The weighted blanket in the test - can you really sleep better with it?

Have you ever heard of heavy comforters? Really heavy ones that are supposed to make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep? I did a weighted quilt test and share my therapy quilt experience with you here.

There are always new aids that are supposed to make sleeping easier for us. From special pillows, sprays, drops, drinks to food. Companies are always coming up with something new.

No wonder, many of us know the problem with sleeping.

More and more people are suffering from Problems falling asleep or sleeping through the night. Either they can only do not fall asleep or they watch In the middle of the night at.

You know this too? Welcome to the club! 🙈

There are nights when I toss and turn from my left side to my right, then back two minutes later. In between, all kinds of ideas run through my head. The Thought carousel circles incessantly and I can't get out.

No matter what I try. 😐

Just recently I got ads displayed on Instagram. One heavy comforter is supposed to be the solution to my problem. That cries out for a Weight blankets testI thought to myself and immediately ordered a very popular model.

Today I would like to share my Therapy blankets experience with you and tell you what makes this aid so special, how I feel about it and whether I would recommend such a heavy blanket for falling asleep.

What is a therapy blanket?

A therapeutic blanket is a term used to describe heavy comforters or other products that are intended to help with insomnia or restlessness during sleep.

Other terms for therapy blankets are heavy blanket or weighted blanket. The best-known model takes its name from the brand "Gravity" - it is called the Gravity blanket and was recently featured on Galileo.

Weight blankets are therefore nothing more than normal comforters that heavy turn out. Weights are sewn into the blanket, which of course makes it a lot heavier than a classic comforter.

If you look at the statistics, it quickly becomes clear that I'm not the only one struggling with sleep problems. According to surveys 20 to 30 percent of the population of Sleep disorders affected. Women are particularly often affected. But even professions with very irregular working hours find it difficult to rest.

The therapy blanket seems to have come at just the right time.

What helps to fall asleep?

How much should weigh a weighting blanket?

The weight of a heavy comforter depends on the needs of the person. Some people need a lighter weight, while others need a heavier weight. Optimally the Weight blanket 10 % of body weight. For a woman weighing 60 kg, the optimal blanket would be 6 kg.

However, there are also blankets that weigh 12 kg.

By the way, the weight comes from small glass balls, which are incorporated into the ceiling.

You should stay away from blankets that are too heavy, as you could feel like you are being crushed. Of course, this doesn't really happen, but the feeling could arise. And that won't make it any easier to sleep, but will cause panic and even more restlessness.

Your therapy blanket experience would therefore be thoroughly bad if the weight is not adapted to you.

How does a weighted blanket work?

The principle of the therapy blanket is quickly explained. Due to its weight, it exerts almost a constant pressure off. It helps you to fall asleep and stay asleep. The effect is known as "deep touch pressure".

The secret of the blankets is hidden behind the weight. When we cover ourselves with them, deep pressure is created. The pressure ensures that we relax and therefore sleep more restfully. You come to rest physically and mentally. 😊

When we relax, the body secretes Two hormones out. On the one hand, the happiness hormone Serotoninwhich acts against stress. And on the other hand the sleep hormone Melatoninwhich puts our body into sleep mode. If melatonin production is not working properly, we have problems falling asleep and staying asleep.

A weighted blanket signals to our body that it can relax. The principle is similar to a hug. This calms and relaxes the nervous system, muscles, vision and joints

This happens whenever we distribute the heavy weight of the therapy blanket on the body. The inner tension falls away and gives way to pure Relaxation.

Some testers report euphoric feelings and a clear positive effect on their state of mind when using the weighted blanket.

So there are three principles that will help you:

the deep and even pressure has a calming effect on the autonomic nervous system
the constricting feeling is intended to remind us of the safety of the womb. Here you felt particularly safe.
Hormone release - the weight of the blanket releases serotonin and melatonin

That all sounds wonderful in theory. But there I would of course like to get my own therapy blankets experience and have the Weight blanket in the test under the microscope.

Are weighted blankets really that good? Or are they just a short-lived hype that takes money out of our pockets? I've decided to find out for myself. Maybe I can get rid of my sleeping problems once and for all.

How much sleep do I really need?

How important is restful sleep?

When you sleep well, your body can heal, regenerate and strengthen itself. Your brain processes the experiences of the day, which is extremely important for your mental health.

Poor sleep? Then you not only feel Physical tired, but are also emotional rather on a rollercoaster ride. Good sleep, on the other hand, keeps you fit, keeps your mood up and your concentration sharp.

If you don't get enough sleep, your body gets out of balance. Your Immune system no longer fights as hard, colds greet you more often. Your metabolism gets out of sync, you gain weight faster and lose weight more easily. 🙈

Even your heart is working overtime, as a lack of sleep can drive up your blood pressure. Your hormones go crazy, cravings for unhealthy foods increase. Your muscles don't recover properly, and even small Injuries heal more slowly. And your concentration? That suffers too.

