If you have trouble sleeping, a weighted blanket is one of the best natural methods for helping you to drift off. They work by mimicking deep pressure stimulation, which is thought to encourage the production of serotonin and melatonin while reducing the stress hormone cortisol. Your improved mood and boost of sleep hormones should help you have a more relaxed night's kip.
Weighted blankets are filled with metal or glass beads, or even plastic pellets, to apply gentle, even pressure to your body, replicating the feeling the being held or hugged. Some are heavier than others, with these throws and duvets usually weighing between five and 12kg.
Does a weighted blanket help with anxiety?
If you're someone that suffers from anxiety, you may find yourself having restless nights, and struggling to get off to sleep in the first place. The pressure of weighted blankets put your nervous system into 'rest' mode, which should help to relieve some of the symptoms of anxiety, such as a quickened heart rate and breathing. This should help to provide an overall sense of calm in your body.
As well as anxiety, weighted blankets can help those living with sleep disorders, ADHD and autism have a more peaceful's nights sleep.
Of course, you don't have to just have a blanket for the purposes of sleep, you can also cuddle up with one on the sofa to help you relax while watching television or reading a good book.
Best weighted blankets
If you feel you could benefit from having a weighted blanket, duvet, or throw, we've rounded up 13 of the best weighted blankets. They range in weight, size, colour and price, so you can find the one that suits all of your requirements.
Best weighted blanket
Description
The Simba Orbit blanket anchors your body so your mind can float away. The 100 per cent cotton
Best double sided weighted blanket
Description
With both a velvet fleece and soft matte finish, there are two levels of comfort for you to cuddle
Best weighted blanket for king size bed
Description
The gentle pressure from this large weighted blanket creates a relaxing sleep space. It has cotton
Recommended weighted blanket

Description
Experience a sense of serenity and calm under this 8kg weighted blanket. It has equally stitched
Ideal first weighted blanket

Description
Decrease your anxiety and stress levels by having a restful night's sleep under this blanket. It's
Recommended weighted blanket
Description
Experience the sensation of being held or hugged without anybody else involved. This blanket will
Best cuddle-replicating weighted blanket

www.emma-sleep.co.uk
Description
Replicate that feeling of being cuddled all night long with the help of the Emma Hug weighted
Best weight range for weighted blanket

www.johnlewis.com
Description
Wrap around your shoulders, across your lap or legs for a reassuringly cosy feel. Available in
Recommended weighted blanket

Description
Designed with your sleep wellness in mind, the pressure stimulation will help to ease you into a
Best eco-friendly weighted blanket

balooliving.co.uk
Description
The Baloo weighted blanket doesn't trap heat and is made using soft, breathable cotton to ensure
Recommended weighted blanket

www.remysleep.com
Description
This plush weighted blanket is designed to replace your regular duvet but can also be used as a
Recommended weighted blanket

theoodie.co.uk
Description
Recommended weighted blanket

direct.asda.com
Description
Grey in colour, this weighted blanket would be the perfect complement to silver or slate bedroom
FAQs
How much should a weighted blanket weight?
As a general rule, The Sleep Foundation recommends a weighted blanket should be around 10 per cent of your body weight. Of course, you may feel like this is too heavy or not quite heavy enough. The ideal blanket should provide you with a comforting feeling that feels safe when you're relaxing underneath it. You can go as low as 5 per cent of your body to still feel the effects of the blanket without it feeling too heavy. The highest you should go is 12 per cent as any higher you may feel claustrophobic underneath it.
Can a weighted blanket make you sore?
If you stick to the limits mentioned above, a weighted blanket shouldn't make you feel sore. If you've never used one before, you may feel a slight discomfort as your body gets used to it. However, if a blanket is too heavy, it may make you feel like you aren't getting enough air to your lungs. You could also find it puts too much pressure on your joints and make them feel tender.