The increasingly popular weighted blanket is a must-have in the name of self-care. By creating a deep and even pressure across the body, a weighted blanket reduces night time levels of the stress hormone cortisol which affects bodily functions and sleep. Simultaneously, it triggers mood boosting hormones serotonin and melatonin. This, in turn, relaxes the nervous system, relieves pain and prompts a more restful sleep. Occupational therapists sometimes recommend weighted blankets to help calm anxiety in people with autism or sensory sensitivities.
Shop a weighted blanket wisely and choose according to personal weight. Nobody wants to feel pinned down or claustrophobic or lie under a blanket that rustles noisily. Some blankets have quilted pockets filled with glass beads and others are layers of surprisingly heavy cotton weave. Here’s our pick of the best eight weighted blankets to help you sleep through the night.
Oodie
Blue Oodie Weighted Blanket, £99
You’ve got the oversized TikTok viral hoodie from Oodie, now look at their weighted blankets designed to help with sleep and to ease anxiety. Made of Oodie’s famed fleecy material, this weighted blanket is velvety soft. The separately sewn pockets filled with non-toxic glass beads allow for even spread and deep pressure stimulation therapy. Recommended by insomniacs.
Sensory Direct
Fleece Weighted Blanket, £141
Restless nights? By placing this heavy fleece blanket over the body, the user feels cocooned by the plastic beads sewn into small individual cells within its durable polycotton inner lining. The evenly spread weight applies deep pressure to the touch receptors in the muscles, joints and ligaments imparting a soothing effect to help you sleep soundly.
Aeyla
Mela Weighted Blanket, £139
Waking up regularly? Try this Aeyla weighted blanket which is soft to the touch and available in a choice of weights from 4-9kg. It has fine fleece on one side and cool cotton on the other. The deep touch pressure from the heavy anti-rustle glass quartz pellets helps your brain switch into rest and relax mode. It is ethical too; for each order, Aeyla protects five trees in the rainforest through its partnership with charity 1Tribe.
Bed Threads
100% French Flax Linen Throw, £150
If you’re apprehensive about whether your body temperature could withstand a true weighted blanket, this thick textured throw could be for you. While not technically marketed as a weighted blanket, this heavyweight throw makes for a pretty hefty duvet substitute. It’s good-looking too and comes in ten subdued colours.
Gravity Blankets
Basic Gravity Blanket, £139
The recommended weight of a weighted blanket is 10% of the body weight of its user. Each Gravity Blanket is individually made for the buyer’s height and weight; no wonder then, that Gravity – the original weighted blanket – absolutely killed its kickstarter campaign.
Amazon
Buzio Weighted Blanket, £65.99
Made from hypo-allergenic cotton, this weighted blanket is filled with evenly distributed tiny sand-sized pellets which apply a gentle weight across your body. This replicates an all-encompassing hug, helping you feel comforted and relaxed. Affordable, too.
OHS
Brentfords Teddy Fleece Weighted Blanket, £12
The bargain option. Available in three different weights (4kg, 6kg, 8kg), this durable, teddy fleece blanket was specifically created to relieve stress, insomnia, anxiety and ADHD. The blanket is fabricated using certified non-toxic micro glass beads. Rather brilliantly, you can attach the blanket to your duvet using a series of handy loops. Lots to like here.
Sommio
Knitted Weighted Blanket, £199.99
Cotton blankets are considered more breathable, even if they are perhaps less cosy than a polyester version. Hand knitted to order, this weighted cotton blanket from Sommio is made from layer upon layer of natural, organic European cotton to allow for perfect weight distribution and no overheating. Choose a blanket that is long enough to cover you from the neck down.
By Annabel Jack
Updated February 2024
