Bedding

Published February 14, 2022

7 min

Are Weighted Blankets Hot?

Nectar Editorial Team

Table of contents

Do Weighted Blankets Make You Hot?How to Choose a Weighted Blanket That Isn’t Hot?Are Weighted Blankets Good for Hot Sleepers?Best Fabrics for Weighted BlanketsHow Temperature Affects Sleep?How to Stay Cool at Night?ConclusionFrequently Asked Questions

A weighted blanket is like any regular blanket but with additional weight. It is used for therapeutic reasons to aid sleep and relieve anxiety. Weighted blankets cause deep pressure stimulation that helps in relaxing the body. Are weighted blankets hot to sleep under? No. There’s a common misconception about these blankets that they are hot. These blankets are heavier than the other blankets, but that does not mean they are hot. Continue reading to know more about weighted blankets.

Do Weighted Blankets Make You Hot?

Not necessarily.A heavy blanket does not mean it is a hot blanket. It depends on the fabric and fills with your blanket. Flannel or fleece weighted blankets can be hot as synthetic materials trap heat. You should pick blankets made from natural and breathable fibers like:

Eucalyptus
Cotton
Cooling bamboo

If the fiber or fill used in a blanket are breathable, weighted blankets are suitable for any season or body type. In fact, weighted blankets can help you sleep better. These blankets offer deep pressure stimulation, leading to decreased cortisol (stress hormone) levels. As the cortisol levels fall, melatonin (sleep hormone) level increases which helps you fall asleep. Benefits of weighted blankets:

Improve sleep quality
Relieve anxiety and depression
Provide comfort
Calms the nervous system

How to Choose a Weighted Blanket That Isn’t Hot?

Weighted blankets come with multiple options. Your decision should depend on two key factors:

Weight of the blanket
The material used in the blanket.

How heavy should a weighted blanket be? It should weigh 10% of your body weight. However, a study found that a blanket weighing more than 10% of your body weight can be relaxing. In the end, it’s up to your preference.

Are Weighted Blankets Good for Hot Sleepers?

Yes, sleeping with a weighted blanket is comfortable for everyone. You can have the comfort of a weighted blanket without feeling hot during the night. Using a weighted blanket feels like an all-over hug that sparks feelings of happiness, relaxation, and security for every user.While searching for a weighted blanket, hot sleepers should look for breathable fabrics like cotton, microfiber, and bamboo. They can also consider cooling weighted blankets with premium material and feel sleepy at night.

Blanket Weight (in lbs)	10% of Your Body Weight (in lbs)
120	12
130	13
140	14
150	15
160	16
170	70

The weight of the blanket doesn’t make you feel hot at night; the fabric of the blanket cover might do. You can avoid blankets with synthetic, heat-trapping materials and opt for natural, breathable materials to prevent unnecessary heating. The natural fabrics have higher breathability, preventing you from having night sweats.

Best Fabrics for Weighted Blankets

Cooling Bamboo

Bamboo fibers are light, breathable, and eco-friendly. It has natural moisture-absorbing properties, which help keep sleepers cool and stay asleep for longer. Bamboo fibers are also known for their Thermo-regulating properties, meaning it maintains body temperature during summers and winters. Bamboo fabric is less static, making your blanket unlikely to have wrinkles. Additionally, they may contain fewer artificial colors and require less processing. That’s why they are a greener option.

Eucalyptus

Being derived from the wood pulp of the eucalyptus tree, this biodegradable fabric is eco-friendly and breathable as well. Eucalyptus blankets are an excellent choice for warm nights and hot sleepers.

Cotton

Cotton blankets are not only comfortable but also the most cost-effective option available. Cotton blankets are breathable, cool, lightweight, and easy to clean. Everything makes them a practical choice among the buyers.

Glass Beads

Glass beads are an ideal filler for blankets as they are cool and do not trap heat like pellets or other fillers. Compared to their plastic counterparts, glass beads are smaller, smooth, and heavier. That means fewer beads are required to reach the desired weight making the blanket less heavy and easy to move.

How Temperature Affects Sleep?

According to a study, a cool body temperature helps you fall and stay asleep for longer. Another study shows that the body temperature of people with insomnia is usually higher than people without insomnia. Cool temperature creates an ideal environment for sleep. If you are too hot during the night, you may toss and turn all night, leading to a night of disturbed sleep.If you want to sleep well, it’s essential to have a cool room temperature. Read this article to learn about the ideal temperature for sleep.

How to Stay Cool at Night?

It’s normal to feel hot during bedtime. The ideal room temperature should be 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit for a night of good sleep. A higher temperature can make you toss and turn throughout the night.

Some factors that can affect your body temperature at night:

Your medications
Your clothes
Your mattress and bedding

Tips to stay cool at night:

Use bedding made from natural and breathable materials.
Turn the AC temperature down.
Workout in the morning.
Keep curtains shut during the day.
Take a shower before bedtime.
Sleep alone.
Have cross-ventilation in your room.
Wear breathable clothes.

When your room is at the ideal temperature, your bedding and clothes are breathable, and you have a weighted blanket to offer deep pressure stimulation, you will sleep comfortably throughout the night.

Conclusion

For a sound sleep, anyone can use a weighted blanket. These therapeutic blankets provide extra comfort without being too hot. However, you can always consider breathable fabric covers and fill to avoid overheating.This article is for informational purposes and should not replace advice from your doctor or other medical professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are weighted blankets hot for kids? No. You should purchase a weighted blanket made for kids. Consider buying a weighted blanket that weighs 10% of your child’s weight. Start by using the blanket without covers, then gradually shift to using a blanket with covers to see if they are comfortable. Is it alright to sleep with a weighted blanket every night? Yes, you can use a weighted blanket every night. These therapeutic blankets boost melatonin levels and help you have a good night’s rest. Who should not use a weighted blanket? Toddlers under the age of 2 are prone to suffocation while using weighted blankets. These blankets are safe for adults and older children.