Do Weighted Blankets Keep You Warm?
Weighted blankets are amazing! If you don’t have one yet, then you should make sure that you get one soon. You won’t be disappointed.
Weighted blankets are great for anxiety, stress, and they also help to improve your sleep. But, many people want to know whether they keep you warm or not.
Weighted blankets keep you warm depending on the fabric, construction and filling that it has. Some blankets are created just for hot sleepers, while others are made specifically for warmth.
Below, we will talk a bit more about weighted blankets and how to tell if one is going to be too warm for you, or just right. Let’s get started!
Are Weighted Blankets Designed To Keep You Warm?
To give you a quick answer, weighted blankets may keep you warm during the winter. However, the filling, fabric, and construction factors are primarily responsible for the weighted blanket’s warmth.
Weighted Blanket Fabric
The insert or duvet cover material has a significant role in a weighted blanket’s warmth. If you’re looking for a weighted blanket to keep you warm, then it should be made of cold-weather textiles like minky fleece, wool, and microfiber, since these are excellent at retaining body heat.
With a flannel blanket, you won’t go wrong if you get cold when you sleep. Flannel’s raised strands retain body heat, keeping you cozy and warm all night. Silk can also help when paired with layers of wool on the inside to help retain the heat.
Weighted Blanket Fillers
The filler materials can significantly affect the comfort and warmth of a weighted blanket. Glass beads and plastic pellets are the two filler components used most frequently in weighted blankets.
Plastic is well known for being an excellent insulator, making it quite effective in holding heat. Due to the noise they make, uneven texture, and detrimental environmental effects, plastic poly pellets are being left out.
The best weighted blanket option is made with glass beads, since they are luxurious, quiet, and eco-friendly. Because they tend to absorb less heat, they are also perfect for cooling weighted blankets.
Some weighted blankets use naturally heavy textiles rather than fillers to exert relaxing pressure. Depending on how they are made, these blankets may also be a fantastic option for winter.
Weighted Blanket Construction
Last but not least, remember to think about the general weave of your blanket. For example, open-knit weighted blankets often let in more ventilation and are, therefore, unsuitable for cold climates.
Look for a weighted blanket with a denser weave if you want it to keep you cozy in the fall and winter. As a result of the blanket’s inability to be penetrated by cold air, tighter weaves typically offer superior heat retention.
Are Weighted Blankets Warm Or Just Heavy?
The weight of the weighted blanket can trap heat and moisture, resulting in a warm feeling. To keep the body cool while you sleep, specifically weighted blankets feature a permeable heat-wicking material.
Do Weighted Blankets Keep You Warmer Than Regular Blankets?
Weighted blankets are typically warmer than ordinary blankets and significantly thicker and heavier than regular ones.
A weighted blanket might keep you hotter than a light throw blanket you put on the couch. And if you’re using the throw blanket under your weighted one, that’s for sure guaranteed to keep you nice and warm.
Are Weighted Blankets Too Hot For Kids?
On thing many people worry about when they see weighted blankets for kids, is if they’re too heavy or warm for little ones.
Particularly if they also have sensory disorders that make them hypersensitive to alterations in contact or pressure, then a weighted blanket may not be ideal for them. However, it shouldn’t be too hot for them. You might wish to avoid warmer fabrics, such as minky fabrics, to keep them more comfortable.
Investing in a weighted blanket with a detachable cover is a straightforward solution. Your youngster can initially sleep only with the inner weighted blanket to start. After a few consecutive nights of uninterrupted sleep, they can use the full blanket (covers and all).
Additionally, it would be best if you got a weighted blanket designed especially for children. A kid will find a weighted adult blanket overly heavy, and the blanket should cover 10% of your child’s body weight or less.
Furthermore, most children’s weighted blankets are 36 by 48 inches. For kids weighing 40 to 70 pounds, they’re the ideal solution for a restful, cozy night’s sleep.
Can You Use A Weighted Blanket If You Are A Hot Sleeper?
If you tend to get hot while sleeping, you might be concerned that putting on an additional layer, especially a heavy one, will make you overheat. So, is this worry justified?
It all depends on the kind of weighted blanket you select, as we just mentioned. While some weighted blankets trap body heat, others promote more excellent airflow.
For the best sleep of your life, choose from a high-quality weighted blanket that includes removable duvet coverings. It is best to select a cooled weighted blanket for hot sleepers.
Consider a wool weighted blanket if you mind being neither hot nor chilly while you sleep. Cotton that isn’t too heavy is breathable and warm, making it the perfect cloth for sleeping.
Of course, you’ll also need to consider the weave, and you should have better heat retention the tighter the cotton weave. So, hot sleepers can use weighted blankets, they just have to be a bit picker about the type they use.
How Can You Stay Cool Through The Night If You Want To Use A Weighted Blanket?
If you want to use a heated blanket but you feel like it might be too warm for you, here are some tips you can use to stay cool while still enjoying your blanket:
- Keep the bedroom cool. Keep your bedroom between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit for the best rest. You’ll feel more at ease if you can use a fan or air conditioner to maintain the temperature down.
- Cool off in the shower. Before going to bed, take a cold water shower. A cold shower will lower your core temperature and keep you from feeling overheated under the covers because blankets retain body heat.
- Wear less when going to bed. When you sleep, wear as little clothing as you can. This helps to remove extra layers that might be necessary and that is trapping in your body heat.
- Put on a fan. If it is possible, turn on the fan or the air conditioner.
- Shut off heat-generating electronics. When you go to bed at night, any equipment in your room that generates heat should be turned off.
- Stay away from beverages that make you feel warm. Before going to bed, try to avoid drinking alcohol, hot coffee, or hot tea. Alcohol and hot drinks might raise your core temperature and cause you to sweat as you sleep. Try to have a cold glass of water before bed.
- Choose the right blanket. A blanket made of breathable fabric will offer the pressure you need to unwind and aid in getting a good night’s sleep after your bedroom is at the ideal ambient temperature and your clothing, bedding, and mattress are not too heated.
When Should You Not Use A Weighted Blanket?
People with specific medical disorders, such as epilepsy, low blood pressure, sleep apnea, claustrophobia, or diabetes, may not be a good fit for weighted blankets.
If you’re in doubt, you can talk to your doctor about whether it is safe for you to use a weighted blanket.
How Long Should You Lay Under A Weighted Blanket?
It’s up to you how long you use a weighted blanket. While some sleep specialists advise wearing it for 20 to 30 minutes at a time, others recommend using it all night. However, it’s entirely up to you and what you are more comfortable doing.
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, we cannot guarantee that all weighted blankets will keep you warm or retain heat. Several elements, including the filling material, fabric, and general design, can affect your blanket’s warmth.
Just make sure whatever you get, you purchase a premium weighted blanket to meet your sleeping needs. The quality of the blanket will make the biggest difference on the warm front!
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Heather is a passionate writer who loves anything DIY. Growing up, she learned everything from home repairs to design, and wants to share her tips with you. When she's not writing, she's usually hiking or searching for her next DIY project.
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