We have reviewed the best-weighted blankets for insomnia and restless legs. If you are in a hurry, the table below gives a quick snapshot. Or you can scroll down for detailed reviews.
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Contents
How Does a Weighted Blanket Help in Insomnia?
It is often an unrecognized fact that sleep is, in fact, a basic human necessity, much like breathing or eating. Lack of sleep can cause a disastrous impact on the physical as well as psychological well being of a person.
There can be several reasons behind insomnia, such as disruptions in the sleep cycle, psychological issues(stress and PTSD), medical conditions (chronic pain, angina, GERD, etc.), hormonal imbalances, and external factors (such as a snoring partner, parasites, pregnancy)
Studies suggest that Insomnia impacts somewhere between 30-45% of the adult population1.
While a lot of research has gone into the treatment of insomnia and sleeping disorders in general through medicinal means, there is research to suggest that non-medicinal methods may also help improve sleep duration and consistency. One such method is the use of weighted blankets.
A 2015 study2 explored weighted blankets and their impacts on insomnia. It used commercially available blankets weighted by metal chains evenly distributed throughout the blanket.
This kind of blanket applies equal pressure across the body. Participants with an existing complaint of chronic insomnia were asked to use the weighted blankets for a 2 week period, and their pre and post-usage sleep patterns were analyzed for 1 week each.
The results showed that on average, the length of sleep was significantly increased and movement during sleep was reduced. Quality of sleep was better when using the weighted blanket.
The conclusion of the study was that the deep pressure being applied by weighted blankets and the consistent sensory input helps improve relaxation into sleep. This was evidenced in the fact the movement of the study participants during sleep was decreased when they were using the blankets.
The authors concluded that weighted blankets had a positive impact on improving sleep.
Here we have a short Youtube video that explains how weighted blanket works.
How Does a Weighted Blanket Help in Restless Leg Syndrome?
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is another very common sleep disorder, which is known to exist in about 5-10 % of adults and 2-4% of children in the United States3.
Patients with restless leg syndrome exhibit a strong urge to move their legs when resting or sleeping. Many patients have complained that there is a feeling of tickling or twitching in their legs, which they can temporarily solve by stretching or moving their legs, or else getting out of bed and walking.
RLS is usually caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Some research has also indicated that it might be linked to a deficiency of iron in certain parts of the brain, which inhibits the production of a neurotransmitter chemical known as dopamine.
Dopamine helps control physical movements, and the faulty signals to the legs might be an indicator of the lack of dopamine.
Weighted blankets can help relieve some of the symptoms of RLS through Deep Touch Pressure therapy. The evenly placed weight distribution of a weighted blanket can help trigger pressure points that further trigger the production of some important relaxation and sleep hormones.
Weighted blankets are known to aid in the release of serotonin, a chemical produced by our nerve cells that helps to reduce stress. Increased levels of serotonin promote calmness and help bring on sleep.
Weighted blankets are also known to reduce cortisol levels during the nighttime. High cortisol levels have also been linked to RLS4.
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What’s the Best-Weighted Blanket on the Market?
Below are our recommendations for the best overall and the best-weighted blanket for anxiety and restless legs.
#1 Quility Premium Adult Weighted Blanket & Removable Cover
Buying a weighted blanket is like making an investment in oneself – you don’t buy it for the material or the quality, but rather for the value of the sleep that it is helping you achieve. The Quility Premium is our top choice for the best-weighted blanket on the market, for its ability to comfort you to sleep. We love the unique, 7-layered design of the blanket which is made from the highest quality, durable and breathable materials.
The external layer is made of 100% cotton and is lined with polyester padding and two extra polyester layers, which contain plastic micro glass beads. The glass beads are what provide weight to the blanket.
The blanket has optimal temperature control and the structure is such that the outer layer is guaranteed never to leak the beads.
The blanket is available in a multitude of sizes, be it the 36X58 inch size (weighted at 5 pounds) right up to the 86 X 92 inch size (weighing in at a heavy 30 pound). It is recommended that the blanket should weigh approximately 10-12% of the weight of the person who will be using the blanket. It also has a set of nice, fresh-looking color choices that are pleasing to the eye.
The blanket comes with a pre-attached Minky duvet cover, which is very soft to touch and is extremely comfortable to sleep in. The cover comes with a zipper, so you can remove it during the summers and put it back on during the winters for an added layer of warmth. The Minky cover is machine washable.
There is also a full refund, no questions asked guarantee for the blanket, which the customer can use in case they feel that the blanket is not for them.
Pros
- The blanket comes in in various weight options
- 7 layered weight mechanism to give a warm and cozy feeling
- Added Minky cover for use during winters
- Available in multiple colors
- A full refund, no questions asked guarantee
Cons
- The blanket might be a bit too heavy if you are a beginner with weighted blankets
- The beads tend to shift, as per some users
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#2 YnM Weighted Blanket – Best-Weighted Blanket for Anxiety
The YnM weighted blanket is again a very highly rated product, and justifiably so. It is one of the best-weighted blankets out there if you are suffering from anxiety and want to try out weighted blankets as a therapy.
