Being healthy mentally and well as physically starts with a good night’s rest. You can get one of these by having a good mattress, an excellent mattress cover/pad, a quality pillow, and a great blanket. Once you’ve acquired a mattress and pillow and know what to look for in a mattress pad, you should turn your attention to getting a blanket specifically, a weighted blanket. Here’s all you need to know in regard to the best weight for weighted blanket.
What is a Weighted Blanket?
A weighted blanket, aka gravity blanket, is one that is heavier than conventional blankets, comforters, and down quilts. They are typically made from a quilted material that has pockets full of filler material to provide the weight. Others are made from heavy yarns with dense stitching and no filler; these have not been thoroughly vetted by professionals so we won’t be discussing them further.
These blankets provide a variety of health benefits both mentally and physically through deep pressure touch therapy.
- Mental Health Benefits.
Research has proven weighted blankets have aided in the treatment of a great many mental health issues and conditions. Many therapists are recommending they be used by their patients. These issues and conditions include, to name a few, anxiety, tension and stress disorders, insomnia, ADHD, autism, and depression.
- Physical Health Benefits
Weighted Blankets provide fewer, but no less important, benefits to one’s physical health. It can provide relief for restless leg syndrome, pain disorders, and reduce cortisol levels, to name a few. It also allows you to get a good night’s sleep which can help with a lot of physical ailments.
The Best Weight for Weighted Blanket
Now that you know the what and the why, it’s time to figure out the which. Choosing the right weighted blanket depends partly on health care professional’s recommendations and your personal preference. Some people may prefer a light blanket while others a heavier one. It also depends on your age and weight. DON’T USE ON BABIES UNDER 1 yr. of age. This is dangerous.
The consensus is 5% to 15% of the bodyweight for anyone over 13 yrs. of age. The elderly shouldn’t exceed 8 lbs. due to their age, their weight isn’t a factor. Children 1 to 13 should not exceed 10% of their body weight.
The size of the weighted blanket should be based on your body’s size and not the size of the bed. They should also fit on top of the bed without hanging over the edges: it will fall on the floor if this happens as gravity does work.
It’s very important not to go over 35 lbs. no matter what because this weight will cause problems, not help them. It can affect breathing and circulation from being too heavy as well as raise anxiety levels from causing people to feel trapped.
Conclusion
Weighted blankets have earned their place beside mattresses, pillows, and mattress covers as ways to not only improve your night’s sleep but improve your overall health as well. A little time and effort in choosing the best weight for weighted blanket will only help you.
