If you ever have trouble sleeping, you may need a weighted blanket in your life. The best weighted blankets wrap you up in comfort that extends well beyond warmth: The mass of a heavier blanket simulates what researchers refer to as deep touch pressure stimulation—and that gentle, deep pressure can lead to the release of dopamine and serotonin, both of which fight stress and help you feel good.
In other words? It’s like getting a big hug.
“The data on weighted blankets has shown that for people who suffer from sleep-related anxiety or pre-bed anxiety, a 12- to 15-pound blanket can be an effective tool for helping people calm down and relax before bed,” says Michael J. Breus, PhD, a sleep expert who serves on the American Board of Sleep Medicine and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
And restful sleep isn’t the only benefit. Weighted blankets have been reported to lessen anxiety, relieve pain, and improve overall mood. They can even provide comfort during social distancing and isolation. Sounds great to us!
Ahead, check out our top picks when it comes to weighted blankets. We rounded up plenty of styles to choose from, all with customer testimonials for additional insight. But first things first: figuring out the right weight blanket to get.
Which weighted blanket is best for me?
These blankets come in a variety of sizes and weights. The rule of thumb is to get a blanket that’s around 10% of your body weight: A 120-pound person should choose a 12-pound blanket, a 150-pound person a 15-pound blanket, and so on (if your weight falls in between blanket sizes, go with the lighter one). It’s all a matter of personal preference, of course, but this formula should give you a blanket that feels just right. (With children, however, take this rule literally—if the blanket is too heavy for them, they could struggle to get out from under it, as can pets.)
Our Top Picks
Now, onto the best weighted blankets. All the blankets on our list are high-quality selects, but here are a few of the standouts:
Bearaby Cotton Napper
The chunky-knit blanket is made of thick, woven loops of organic cotton, giving it more breathability than bead-filled blankets. It’s the kind of blanket you want to wrap yourself up in as soon as you see it and is a perfect gift for a wedding, a housewarming, or the holidays. It also makes a great gift for yourself!