What Is A Weighted Blanket, And How Does It Work?

You have probably heard of quilts, duvets and doonas, but where does a weighted blanket fit into the equation? Like other bedding covers, a weighted blanket provides warmth and can even be used to style a bed, but it does so much more when it comes to helping you sleep.

If you have noticed you struggle to fall asleep, a weighted blanket may be just what you need!

At KOO we pride ourselves on having the right bedding for your needs, and our weighted blanket is no exception. Read on to discover how this amazing piece of bedding works, as well as if it is the right choice for you.

What Is A Weighted Blanket?

A weighted blanket is a large blanket often quilted into sections, with each section filled with a number of plastic or glass beads. These beads make the blanket heavier than your average doona or quilt, as well as giving it a thicker texture and feel. Weighted blankets will rarely cover your whole bed like a coverlet or duvet - instead, they are designed just to cover your body from your chin to your toes.

What is a weighted blanket made of, you ask? Weighted blankets can be made from all your classic bedding materials, such as cotton, rayon, linen or polyester. The inner beads should be made from plastic, glass or even steel - steer clear of weighted blankets filled with sand (will clump unevenly), grains (will rot) and pebbles (will retain moisture when washed).

Wondering how to use a weighted blanket? They're wonderful for sleeping, although if you are your partner both want one, you will need your own blankets - sharing a weighted blanket can cause the filling to be unevenly distributed, and the weight probably won't suit both of you. You can also use a weighted blanket during the day - on your lap as you sit, or wrapped around you watching a movie on the couch.

How Does A Weighted Blanket Work?

The science behind weighted blankets began when American scientist Temple Grandin developed a Hug Machine in 1992 to study the calming effects of deep touch pressure on patients with autism. In 2017 weighted blankets became mainstream, and now you can find these amazing pieces of bedding worldwide!

Weighed blankets work using the science of deep touch pressure to help calm people, reduce anxiety and help us fall asleep. Have you ever seen a dog that is scared of thunderstorms dressed in a tight weighted vest, or a crying baby being swaddled firmly? Weighted blankets work the same way - by enveloping us in a heavy, comforting presence (like a hug), our breathing slows, becomes deeper and our parasympathetic nervous system is activated, promoting us to rest and digest. Our body calms down, and then our mind follows - exactly what we want when getting to sleep!

What Is A Weighted Blanket Used For?

A weighted blanket is often used to help people sleep at night, although it can also be used as a calming agent during the day.

Weighted blankets help you sleep

Did you know that 48% of Australians report having at least two sleep-related problems? Simple things like worrying about a test you have to take tomorrow or going over an event you have planned can keep you up at night for hours! A weighted blanket can even help with insomnia… although this may be more of a placebo effect than actual science.

Studies have shown that a weighted blanket decreases the severity of insomnia, although actual insomnia metrics like waking up prematurely were not affected.

If don't have insomnia but still struggle to nod off at times, the weighted blanket's effect of helping you breathe deeper and slower will naturally help you relax, hopefully nudging you off to sleep a little easier.

Weighted blankets help with anxiety

If it's anxious thoughts that keep you up at night, then a weighted blanket can help you out there as well. Unlike insomnia, weighted blankets have had scientifically recorded benefits in reducing anxiety - meaning that if you're stressing about things you know aren't important and trying to sleep, a weighted blanket has a good chance of helping you relax and drift off.

Weighted blankets help you function

For children diagnosed with ADHD and autism, weighted vests have been proven to help them relax and focus in school thanks to providing comforting physical stimuli the children can focus on. In a similar way, a weighted blanket is a smart choice when at home to help over-stimulated people with ADHD and autism calm down and focus, both during the day and at bedtime.

How Heavy Should A Weighted Blanket Be?

Weighted blankets come in a variety of weights to your needs - so how heavy should a weighted blanket be for you? When choosing a weighted blanket, the weight of the blanket should be no more than 10% of your total body weight. This is for safety reasons, as a blanket that is too heavy can actually feel uncomfortable and, in extreme cases, lead to suffocation, especially with small children. While each blanket and brand will have its own recommendations, we recommend that weighted blankets should not be used by children under five years of age.

How Do I Care For My Weighted Blanket?

Weighted blankets can be tricker to wash than your average doona, due to a number of factors. The weight, cover material and filling material can all influence how your weighted blanket can be washed. Always check the label on your weighted blanket for specific washing instructions, as well as the maximum weight allowance on your washing machine before proceeding.

If your weighted blanket is stained, spot cleaning with soap or a gentle stain remover in cold water will help extend your blanket's life between washes.

Many blankets have a removable cover for washing that can be cleaned in the washing machine, and like a duvet cover, most can be washed in the normal setting in cool water.

If your entire weighted blanket is machine washable, make sure to use a mild, bleach-free detergent with cool or warm water on a gentle cycle. Avoid hot water, as it can damage some types of filling.

To dry your weighted blanket, lay it out flat outdoors in the shade and gave it a shake every now and then as it dries to move the filling around and keep it fluffy.

Improve Your Sleep With A Weighted Blanket From KOO

Ready to enjoy a good night's sleep? KOO's quality weighted blankets can be bought online and home delivered to you in no time. Don't forget to browse our full range of cosy blankets, and read through our inspiration blog for tips on how to style your bed beautifully.