for money buy. For children, we love the Snoozzzy dinosaur weighted blanket.If you can't get a blanket exactly the right weight, that's ok – if in doubt, choose an option on the lighter side. Another key benefit of weighted blankets is that they can help control the incidence of sleepwalking episodes. Those who suffer from sleepwalking will know how detrimental it can be to sleep quality. However, after a couple of nights of our partner using the weighted blanket, we noticed that the deepness of their sleep improved significantly resulting in both of us getting a much more pleasant night's sleep.

The effects of weighted blankets on our bodies are various. By affecting the hormone levels in our body, weighted blankets can help improve our mood, put us to sleep, and even alleviate symptoms of anxiety, ADHD, autism, and depression. After all, few things are more calming than a warm hug – even when it comes from a weighted blanket. Those who struggle to enjoy a good night’s sleep generally produce lower levels of this essential hormone. This has a direct impact on sleep quality and maintaining quality sleep cycles. As such, utilising a weighted blanket can help counterbalance the problem. For example, when talking about children with ASD, some sources have put forward alternatives – like different types of massages. These can be done by the parents at no cost and might even fair better than a weighted blanket in certain cases.In other words, weighted blankets can help but don't assume that they 100% will. Talk to a medical professional, try it out, and don't be afraid to search for other means if the weighted blanket doesn't seem to calm you down. Do you have to have a weighted blanket to deal with stress, anxiety, and ASD?

Considering we slept next to what we can only assume was the world's lightest sleeper, we were particularly excited to test the Simba Orbit blanket. Not every adult will benefit from a weighted blanket, either. In fact, in some instances, using them can be harmful and produce distressing side effects. People who suffer from respiratory ailments should generally avoid using weighted blankets, with the added bulk a potential risk to breathing function. While more research needs to be done, early signs have shown weighted blankets can be helpful for a range of conditions including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, chronic pain and autism. Do weighted blankets work?It may also help to stimulate the vagus nerve to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which signals to the body that it is time to unwind and relax. The blankets can be useful for people who struggle to relax or have problems getting to sleep.”

Most weighted blankets are designed for use by one person or, even if it’s a particularly big one, they usually won’t cover the whole bed. But the Baloo weighted comforter is designed to be large enough for sharing, snuggling and sleeping soundly under. You’re even likely to find one that will cover your entire bed, so long as it’s no bigger than a superking. Lastly, while it can be romantic, we don't typically advise sharing a weighted blanket. This is especially true if you plan on sleeping with it. The last thing you'd want is for your partner to toss about and accidentaly cover your face with the weighted blanket.

How heavy should a weighted blanket be?

When starting to use a weighted blanket, start with approximately 10 minutes and observe the change in your body and mind before and after use,” suggests Henderson. “Make sure it feels comfortable, secure, and you can move it easily as needed. If it feels good after that time, then you can increase the time to 20-25 minutes and again just observe how you feel after that time. 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.” 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.