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.