That's why I bought myself a therapy blanket and would like to tell you in my test whether it really helps or whether you can save yourself the money.

My therapy blankets experience - the weighted blanket in test

Since I always struggle with problems falling asleep, I ordered this weighted blanket from Amazon without further ado.

With my 50 kg body weight, I choose for my Weight blankets test the model with 4 kg. You can choose from 4 weight classes and two blanket sizes.

When the package is delivered, it is really surprisingly heavy. Phew, and I'm supposed to put that on me now? Is that such a good idea? Oh my goodness, how am I supposed to fall asleep under this heavy blanket?

Is the weighted blanket cozy despite its weight?

Probably the most important question. If you do not feel comfortable in the comforter, then you will certainly not be able to share a good experience with the weighted blanket. However, I can now speak only from my point of view.

I test the blanket on the sofa. To do this, I lie down, place it to the side of me and then pull it over my body. The heaviness feels unusual at first.

However, it is no longer as heavy as when I unpacked it. Because the weight is now evenly distributed on my body.

I quickly realize that my body under the heavy blanket to relax begins. It now feels cuddly and soft. The weight is still unfamiliar, but anything but bad. One feels secure and comfortable underneath.

I didn't feel like I was being crushed during my first weighted blanket test. Rather, it feels a little like a firm embrace an.

Can I sleep better with the therapy blanket?

The first night with weight blanket

When I want to make my first therapy blanket experience, it is just August. A rather bad time one would think. Outside it is very warm and in the room the thermometer shows 24 degrees.

Well, that could be fun.

But in fact, I do not sweat under the therapy blanket. And this despite the fact that I can hardly lower the temperature in the bedroom even at night.

It still feels a bit unusual. I'm lying there now with a 5 kg blanket on top of me. I can't move as freely as I usually do. But that is probably good. Otherwise I'll be rolling from left to right and back again every 5 minutes.

The weight of the blanket is quite comfortable. I feel really comfortable and relaxed. As always, I turn to the side and close my eyes.

Surprisingly, the very first night I have the weighted blanket on test, I fell asleep very quickly.

But maybe it was a coincidence. I'm testing it for another 6 days so I can tell you about my longer term therapy blanket experience.

After the first week with weighted blanket

My experience after the first week is pretty clear: I can actually fall asleep much more quickly. The jittery feeling with which I often lie down in bed disappears much more quickly. As soon as I'm under the covers, I feel safe.

The tension disappears in the first ten minutes under the blanket. To see if I wasn't just imagining the positive experience with the weighted blanket, I had my fitness tracker record my sleep overnight. On the app, I can see in the morning whether I actually slept through the night.

What is noticeable: My deep sleep phases are significantly longer. Instead of waking up 10 times a night, it settles at 2x. Sometimes I don't even remember waking up at all.

I feel fitter and more rested overall.

A small hitch is the price. Brand models cost 200 euros upwards. However, I opted for a cheaper model. A healthy and restful sleep is worth 60 euros to me.

If you don't have a blanket yet, this one is the most popular on Amazon and gets 5 out of 5 stars from my personal review:

Who is not allowed to use a weighted blanket?

There are people who must not or should not use a weighted blanket. If you have a history of very high blood pressure, then the use of a weighted blanket is not advisable.

Experts also advise pregnant women not to use a weighted blanket because there have been risks with the baby's growth and movement. Finally, experts also advise against using a weighted blanket if you currently suffer from respiratory problems or asthma.

Also, those who have type 2 diabetes, asthma or heart problems should not experience therapy blankets. If you are unsure, talk to a doctor before your weighted quilt test. He will decide if a heavy blanket is suitable for you.

Whether you are a child, an old person or an adult, it is important that you can get out from under the heavy blanket yourself. Therefore: Please do not choose blankets that are too heavy!

Who should have their own therapy blankets experience?

For whom are therapy quilts suitable? Is a heavy comforter right for you? The effect of therapy blankets as well as previous studies highlight three groups of people in particular for whom a weighted blanket can help.

For sleep problems

The main goal of therapy blankets is to prevent the user from having problems falling asleep.

The manufacturers of the blankets often write that the deep pressure created by the blanket is good for our body. In the process, the body releases more serotonin (aka happy hormones). This in turn helps in the production of melatonin, which makes us fall asleep better and faster.

For anxiety disorders and stress

The blankets are used both for sleeping and relaxing. So you can use them for therapeutic purposes in case of anxiety and stress.

Instead of just using your blanket as bedding, you can lie under it after a hectic day with some calming activities. This can be reading, watching TV, talking on the phone or knitting (or any other relaxing activity).

