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7 Best Weighted Blankets To Help Ease Stress And Anxiety
These throws will help you relax after a busy day at work
To say the last few years have been somewhat testing would be an understatement. Given the chaos of Covid, it’s understandable that many of us are seeking out small ways to soothe the stresses of everyday life, ease anxiety and unwind.
Scientific research backing up their relaxation credentials remains fairly scarce, but studies have indicated that the calming, grounding effect of a weighted blanket can lower the levels of cortisol (also known as the stress hormone) in the body.
What is a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets are similar to regular blankets in feel but, as you might expect from the name, they weigh considerably more (usually between 4.5kg and 11.5kg). This extra weight tends to come from glass or plastic beads stitched inside their fabric, though some use tightly woven cotton for a more natural feel.
These heavy throws have long been used by occupational therapists as calming devices for adults and children with sensory or psychiatric disorders. But recently, they have grown in mainstream popularity as more of us try to lower our stress levels at home.
Kourtney Kardashian is believed to be a big fan of weighted blankets, revealing on Instagram in 2018 that she uses a BlanQuil.
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
The science behind how weighted blankets work is limited, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that they can help improve wellbeing. Heather Darwall-Smith, a psychotherapist who specialises in sleep, recommends weighted blankets to patients with anxiety who struggle to fall asleep at night.
'Weighted blankets mimic proprioceptive deep pressure stimulation, which is the body’s physical awareness of self,' she says. 'The weight of the blanket creates pressure on the skin that is believed to stimulate the feeling of a hug.'
'This pressure activates the parasympathetic nervous system - the opposite of the sympathetic nervous system that triggers the stress response - to trigger your brain to release neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. These have a naturally calming effect in reducing anxiety, heart rate and cortisol, thus promoting sleep.'
How heavy should my weighted blanket be?
You should always be able to move freely underneath your weighted blanket. The weight comes down to personal preference, but as a general guide, aim for a blanket that weighs between 7% and 12% of your body weight. For easier maths, call it 10%. So, if you weigh 70kg, try an 7kg blanket. Many brands offer a trial period to help you figure out the best weight for you.
Who shouldn't use a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets are not recommended for pregnant women, children under three and anyone with a respiratory or circulatory disorder, such as asthma or diabetes. If in doubt, ask your GP.
How we test
Each weighted blanket was used by at least three members of our expert panel for three days and nights, both for getting cosy on the sofa and as a duvet-topper in bed. Our testers then shared their experiences, scoring the throws based on how comfortable they felt to lie under, whether they felt restrictive and (crucially) if they helped them feel more relaxed.
Only the products that were consistently awarded top scores made it on to our final roundup.
Jess is the Deputy Digital Editor of Red, covering everything from fashion and beauty to interiors and wellbeing. When she isn't busy scouring the new collections, sales and preloved marketplaces for beautiful pieces to add to her wardrobe, Jess can be found enjoying live music, making her first house a home and planning her next travel adventure.
Harry’s news reporting has been published in over 70 newspapers across the UK. Now, he specialises in home appliances, health and fitness, bringing you reliable reviews on the best homes, sports and nutrition products on the market to help you upgrade your home and training routine.
Outside the office, he has dedicated countless hours to learning about different physical training methods, experimenting with everything from CrossFit to powerlifting.
Yanar was our former Fitness Group Testing Manager. She managed health and fitness product testing across all the magazines, overseeing all testing processes and ensuring our lab and panel tests are conducted to the highest standards. Yanar spent 15 years as a health and wellness content editor and writer for national titles such as Runner’s World, Men’s Health and Women’s Health. Yanar is a Level 3 qualified PT, trained yoga teacher and a registered yoga therapist. She has been into fitness and wellness her whole life. After many years running races and marathons, she now trains and competes in CrossFit and Olympic lifting. She passionately advocates strength training for women to build a stronger mind and body for life.
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