Living with anxiety is tough but trying to fall asleep while highly anxious can be somewhat impossible. That’s where weighted blankets can make a difference.
As weighted blankets just another fad?
Honestly, no. Multiple studies have shown that weighted blankets can improve your sleep especially for people who suffer from anxiety, ADHD, autism, and sleep disorders.
According to Dr. Cristina Cusin, an assistant professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical Schoo, “weighted blankets have been around for a long time, especially for kids with autism or behavioral disturbances.”
In one 2008 study, that explored the “Safety and Therapeutic Effects of Deep Pressure Stimulation Using a Weighted Blanket” on 32 adults, 63% reported lower anxiety after use, and 78% preferred the weighted blanket as a calming modality.
How do weighted blankets work?
Weighted blankets provide deep pressure stimulation similar to swaddling a baby. The weight helps relax your nervous system so your body is able to relax.
Many weighted blankets are knitted with encased polyester beads that act as weights, and are evenly distributed along the cotton weave.
Meanwhile this knitted blanket from Koala Comforts is comprised of a recycled polyester fill which is encapsulated in soft cotton outer layer. Therefore the knit is a great option on market in terms of weight distribution, as there is no bunching whatsoever, nor shifting weight of the beads like other manufacturers.
Plus they offer a 8 different colours to suit different aesthetics!
Do I use a weighted blanket?
Yes, and no.
The weighted blanket I have was recently gifted is from Koala Comforts which is a Melbourne based brand that creates high quality homewares products with same day delivery.
When I’m highly stressed before bed I have used it, and fallen almost instantly asleep. That’s no hyperbole. Seriously, ask my husband. I fall asleep within seconds unless I’m really anxious which may or may not be a sign I’m sleep deprived.
They're great insulators so would be perfect for a warm, cosy night sleep during winter however I wouldn't use it in Spring/Summer due to heat retention.
How do you pick the right weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets are one of those products where all manufactures make something that serves the same purpose so ultimately it’s the design, comfort, and how ethical the brand is that matters to me.
Manufacturers recommend to pick a weighted blanket that weighs 5-10% of your body weight. The Koala Comforts weighted blanket doesn’t technically have the option to pick the weight like other manufacturers but the different sizes of blankets do have different weights.
Do I like my Koala Comfort weighted blanket?
We have a king sized bed (also from a company called Koala), and they provided us a queen sized weight blanket form Koala Comforts which weighs 8kgs.
I’ve laid the weighted blanket across the bed, and I love that it has a thick weave as it provides another luxurious texture to the room.
I initially was going to have it in the living room as our new throw because we like to cuddle on our 5 seater sofa watching movies. However the white option from Koala comfort has very cool undertones that are sorta blueish, purple in certain lights, and contrasts with our warm toned sofa, and cushions.
Koala Comforts state that each blanket is made by hand, and the material is individually dyed therefore like a natural wooden veneer, colours may vary product to product.
As it is a queen size it does match the width of the bed, and about 80% of the bed length. I think it’s important to buy a weighted blanket that is as large as you can so you don’t have that awkward feeling of your feet poking out the end such as this queen size on a king bed. Normally, we use a king or super king size duvet for our bedrooms so it overhangs.
I'm also very conscious of where we source our homeware, and bedding from so I was pleased to know that sustainability is at the forefront of their business strategy. They actually plant a tree with TreeNation, and use a carbon neutral delivery service.
They're also 100% Australian owned, and designed, so purchasing from them is supporting Australian small businesses!
Overall, I think the Koala Comforts weighted blanket is a nice investment in better sleep for a cold night.
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