The 9 Best Weighted Blankets We Tested for a Better Night's Sleep

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksReviewsOthers We TriedWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

In This Article

View All

Our Top Picks

Reviews

Others We Tried

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:People / Dera Burreson

People / Dera Burreson

With our busy, high-stress lifestyles, self-care is more important than ever. One effective tool to keep on hand is a weighted blanket. Shown to reduce stress levels and promote feelings of relaxation, a weighted blanket can be an attractive and useful addition to your bedtime routine, much like acomfortable mattress.

Best Overall:Threshold Microplush Weighted Blanket at Target$63Jump to Review

Best Overall:Threshold Microplush Weighted Blanket at Target$63

Best Overall:

Best Budget:Waowoo Weighted Blanket at Amazon$30Jump to Review

Best Budget:Waowoo Weighted Blanket at Amazon$30

Best Budget:

Best Cooling:Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket at Sleepnumber.comJump to Review

Best Cooling:Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket at Sleepnumber.com

Best Cooling:

Best for Kids:SALETOPCEE Weighted Blanket at Amazon$30$24Jump to Review

Best for Kids:SALETOPCEE Weighted Blanket at Amazon$30$24

Best for Kids:

SALE

Best Heavy:Quility Weighted Blanket with Soft Cover at Amazon$162Jump to Review

Best Heavy:Quility Weighted Blanket with Soft Cover at Amazon$162

Best Heavy:

Best Knitted:

Best Machine-Washable:Sunday Citizen Snug Crystal Weighted Blanket at Nordstrom$269Jump to Review

Best Machine-Washable:Sunday Citizen Snug Crystal Weighted Blanket at Nordstrom$269

Best Machine-Washable:

Best Bamboo:SALENest Bedding Weighted Blanket at Nest Bedding$168$119Jump to Review

Best Bamboo:SALENest Bedding Weighted Blanket at Nest Bedding$168$119

Best Bamboo:

Best Splurge:Saatva Organic Weighted Blanket at Saatva$345Jump to Review

Best Splurge:Saatva Organic Weighted Blanket at Saatva$345

Best Splurge:

Best OverallThreshold Microplush Weighted BlanketPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson$63 at TargetStar QualitiesMicroplush fabric is the coziest material we testedEasy to cleanAffordable priceRed FlagsCan feel a little too warm if using for an extended amount of timeIn our tests, we loved a lot about this blanket from Target. First and foremost, the fleece material is very soft and cuddly, which is especially great for winter months (although we warn it may be a littletoowarm after using it for an extended period of time).We also like the convenience of the cover being machine washable. During testing, we splashed the blanket with coffee and then washed the cover according to the care instructions, and it came out looking as good as new, despite the thickness of the blanket. It was also easy to spot clean between washes in the machine.Dimensions:55 x 80 inches |Weight:15, 18 pounds |Material:Microplush |Fill:88% glass microbeads, 12% polyester |Care:Removable, machine-washable coverPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best OverallThreshold Microplush Weighted BlanketPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson$63 at Target

Best OverallThreshold Microplush Weighted Blanket

Best Overall

Threshold Microplush Weighted Blanket

PHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

$63 at Target

Star QualitiesMicroplush fabric is the coziest material we testedEasy to cleanAffordable priceRed FlagsCan feel a little too warm if using for an extended amount of time

Star QualitiesMicroplush fabric is the coziest material we testedEasy to cleanAffordable price

Microplush fabric is the coziest material we tested

Easy to clean

Affordable price

Red FlagsCan feel a little too warm if using for an extended amount of time

Can feel a little too warm if using for an extended amount of time

In our tests, we loved a lot about this blanket from Target. First and foremost, the fleece material is very soft and cuddly, which is especially great for winter months (although we warn it may be a littletoowarm after using it for an extended period of time).

We also like the convenience of the cover being machine washable. During testing, we splashed the blanket with coffee and then washed the cover according to the care instructions, and it came out looking as good as new, despite the thickness of the blanket. It was also easy to spot clean between washes in the machine.

