You know how it is. After a long day of meetings, errands, and that one Netflix moment you allow yourself, you finally crawl into bed. And then it starts: your mind races, you toss and turn, and you can't let go of that to-do list for tomorrow. Sound familiar? Then a weighted blanket might be just what you need.
In short:
- A weighted blanket weighs 5-11 kilos and provides even pressure on your body
- This activates your parasympathetic nervous system: you calm down faster
- Benefits: fall asleep faster, sleep more deeply, less stress
- Choose a blanket that is approximately 10% of your body weight
- Also nice for during the day on the couch or during stressful moments
What exactly is a weighted blanket?
A weighted blanket is exactly what the name suggests: a blanket with a significant amount of extra weight. While a regular duvet weighs about 1.5 to 2 kilos, a weighted blanket weighs between 5 and 11 kilos. This weight comes from tiny glass beads evenly distributed throughout the blanket. The result? A blanket that hugs you like a warm, firm hug.
How does it work?
The principle behind the weighted blanket is called Deep Pressure Stimulation . Simply put, the even pressure of the blanket activates your parasympathetic nervous system. This is the system that puts your body in rest mode. Your heart rate slows, your breathing becomes deeper, and your muscles relax.
But there's more. That gentle pressure causes your body to produce more serotonin (the happiness hormone) and melatonin (the sleep hormone), while the stress hormone cortisol actually decreases. It's essentially as if your body is getting the signal: "Okay, we're safe, we can relax."
The benefits at a glance
- Fall asleep faster - No more endless tossing and turning. The blanket helps your body get into that relaxed state faster.
- Sleep deeper - Many people move around quite a bit during the night. The weight of the blanket keeps you a little calmer, so you wake up less often.
- Less stress and worry - That sense of security makes it easier to calm your mind. Ideal if you have a busy job or are simply juggling a lot of things.
- More energy during the day - It makes sense, really. Better sleep means waking up more rested. And you'll notice that all day long.
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Who is it suitable for?
Ideal for anyone who struggles to relax or sleep. Whether you're going through a stressful period, struggling with worry, or just want to sleep better, a weighted blanket can make all the difference. It can also be helpful for people with ADHD or sensory processing issues.
💡 Important: Do you suffer from respiratory problems like asthma or COPD? Then check with your doctor first to see if a weighted blanket is suitable for you.
Which weight do you choose?
The rule of thumb is about 10% of your body weight. Do you weigh around 70 kilos? Then a 7-kilo blanket is a good choice. Are you torn between two weights? Then go for the lighter option. You can always upgrade later.
Not just for bed
Nice detail: you don't have to use the blanket just at night. On the couch after a long workday? Perfect moment. A quick hour before bed to get your body into rest mode? Also great. Some people even use it while working from home when stress levels rise.
Worth the investment?
A good weighted blanket isn't cheap, but it's an investment in your sleep and therefore your well-being. Choose quality: blankets with glass beads are quieter and distribute weight better than cheaper versions with plastic beads. Also pay attention to the cover material; breathable cotton is ideal, especially if you tend to overheat.
We have had this weighted blanket for a year now and we are very satisfied with it: SleepMed Weighted Blanket 140 x 200 cm 7 kg - €31.95
Long story short
In a world that's always on, being able to relax and sleep well is truly a superpower. A weighted blanket isn't a miracle cure, but for many people it's a wonderful, natural way to unwind. No pills, no complicated rituals, just a blanket that makes you feel like everything is okay. Sleep tight!
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