The YnM is also available in a multitude of sizes and weights so that everyone- from beginner to advanced user can enjoy the benefit of the blanket to reduce stress during sleep.
It comes with an optional duvet cover, that is available in 21 different colors and shades. The product can be bought with or without the duvet cover. The material of the cover may be Minky, cooling bamboo, or breathable cotton, as per your need.
It is made of multiple layers and smaller than usual compartments (4.7 X 4.7 inch) for better distribution of weight so that weight is distributed more equally over the body and the user gets a great night’s rest.
The YnM also uses glass beads for the weight inside the blanket, in a 7 layers formation that ensures that the beads are held firmly in place, unlike plastic pellets which tend to float around at night and cause uneven distribution of weights.
The blanket can be both hand-washed or machine washed, though frequent machine washing may lead to wear and tear on the blanket. Therefore it is preferable to wash the duvet cover instead.
Pros
- 7 layered structure for optimum weight as well as cooling and comfort
- Plastic beads leading to best weight distribution
- Smaller square compartments to hold the beads so that there is lesser movement
- Available in a variety of sizes and weights
- Available in a large variety of colors, when purchased along with the optional duvet cover
- Both hand washable as well as machine washable
Cons
- The blanket may be too hot for some users
- Some users have complained about leakage of beads
#3 ZonLi Adults Weighted Blanket
This is another great weighted blanket available in the market. It is built with high-density sewing technology and consists of smaller than usual squares that distribute the glass beads which give weight to this blanket evenly. Two layers of microfiber are additionally put in the blanket to prevent the weight-giving beads from escaping.
Another great feature is the material of the blanket is that it is pure cotton and therefore avoids getting too hot. The duvet cover is secured by a hook and loop mechanism.
The mattress is available in several weights and sizes and the optional duet cover is available in 20 different colors so that you can choose as per your liking.
Pros
- Built with high-density sewing
- Smaller squares to distribute glass beads more effectively
- Additional layers of microfiber to prevent glass beads from slipping out
- Pure cotton outside which keeps the temperature comfortable
- Available in a multitude of colors and sizes
Cons
- Several complaints of glass beads escaping the blanket
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#4 LUNA Adult Weighted Blanket
The LUNA adult weighted blanket is another good choice if you are looking for a super soft blanket made out of pure cotton. The cotton fabric keeps the temperature within control. The blanket has 7 layers of weight put into it using non-toxic glass beads.
It is available in several sizes, colors, and patterns. Another interesting feature about this blanket is that it uses a very smart design for redistributing the glass beads so as to effectively place weight across the body. The cotton fabric of the blanket is certified to be hypoallergenic.
Pros
- 100% pure cotton, hypoallergenic
- Smart design for wheat distribution
- 7 layers of weight using glass beads
- A large array of sizes and colors
Cons
- Few users complained that blanket size is too small
#5 Weighted Idea Cool Weighted Blanket
The weighted Idea weighted blanket is made from 100% cotton and is completely breathable and good for temperature control especially if you are a hot sleeper.
The blanket is available in several sizes and colors and the material is anti-odor and hypoallergenic. It has two layers of microfiber to control the glass beads from slipping out of the blanket. This is also one of the most value for money weighted-blankets in the market.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- 100% Cotton Fiber
- Anti-odor and hypoallergenic material
Cons
- The glass beads tend to bunch up
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#6 CuteKing Cooling Bamboo Weighted Blanket
Last but not the least, this is another good choice for a weighted blanket. The blanket is made from breathable bamboo viscose with 2 layers of microfiber to protect the glass beads from coming out. There is an optional duvet cover that can be purchased along with the blanket and is available in several colors and patterns.
The blanket itself is available in various sizes as per the users’ needs. It has 7 layers of weighted beads sewed into right-sized compartments.
The material of the blanket is hypoallergenic and odor-free.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic and odor-free bamboo viscose material
- 7-layer weighted structure
- Available in various colors and sizes
Cons
- Few users complaint of leakage of glass beads and tear in the blanket during shipping
- The glass beads tend to bunch up in pockets
Conclusion
Sleep disorders like insomnia and RLS are fairly common today. While a lot of focus in given on medicinal treatment of these disorders, there are alternative ways to deal with them, one of which is using a weighted blanket
A weighted blanket creates a deep touch pressure zone for the user, which helps calm down nerves by helping to release serotonin in the body.
Weighted blankets come in various shapes, sizes and are made of different materials and layers. As a thumb of rule, a user should buy a weighted blanket which is 10-12% the weight of the user himself.
In this article, we have looked at the specific impact of weighted blankets on insomnia and RLS. We have also looked at the overall best-weighted blanket and the best one for anxiety relief.
While our recommendations are based on user experience, ratings, and features, it is always advisable to consult with your doctor or medical practitioner before taking up any kind of therapy or device.
References