Dimensions:55 x 80 inches |Weight:15, 18 pounds |Material:Microplush |Fill:88% glass microbeads, 12% polyester |Care:Removable, machine-washable cover

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best BudgetWaowoo Weighted BlanketPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson$30 at AmazonStar QualitiesComfortable feel with evenly distributed fillSeveral weight options to choose fromEasy to spot cleanRed FlagsShrank after machine washingNot as plush as others we testedWe tested the 15-pound option from Waowoo, and we felt this weight to be perfect — heavy enough but also easy to adjust and very comfortable. It’s nice and warm, but it does not trap body heat, keeping you at a nice temperature while using it. The glass bead filling is evenly distributed thanks to the quilted sewing pattern that keeps the beads in place. Plus, the blanket is available in several different weights and sizes.We found a few loose threads but otherwise felt like it was very good quality. In our coffee spill test, a lot of the liquid came out with spot cleaning, and after laundering, we noticed some shrinkage, but the stains did come out. We wish the material were softer and more plush, but it’s still comfortable and not at all itchy.Dimensions:36 x 48 inches, 48 x 72 inches, 60 x 80 inches, 78 x 85 inches |Weight:4, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20 pounds |Material:Microfiber |Fill:Glass beads |Care:Removable, machine-washable coverPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best BudgetWaowoo Weighted BlanketPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson$30 at Amazon

Best BudgetWaowoo Weighted Blanket

Best Budget

Waowoo Weighted Blanket

$30 at Amazon

Star QualitiesComfortable feel with evenly distributed fillSeveral weight options to choose fromEasy to spot cleanRed FlagsShrank after machine washingNot as plush as others we tested

Star QualitiesComfortable feel with evenly distributed fillSeveral weight options to choose fromEasy to spot clean

Comfortable feel with evenly distributed fill

Several weight options to choose from

Easy to spot clean

Red FlagsShrank after machine washingNot as plush as others we tested

Shrank after machine washing

Not as plush as others we tested

We tested the 15-pound option from Waowoo, and we felt this weight to be perfect — heavy enough but also easy to adjust and very comfortable. It’s nice and warm, but it does not trap body heat, keeping you at a nice temperature while using it. The glass bead filling is evenly distributed thanks to the quilted sewing pattern that keeps the beads in place. Plus, the blanket is available in several different weights and sizes.

We found a few loose threads but otherwise felt like it was very good quality. In our coffee spill test, a lot of the liquid came out with spot cleaning, and after laundering, we noticed some shrinkage, but the stains did come out. We wish the material were softer and more plush, but it’s still comfortable and not at all itchy.

Dimensions:36 x 48 inches, 48 x 72 inches, 60 x 80 inches, 78 x 85 inches |Weight:4, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20 pounds |Material:Microfiber |Fill:Glass beads |Care:Removable, machine-washable cover

PHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best CoolingSleep Number True Temp Weighted BlanketPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonView on Sleepnumber.comStar QualitiesCooling, temperature-regulating fabricWeighted insert doesn’t shift or bunch upEasy to spot cleanRed FlagsShrank slightly in the wash during testingThis Sleep Number blanket got top scores in the quality, comfort, and warmth categories during our tests, but what stands out is its temperature-regulating benefits. According to the brand, the proprietary fabric claims to adapt to your body’s temperature via a particle technology that helps remove moisture and keep you from overheating. During our tests, we felt this actually worked — it’s surprisingly cooling even after using it for a while or when the climate is warmer, and it’s even comfortable enough to wear overnight without getting too hot.We also appreciated that the Sleep Number blanket has a washable cover, although it was also easy to spot-clean with a damp cloth. In our machine washing test, the blanket did shrink somewhat, but we still believe it’s a durable choice; it feels like it would hold up to wear and tear in the long run, despite this slight shrinkage.Dimensions:48 x 70 inches |Weight:12, 20 pounds |Material:80% cotton, 20% 37.5 polyester technology |Fill:94% glass beads, 6% polyester |Care:Removable, machine-washable coverPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best CoolingSleep Number True Temp Weighted BlanketPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonView on Sleepnumber.com

Best CoolingSleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket

Best Cooling

Sleep Number True Temp Weighted Blanket

View on Sleepnumber.com

Star QualitiesCooling, temperature-regulating fabricWeighted insert doesn’t shift or bunch upEasy to spot cleanRed FlagsShrank slightly in the wash during testing

Star QualitiesCooling, temperature-regulating fabricWeighted insert doesn’t shift or bunch upEasy to spot clean

Cooling, temperature-regulating fabric

Weighted insert doesn’t shift or bunch up

Red FlagsShrank slightly in the wash during testing

Shrank slightly in the wash during testing

This Sleep Number blanket got top scores in the quality, comfort, and warmth categories during our tests, but what stands out is its temperature-regulating benefits. According to the brand, the proprietary fabric claims to adapt to your body’s temperature via a particle technology that helps remove moisture and keep you from overheating. During our tests, we felt this actually worked — it’s surprisingly cooling even after using it for a while or when the climate is warmer, and it’s even comfortable enough to wear overnight without getting too hot.

