Best Weighted Blankets In 2023: Top 5 Throws Most Recommended By Experts -

Let’s face it, we could all use a better night’s sleep. Digital distractions, racing minds, and our eating habits before bedtime are just some of what’s keeping us awake. Instead of taking a sleep aid to get that much needed rest, how about trying one of the best weighted blankets to soothe you off to dreamland?

What’s so great about them? A recent study shows sleeping with a weighted blanket helps your body to naturally produce more melatonin. “Using a weighted blanket increased melatonin concentrations in saliva by about 30 percent. However, no differences in oxytocin, cortisol, and the activity of the sympathetic nervous system were observed between the weighted and light blanket conditions,” reports study first author Elisa Meth, a Ph.D. student at the Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences at Uppsala University.

Another study by Swedish researchers finds using a weighted blanket can actually cure insomnia. The study of 120 adults who had all been diagnosed with clinical insomnia and a psychiatric disorder such as depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, or anxiety. The results? After four weeks, participants using heavy chain blankets are 26 times more likely to experience less insomnia. Nearly 60 percent of weighted blanket users report decreases of at least 50 percent in their Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Just 5.4 percent of light blanket users report a similar decrease in insomnia symptoms. The Swedish team suspects the weight in these blankets mimics the sensation of being held and touched. That effect calms the nerves and helps the body to relax, resulting in better sleep.

Want to try it out for yourself? StudyFinds compiled a list of the five best weighted blankets, from ten expert websites to seek out the perfect one to improve sleep. As always, we’d like to see your own recommendations in the comments below!

The List: Best Weighted Blankets, According to Expert Reviews

1. The Gravity Blanket

Considered to be the original weighted blanket, The Gravity Blanket comes in a variety of colors. The price? $249.99. Good Housekeeping notes the blanket’s “grid-like stitching to help keep the glass beads inside the blanket in place, a cozy microfleece cover that’s machine washable and secure buttons and ties to make sure the blanket stays put in the cover.”

Available in 15-, 20-, or 35-pound weight options, the blanket, “is consistently named the best weighted blanket on the market—and for good reason. Not only was this glass-bead-filled blanket instrumental in reviving interest in therapeutic blankets in the first place, but it also excels at its job,” adds Forbes.

“More than half of our testers gravitated toward the Gravity’s soft fleecy/velvety cover and balanced feel,” writes The New York Times. Although some reviewers did note that this blanket isn’t ideal for hot sleepers.

2. Baloo Weighted Blanket

Starting at $179.00 for a 12-pound throw, this weighted blanket from Baloo Living is breathable. “If the thought of sleeping under a weighted blanket causes a bead of sweat to form on your forehead, then you’ll want to opt for Baloo’s Weighted Blanket. It provides all the comfort and relaxation of a weighted blanket without adding too much warmth, so even hot sleepers can drift off peacefully,” according to Real Simple.

“This well-balanced, crisp, quilt-like blanket holds its own on a well-dressed bed, and it can go in the washer and dryer. The linen duvet cover, sold separately, is gorgeous—but it’s pricey, and the buttons could be better reinforced,” points out The New York Times.

Looking for something even lighter? They make a mini! Forbes writes: “The manufacturer claims that this blanket feels like ‘a gentle hug,’ and it’s easy to see why. Clocking in at just 9 pounds, it’s a ‘just right’ weight for both kids and adults (as such, it’s touted as safe for ages 5 and up). Natural, breathable materials add to the appeal.”

3. Layla Weighted Blanket

This super soft weighted blanket from Layla Sleep starts at an affordable $79, for the 15-pound version. “This one’s unique thanks to its clever reversible design: One side has a cotton fabric that feels like a traditional bed sheet, while the other side is a cozy fleece that feels more like a throw blanket,” according to Men’s Health.

HGTV calls the Layla ‘best for year-round use’ adding it features, “a mink-like polyester construction on one side and a cooler 300-thread-count cotton construction on the other, filled with glass beads stitched in a hexagon-shaped design for even weight distribution.”

Another fan is The New York Times, writing, “Considering its plush feel, we thought we’d be overly hot under this blanket, but one tester noted that the smooth, sleek texture actually cooled them down. The honeycomb stitching keeps the beads from pooling to one side of the blanket, which also helps it stay in place instead of getting unbalanced and slinking its way off the bed.”

One downside? This blanket is only available in gray.

4. Bearaby Cotton Napper

If a knitted weighted blanket is more your style, check this one out from Bearaby. However, it is on the more expensive side. Prices start at $199 for a 10-pound blanket. Sleep Foundation points out, “Bearaby blankets feature a layer on layer fabric design that improves temperature neutrality and ensures an even weight distribution along the blanket.”

“Testers were very enthusiastic about its ‘stylish appearance’ and ‘soft, cozy feel,’ giving it top marks for comfort,” adds Good Housekeeping.

Forbes calls this the best organic option. “With an astonishing average of 4.9 stars, the Cotton Napper is praised for its good looks, breathability, temperature control and comfort. If you’re still on the fence, you have 30 days to decide if the Cotton Napper is right for you.” The Bearaby Cotton Napper is available in several colors. Just budget some extra time for drying when washing it.

5. Luna Weighted Blanket

“Luna’s original weighted blanket is a solid budget option at just $75, which offers one of the widest range of color options that we’ve seen, from solids to stripes and even a sold-out tie-dye print,” according to GQ.

CNET gave it ‘best overall’ accolades, noting, “it’s super soft and heavy without being overwhelming. It also doesn’t shift around when you sleep.”

“The Luna Cotton Weighted Blanket doesn’t come with a removable cover, so you’ll have to buy that separately, but it is designed with a series of loops that will secure it inside a cover (or duvet) should you choose to buy one,” adds Tom’s Guide.

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Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This post may contain affiliate links.

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