Can You Sleep with a Weighted Blanket All Night?
A good night’s sleep is essential for our physical and mental health, yet many of us struggle to get enough quality shut-eye. If you’re looking for ways to improve your sleep, a weighted blanket may be worth considering.
But can you (and should you) use a weighted blanket all night long? Is it like a massage therapy all night long?
In this post, we’ll share our experience about sleeping with a weightedblanket all night long.
Table of Contents
Can you sleep with a weighted blanket?
Yes, you can sleep with a weighted blanket pretty much. Sleeping with a weighted blanket can offer many benefits, including improved quantity and quality of sleep, lower anxiety levels, and a sense of calm, especially if you deal with anxiety or another mental health disorder.
Weighted blanket therapy simulates a scientifically proven therapy called Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) which applies a firm but gentle pressure on your body to replicate the sensation of being hugged. It’s important to use your blanket consistently during the week to maximize the psychological benefits of Deep Pressure Stimulation.
Can you sleep with a weighted blanket every night?
Yes, it is safe to sleep with a weighted blanket every night if you are comfortable and it does not interfere with your breathing or circulation. The benefits of using a weighted blanket improve with time, making it best to use them frequently. Using a weighted blanket is a no-brainer as it helps you drift off faster, toss and turn less often, and stay asleep longer.
Weighted blankets are designed to be used for extended periods of time, and many people find that they are beneficial for improving the quality of their sleep. However, it is important to make sure that the weight of the blanket is appropriate for your body weight and that you do not exceed the recommended weight limit. It is also important to ensure that the blanket does not cause discomfort or restrict your movement during sleep.
We at Corala Blanket are Weighted Blanket Experts and we recommend using it for 20 to 30 minutes in the beginning, and then gradually increase sleep time with it – even to all night long, every day.
If you are new to weighted blankets, it might take a few nights to get used to the added pressure, but once you do, you’ll wonder how you ever slept without it!
This Is What Happens To Your Body When You Sleep With A Weighted Blanket Every Night
When you sleep with a weighted blanket every night, your body experiences a gentle, even pressure that helps to stimulate the nervous system and release endorphins, which can reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
The blanket’s pressure can help reduce tossing and turning, as well as provide a comforting feeling, much like being hugged. Additionally, the pressure from the blanket can help regulate your breathing and heart rate, allowing your body to deeply relax.
What are the benefits of sleeping with a weighted blanket all night?
Weighted blankets have been invented to reduce anxiety and stress. They work on the principles of Deep Touch Pressure for creating a comforting touch to help you drift off faster and stay asleep longer. Secondly, it helps to regulate the body’s temperature, keeping it warm and cozy throughout the night. Thirdly, it can help boost your mood and concentration, as well as reduce anxiety and stress. Fourthly, it is extremely effective in treating people with insomnia. Lastly, it triggers the release of serotonin and melatonin to help you sleep better and wake up feeling refreshed.
What to consider when buying a weighted blanket for every night?
When buying a weighted blanket for every night, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the size and weight of the blanket should be chosen carefully – it should be large enough to cover your entire body and the weight should be around 10% of your body weight. Secondly, the fabric should be breathable and comfortable, such as cotton or wool. Thirdly, the heavy material used to make the blanket weighted should be evenly distributed.
Also, consider the temperature of your bedroom when selecting a weighted blanket – a polyester blanket with plastic poly pellets may be ideal for cold sleepers, while a cooling weighted blanket may be best for hot sleepers. Lastly, make sure that the blanket covers your legs and chest (torso) for maximum comfort.
How to use and position your weighted blanket for optimal comfort?
To get the most out of your weighted blanket and experience optimal comfort, here is a step-by-step guide:
- Start with a lower weight. (You can always move up to a heavier blanket.)
- Do not place the blanket on top of your current bedding. This way, you’ll still be able to regulate your body temperature easier.
- Make sure the blanket is snug, but not too tight. (You may want to be able to move around easily, without feeling constricted.
- Cover your body from the neck down, making sure your chest and legs are fully under the blanket.
- Feet can be outside the blanket. If your feet hurt using a blanket read this.
- Sleep on your back at night to make sure the blanket is evenly distributed.
- When napping, lounging, or working, pull the blanket over your shoulders or across your lap to get the same comforting benefits.
- Remove the blanket if you start to feel overheated.
- Wash your blanket regularly. Lighter weighted blankets are machine-washable.
By following these steps, you can use and position your weighted blanket for optimal comfort – all night.
What Can Help Me Sleep Through The Night?
Here are some more tips from my own experience to sleep through the night:
- Get enough high-quality rest and reduce stress with a weighted blanket.
- Try using earplugs or playing white noise to reduce distractions.
- Use essential oils to help you relax before bedtime.
- Avoid the use of electronics in the bedroom.
- Exercise regularly to help reduce fatigue.
- Take a warm bath before bed.
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol late in the day – do you know how much caffeine keeps you awake? It is not easy to fall asleep after drinking coffee so do not overdo it. See how to fall asleep after drinking coffee.
- Avoid large meals before bedtime.
- Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga.
How Long Does It Take To Get Used To Your Weighted Blanket?
It usually takes up to two or three weeks for your body to fully adjust to the added weight of your weighted blanket.
This process can take up to a week, after which you can use the weighted blanket every night. Research has also shown that using a weighted blanket for 30 days can reduce stress and anxiety.
FAQs
What is the best type of weighted blanket for side sleepers?
For side sleepers, the best type of weighted blanket is one that is lightweight but still provides a comforting hug even if you do not have anyone. While any weight can be used, it’s recommended that the blanket should be no heavier than 15 pounds so that it doesn’t place too much pressure on the side of the body. It’s also important to choose the right size based on your body weight—every manufacturer recommends choosing a blanket that is approximately 10 percent of your total body weight.
In terms of fabric, cotton covers help circulate air away from the body, while plastic beads are better at retaining heat. If you feel like you can’t move, opt for a lighter option to ensure maximum comfort.
Are there any safety considerations when using a weighted blanket every night?
Yes, there are certain safety considerations when using a weighted blanket every night. Children under the age of three and those who weigh less than 50 pounds should not use weighted blankets, and pregnant women should consult their doctor before using one.
People with medical conditions, such as arthritis, sleep apnea, respiratory issues, and low blood pressure, should also speak to their doctor before using a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets are generally safe for adults and older children to use for sleeping every night.
What Is The Right Amount Of Sleep?
The right amount of sleep for adults is between 7 to 9 hours per night, according to experts. Getting enough high-quality rest is essential to our overall health and wellbeing. But many people find themselves regularly missing out on the seven to nine hours of sleep they need each night.
To ensure a good night’s rest and wake up feeling refreshed, one should plan to sleep and aim to achieve an undisturbed period of total silence and relaxation. Weighted products such as a weighted blanket or a weighted eye mask can help to calm the central nervous system and prepare the body for sleep.
Is it bad to sleep with multiple weighted blankets?
Sleeping with multiple weighted blankets is not necessarily bad, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Weighted blankets are designed to provide deep pressure stimulation, which can have a calming effect on the body and help to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. However, the weight of the blankets can also put additional pressure on certain areas of the body, such as the chest or abdomen, which can make it difficult to breathe or cause discomfort.
Therefore, it is best to sleep with one weighted blanket that is not too heavy, or multiple lighter weighted blankets of a comfortable weight.
She tried every sleep system and trick to conquer her insomnia for good.