We also appreciated that the Sleep Number blanket has a washable cover, although it was also easy to spot-clean with a damp cloth. In our machine washing test, the blanket did shrink somewhat, but we still believe it’s a durable choice; it feels like it would hold up to wear and tear in the long run, despite this slight shrinkage.

Dimensions:48 x 70 inches |Weight:12, 20 pounds |Material:80% cotton, 20% 37.5 polyester technology |Fill:94% glass beads, 6% polyester |Care:Removable, machine-washable cover

Best for KidsTOPCEE Weighted BlanketPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson$30$24 at AmazonStar QualitiesSoft and comfortingEasy to hand wash and spot cleanFun prints and colors for childrenRed FlagsMay not be warm enough for winter temperaturesThis 3-pound weighted blanket is a super-soft, gentle option perfectly suited for kids. An adult might want more weight, but the lighter weight is well-suited for a child who may need a little help falling asleep. While there’s a good amount of warmth, it’s probably not warm enough for more frigid temperatures, but we love that the lighter weight and smaller size make for easy cleanup (although it’s hand wash only, we found it easy to spot clean with a damp washcloth).Experts SayDr. Bridget Cole Williams, board-certified family physician and CEO of Green Harvest Health, says weighted blankets are an excellent tool for children, especially those with autism, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. However, make sure they don’t use a blanket that’s too heavy for them; follow the 10 percent body weight rule for children, too.Dimensions:36 x 48 inches (6 more sizes available for adults) |Weight:3, 5 pounds (8 more weights available for adults) |Material:Microfiber |Fill:0.8-1 mm nontoxic hypoallergenic glass beads |Care:Spot clean or hand washPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best for KidsTOPCEE Weighted BlanketPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson$30$24 at Amazon

Best for KidsTOPCEE Weighted Blanket

Best for Kids

TOPCEE Weighted Blanket

$30$24 at Amazon

Star QualitiesSoft and comfortingEasy to hand wash and spot cleanFun prints and colors for childrenRed FlagsMay not be warm enough for winter temperatures

Star QualitiesSoft and comfortingEasy to hand wash and spot cleanFun prints and colors for children

Soft and comforting

Easy to hand wash and spot clean

Fun prints and colors for children

Red FlagsMay not be warm enough for winter temperatures

May not be warm enough for winter temperatures

This 3-pound weighted blanket is a super-soft, gentle option perfectly suited for kids. An adult might want more weight, but the lighter weight is well-suited for a child who may need a little help falling asleep. While there’s a good amount of warmth, it’s probably not warm enough for more frigid temperatures, but we love that the lighter weight and smaller size make for easy cleanup (although it’s hand wash only, we found it easy to spot clean with a damp washcloth).

Experts SayDr. Bridget Cole Williams, board-certified family physician and CEO of Green Harvest Health, says weighted blankets are an excellent tool for children, especially those with autism, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. However, make sure they don’t use a blanket that’s too heavy for them; follow the 10 percent body weight rule for children, too.

Experts Say

Dr. Bridget Cole Williams, board-certified family physician and CEO of Green Harvest Health, says weighted blankets are an excellent tool for children, especially those with autism, depression, anxiety, and insomnia. However, make sure they don’t use a blanket that’s too heavy for them; follow the 10 percent body weight rule for children, too.

Dimensions:36 x 48 inches (6 more sizes available for adults) |Weight:3, 5 pounds (8 more weights available for adults) |Material:Microfiber |Fill:0.8-1 mm nontoxic hypoallergenic glass beads |Care:Spot clean or hand wash