Also, those who suffer from anxiety disorders can benefit from a heavy blanket. The pressure created by the blanket gives a feeling of security.

In short, a therapy blanket is always useful when you want to calm down. No matter what the reason for your inner restlessness is.

What should I look out for when buying a therapy blanket?

Before you can experience your own therapy blankets, you first have to decide on a model. I am very happy with my blanket. If you'd like to get one for yourself, then pay attention when buying:

• The weight of the blanket is extremely important. It should weigh around 10 % of what you weigh.
• At the Size make sure it matches your bed or your covers. The worst covers will fit into an ordinary bed. Reference some have a special and washable cover included.
• Material and filling are also one of those things. There are usually glass beads inside, surrounded by fabric like cotton, so that everything breathes nicely and you don't sweat.
• More Layers often mean more quality
• When making the blanket, it is important that the beads do not slip. Smaller Squares keep everything in place when quilting. And if you like special covers, look for loops that are firmly sewn.
• And then there is the CleaningWash at home or take to the dry cleaner? That's what the care instructions say. But tumble dryers and irons are taboo for the blanket.

FAQ - what you need to know about therapy blankets

Before I started my weighted blanket test, I had a lot of questions on my mind. I have recorded the most important ones for you here:

How can I use a weighted blanket correctly?

It's actually really simple to use a therapy blanket. But to get the most out of it, start slowly. Start by lying down on the sofa with the blanket for 15 to 30 minutes. Make yourself comfortable and see how you like the new feeling.

If you feel comfortable, you can gradually extend the time. During this test phase, you will quickly notice whether the weight of the blanket suits you. If it is too light or too heavy, change it.

If everything is great, grab the blanket for the whole night. Sometimes you may get used to the feeling and not feel it as much. Don't worry, this is normal.

Simply put the blanket aside for a few days and when you use it again, the effect will be back.

Where do therapy blankets come from?

This aid is not a new invention - even if you would think so. Because before weight blanket tests were carried out at home, they had already been used in therapy for a long time. They were used for people with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

The blanket is and has also been a therapeutic aid for people suffering from depression. It is also used in old people's homes, for example for Alzheimer's or dementia. It is also used for autism, Asperger's syndrome and Parkinson's disease.

Would you recommend a weighted blanket?

Yes, I would recommend a therapy blanket. However, you shouldn't hope that it will solve all your problems. You need to find a way to deal better with stress and inner turmoil.

I still need to work on it, but overall the blanket has really made me feel safe and more relaxed.

I still have bad nights from time to time, but overall they have become less, at least for now.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of therapy blankets?

You don't need a manual to use weighted blankets. You can use them both during the day and at night to fall asleep. And yes, a blanket like this can really make a difference - sleeping better means you are fitter during the day, in a good mood and stress is kept in check.

If your sleep rhythm is upset, it can be really tough to get back on track. The weighted blanket can help you here, especially if you've had a whirlwind day and find it difficult to rest.

If you have anxiety or a panic attack, a blanket can have a calming effect. It may also help you get a better grip on hyperactivity or if you are easily overstimulated. But a little tip: sometimes the weight of the blanket can be a little annoying if you move around a lot in your sleep. Then just use it until you fall asleep.

But be careful, if you have circulatory problems or type 2 diabetes, stay away from the weighted blanket to be on the safe side. If you have asthma, osteoarthritis or sleep apnea, you should also talk to your doctor before using it.

How do I care for and clean a heavy comforter?

Caring for your weighted blanket is important so that you can enjoy it for a long time. So, first look at the label. It will tell you how to treat it properly. You can often wash the cover at 40 degrees.

The blanket itself usually feels great at 30 degrees on a gentle wash cycle.

But be careful: if your blanket is particularly heavy, it could be too much for your washing machine. Then it's better to just wash the cover. You could then simply air or spot clean the blanket itself.

Alternatively, you can take them to a dry cleaner or laundry.

Can I also use weighted blankets for children?

Is your little one very restless in the evening and can't get to sleep relaxed? Then a therapy blanket may be helpful. However, the weight must be adjusted. The blanket must not weigh more than 10 % of the body weight!

Children under the age of 5 or weighing less than 20 kg may only use these blankets under constant adult supervision. Your child must be able to get out of the blanket independently at all times.

My conclusion

After my therapy blanket experience, I can say one thing for sure: yes, weighted blankets help you fall asleep. Especially if, like me, you tend to always be on edge and tense inside.

From my personal Experience I can add that the Weighted blanket also with the Fall asleep helps because you are no longer as active. After all, you're suddenly carrying several kilos. It's difficult to play with your legs or constantly move from left to right.

However, you must be aware that such a weighted comforter is not a miracle cure. Try to find the cause of your sleep problems if you want to sleep more relaxed in the long term. 🧘‍♀️

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