Best HeavyQuility Weighted Blanket with Soft CoverPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson$162 at Amazon$41 at Target$72 at WalmartStar QualitiesEvenly distributed pressure does not feel overly heavyDurable, machine-washable coverSeveral colors to choose fromRed FlagsSome loose threads near the zipper upon deliveryThis Quility blanket felt soft on both sides. While there were some loose strings near the zipper, that was the only flaw that our tester noticed. The weighted insert was removable and is attached at the corners of the cover, which is a nice touch. It’s durable, too — our coffee stain came right out, and the cover held up well after washing.Even though this blanket weighs 25 pounds, it did not feel too heavy, and the pressure felt evenly distributed, meaning the weight did not cluster or shift while moving around. We felt warm after just five minutes under this blanket, making it a good choice for someone who keeps their place cool (but it may be too warm for those who run hot, especially in the warmer months). Overall, this is a great choice for someone looking for a heavier-weighted blanket with an evenly distributed weight.Dimensions:36 x 48 inches,41 x 60 inches, 48 x 72 inches, 60 x 80 inches, 86 x 92 inches |Weight:5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 pounds |Material:100% cotton |Fill:Glass beads |Care:Removable, machine-washable coverPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best HeavyQuility Weighted Blanket with Soft CoverPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson$162 at Amazon$41 at Target$72 at Walmart

Best HeavyQuility Weighted Blanket with Soft Cover

Best Heavy

Quility Weighted Blanket with Soft Cover

$162 at Amazon$41 at Target$72 at Walmart

Star QualitiesEvenly distributed pressure does not feel overly heavyDurable, machine-washable coverSeveral colors to choose fromRed FlagsSome loose threads near the zipper upon delivery

Star QualitiesEvenly distributed pressure does not feel overly heavyDurable, machine-washable coverSeveral colors to choose from

Evenly distributed pressure does not feel overly heavy

Durable, machine-washable cover

Several colors to choose from

Red FlagsSome loose threads near the zipper upon delivery

Some loose threads near the zipper upon delivery

This Quility blanket felt soft on both sides. While there were some loose strings near the zipper, that was the only flaw that our tester noticed. The weighted insert was removable and is attached at the corners of the cover, which is a nice touch. It’s durable, too — our coffee stain came right out, and the cover held up well after washing.

Even though this blanket weighs 25 pounds, it did not feel too heavy, and the pressure felt evenly distributed, meaning the weight did not cluster or shift while moving around. We felt warm after just five minutes under this blanket, making it a good choice for someone who keeps their place cool (but it may be too warm for those who run hot, especially in the warmer months). Overall, this is a great choice for someone looking for a heavier-weighted blanket with an evenly distributed weight.

Dimensions:36 x 48 inches,41 x 60 inches, 48 x 72 inches, 60 x 80 inches, 86 x 92 inches |Weight:5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30 pounds |Material:100% cotton |Fill:Glass beads |Care:Removable, machine-washable cover

Best Knitted

Star QualitiesOpen weave is ideal for hot sleepersComes in several weight, size, and color optionsKept its shape and quality after machine washingRed FlagsNot the easiest to spot clean

Star QualitiesOpen weave is ideal for hot sleepersComes in several weight, size, and color optionsKept its shape and quality after machine washing

Open weave is ideal for hot sleepers

Comes in several weight, size, and color options

Kept its shape and quality after machine washing

Red FlagsNot the easiest to spot clean

Not the easiest to spot clean

We recommend this blanket for hot sleepers because the large knit allows air to flow through and keeps us warm without overheating. Spot cleaning wasn’t the easiest due to the knit material, but the blanket did fare well in the wash. With a higher retail price than most of our winners, it’s a little spendy, but if you’re a weighted blanket lover who runs hot, we definitely think it’s worth the investment.

Dimensions:40 x 64 inches, 40 x 72 inches, 45 x 72 inches, 48 x 72 inches |Weight:10, 15, 20, 25 pounds |Material:Organic cotton |Fill:Natural cotton |Care:Spot clean or machine washable

Best Machine-WashableSunday Citizen Snug Crystal Weighted BlanketPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson$269 at Nordstrom$299 at Wayfair$269 at Saks Fifth AvenueStar QualitiesFilled with calming crystal piecesSuper easy to cleanWarm but still fairly breathableRed FlagsQuite heavy to move around when foldedJust like yourbed sheets, this blanket is washable. We found that in our coffee spill test, the liquid beaded and stayed on top of the blanket for over a minute, then completely disappeared like magic when blotted with a towel. Plus, the outer shell is machine-washable for added convenience.We loved that the super-soft microfiber exterior has a slight basket weave texture to it, which adds a nice decorative touch — not to mention that it’s filled with bits of clear quartz, rose quartz, and amethyst crystals. The 10-pound blanket felt like just the right weight and comfort when lying underneath, but it did feel quite heavy to move while folded. While it was very cozy and warm, it did not trap body heat and kept us comfortable during use.Dimensions:52 x 77 inches |Weight:10, 15, 20 pounds |Material:100% microfiber |Fill:Glass pearls, polyester, clear quartz, rose quartz, amethyst |Care:Removable, machine-washable coverPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best Machine-WashableSunday Citizen Snug Crystal Weighted BlanketPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson$269 at Nordstrom$299 at Wayfair$269 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Best Machine-WashableSunday Citizen Snug Crystal Weighted Blanket

Best Machine-Washable

Sunday Citizen Snug Crystal Weighted Blanket

$269 at Nordstrom$299 at Wayfair$269 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Star QualitiesFilled with calming crystal piecesSuper easy to cleanWarm but still fairly breathableRed FlagsQuite heavy to move around when folded

Star QualitiesFilled with calming crystal piecesSuper easy to cleanWarm but still fairly breathable

Filled with calming crystal pieces

Super easy to clean

Warm but still fairly breathable

Red FlagsQuite heavy to move around when folded

Quite heavy to move around when folded

Just like yourbed sheets, this blanket is washable. We found that in our coffee spill test, the liquid beaded and stayed on top of the blanket for over a minute, then completely disappeared like magic when blotted with a towel. Plus, the outer shell is machine-washable for added convenience.

We loved that the super-soft microfiber exterior has a slight basket weave texture to it, which adds a nice decorative touch — not to mention that it’s filled with bits of clear quartz, rose quartz, and amethyst crystals. The 10-pound blanket felt like just the right weight and comfort when lying underneath, but it did feel quite heavy to move while folded. While it was very cozy and warm, it did not trap body heat and kept us comfortable during use.

Dimensions:52 x 77 inches |Weight:10, 15, 20 pounds |Material:100% microfiber |Fill:Glass pearls, polyester, clear quartz, rose quartz, amethyst |Care:Removable, machine-washable cover

Best BambooNest Bedding Weighted BlanketPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson$168$119 at Nest BeddingStar QualitiesQuilted design keeps fill in placeComes with tote bagStains easily come out with spot cleaningRed FlagsMachine washing caused a hole and some loose threadsBumps from the fill are noticeable at timesOne of the more aesthetically pleasing blankets we tested, this one from Nest Bedding has a nice texture, and the weight felt just right. We like that it’s heavy enough to help us feel relaxed but doesn’t trap heat, keeping us comfortable while using it. We loved that the fill didn’t shift no matter how much we moved the blanket around; however, we did note that in some places, we could feel the tiny bumps of the fill.When cleaning the coffee stain in our tests, most of the liquid ran right off the blanket. For the remaining stain, blotting and a Tide Stick worked well. After laundering, however, the blanket came out with a hole and some loose threads. Aside from this issue, we found it to be a very good value, especially since it comes with a travel-ready tote. We would just advise against laundering it in the washing machine or taking extra care if you do choose to do so.Dimensions:48 x 72 inches, 60 x 80 inches, 80 x 86 inches |Weight:15, 18, 21 pounds |Material:Polyester, bamboo rayon |Fill:85% glass beads, 15% polyester fiber |Care:Spot clean or machine washPHOTO: People / Dera BurresonPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson

Best BambooNest Bedding Weighted BlanketPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson$168$119 at Nest Bedding

Best BambooNest Bedding Weighted Blanket

Best Bamboo

Nest Bedding Weighted Blanket

$168$119 at Nest Bedding

Star QualitiesQuilted design keeps fill in placeComes with tote bagStains easily come out with spot cleaningRed FlagsMachine washing caused a hole and some loose threadsBumps from the fill are noticeable at times

Star QualitiesQuilted design keeps fill in placeComes with tote bagStains easily come out with spot cleaning

Quilted design keeps fill in place

Comes with tote bag

Stains easily come out with spot cleaning

Red FlagsMachine washing caused a hole and some loose threadsBumps from the fill are noticeable at times

Machine washing caused a hole and some loose threads

Bumps from the fill are noticeable at times

One of the more aesthetically pleasing blankets we tested, this one from Nest Bedding has a nice texture, and the weight felt just right. We like that it’s heavy enough to help us feel relaxed but doesn’t trap heat, keeping us comfortable while using it. We loved that the fill didn’t shift no matter how much we moved the blanket around; however, we did note that in some places, we could feel the tiny bumps of the fill.

When cleaning the coffee stain in our tests, most of the liquid ran right off the blanket. For the remaining stain, blotting and a Tide Stick worked well. After laundering, however, the blanket came out with a hole and some loose threads. Aside from this issue, we found it to be a very good value, especially since it comes with a travel-ready tote. We would just advise against laundering it in the washing machine or taking extra care if you do choose to do so.

Dimensions:48 x 72 inches, 60 x 80 inches, 80 x 86 inches |Weight:15, 18, 21 pounds |Material:Polyester, bamboo rayon |Fill:85% glass beads, 15% polyester fiber |Care:Spot clean or machine wash

Best SplurgeSaatva Organic Weighted BlanketPHOTO: People / Dera Burreson$345 at Saatva

Best SplurgeSaatva Organic Weighted Blanket

Best Splurge

Saatva Organic Weighted Blanket

$345 at Saatva

Star QualitiesExcellent quality and comfortVery easy to spot cleanGood temperature for year-round useRed FlagsDry cleaning recommended

Star QualitiesExcellent quality and comfortVery easy to spot cleanGood temperature for year-round use

Excellent quality and comfort

Very easy to spot clean

Good temperature for year-round use

Red FlagsDry cleaning recommended

Dry cleaning recommended

If you’re looking to splurge on a weighted blanket knowing it will last you a long time, this Saatva option is high quality with a nice, evenly distributed weight. We were able to move it around easily, and the blanket remained nice and warm, perfect for three seasons — plus summer if you’re someone who runs cold.

Dimensions:48 x 74 inches, 86 x 92 inches |Weight:12, 20 pounds |Material:Organic cotton velvet |Fill:Glass beads |Care:Spot clean or dry clean

Other Weighted Blankets We Tried

What to Know About Weighted Blankets

Benefits and Use

Dr. Williams explains that weighted blankets work via pressure therapy. “Pressure therapy is shown to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which tells the body to rest and relax,” says Dr. Williams. “Activating the parasympathetic nervous system also lowers anxiety and stress, helps to slow heart rate, helps with insomnia, and helps promote relaxation.”

“Whenever a sensory tool is needed to help with calmness, a weighted blanket can be used along with deep breathing, sensory toys, or grounding. A weighted blanket is another tool to help the body relax and may help with focus while working,” says Dr. Williams.

Keep in mind, however, your body’s typical temperature level when sleeping. Just like anelectric blanketor aheavy comforter, some weighted blankets may be too hot to use for an extended amount of time.

Size and Weight

Dr. Williams says that a blanket that’s roughly 10 percent of your body weight will provide the best results for comfort, calmness, and ease in falling asleep. If you are between sizes, Dr. Williams suggests going 1 or 2 pounds above the suggested weight. “The idea is to feel the comfort and hugging sensation without pressure or difficulty moving,” she says. In terms of blanket size, she suggests choosing a blanket that is appropriate for your height instead of something that covers the size of your bed.

Materials

Dr. Williams advises considering the climate you live in, the fabric’s breathability, whether you typically run hot or cold, and which textures and materials you find comforting. “Some common fabrics are minky, cotton, bamboo, flannel, linen, and microfiber,” she says. There are also blankets with other elements, like theSunday Citizen Snug Crystal Weighted Blanket, which is filled with pieces of crystal for added calming effects.

Price Range

A washable cover, cozy materials, and durable quality will all drive up the price of a weighted blanket. But if you can afford it, a higher-priced weighted blanket can be worth it. For example, the most expensive option we tested is theSaatva Weighted Blanket. However, we found it to be durable and ultra-comfortable, and it’s also made from organic cotton and natural glass beads.

We rated each blanket on a one-to-five scale against each attribute. The products with the highest average scores across all attributes made it onto this PEOPLE-approved list of the best weighted blankets, including our top pick, theThreshold Microplush Weighted Blanket.

Rennie Dyballis a contributing shopping writer for PEOPLE who has tested many products in the home and cleaning space. For this story, she spoke to Dr. Bridget Cole Williams, board-certified family physician and CEO of Green Harvest Health, about the benefits of weighted blankets and used insights from both our PEOPLE Tested lab and home tests to determine the best weighted blankets you can buy to enhance your sleep experience.

Our Expert PanelDr. Bridget Cole Williamsis a board-certified family physician and CEO of Green Harvest Health.

Our Expert Panel

Dr. Bridget Cole Williamsis a board-certified family physician and CEO of Green Harvest Health.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com