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The slight nip in the air, the shift from bright hues to fall colors and shorter days can mean one thing: it’s officially hibernation season. While this can naturally result in better sleep for some, it can take a few extra steps for others. Unfortunately, I come under the latter category. The reduction in daylight hours and the accompanying drop in temperature make me tired all the time, but unfortunately that did not translate into restful sleep at night — that is, until I had the chance to test a weighted blanket for the first time ever recently. Yes, I might be late to the party, but if I were to recommend one product for you to invest in when you're shopping the upcoming Black Friday bedding sales, it would definitely be a weighted blanket. Whether you’re curious about how much impact a weighted blanket can have on your sleep, or if you're already considering buying one but haven't quite made your mind up, here’s my first-hand experience to help you decide: My first impressions of the Baloo Weighted Blanket The general rule of thumb when choosing the best weighted blanket for your sleep, is to opt for one that's 10% of your total body weight. I went for a 12lb Baloo weighted throw blanket in a pretty dark green (spruce) color, since I can use it for both lounging and in bed. The Baloo weighted blanket arrived in an easy-to-unpack tote bag (no plastic packaging, plus it can be reused) and yes, it was heavier than a regular comforter. It is available to buy in nine different colors, three sizes and four weight options, so it should be easy for you to find your perfect match. The brand underlines that it is sustainably made, using 100% natural cotton and lead-free micro glass beads. The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified blanket features tightly-sewn quilted patterns, which ensures the glass beads remain securely in place and the weight is evenly distributed. The top cotton cover feels just like a soft bed sheet against your skin, so if you're expecting a fluffy mink-like texture, it's better to go for options like the Layla Weighted Blanket. Three ways in which using a weighted blanket changed my sleep 1. The 'weighted hug' helps me wind down before bed It took some time for me to get used to the weighted feeling but once I eased into it, it felt more like a full-body hug. Having it draped over delivered instant pressure relief across my body, which in turn helped me calm down and fall asleep faster. In fact, there are various studies indicating that weighted blankets have a positive impact on stress and nighttime anxiety. How does this work? The micro glass beads making up the 'weight' gives the sensation of a hug, which soothes your nervous system, telling it that it's time to rest. 2. I stopped tossing and turning As a combination sleeper, I tend to alternate between side and back sleeping during the night. However, this also means that I sometimes just wake up while shifting positions. The weighted blanket reduced this considerably. While it's normal to wake up at night as we cycle through different sleep stages, a weighted blanket can definitely promote more restful sleep without constant tossing and turning, which can be distracting and uncomfortable. However, if you're someone who regularly struggles with restless legs syndrome, it's handy to read our article on how to stop it for a good night's sleep packed with expert advice. 3. I felt cozy without excessive layering I'm someone who tends to run cold very easily, but it's not time to turn on the heating or switch to heavier bedding just yet. What's the solution, then, to still stay cozy and comfortable in bed? The short answer is layering. But how much is too much? Instead of throwing on everything that can keep you cozy in bed, start small. I've started adding in my weighted blanket under my duvet on nights I feel chilly and it sets just the right temperature for me to fall asleep. On the other hand, I prefer to have the weighted blanket alone for my irreplaceable Sunday afternoon naps, as it's not very cold that time of the day. Even with Baloo's natural cotton cover, it takes a bit of trial and error for you get it right. This is where I should highlight the one disadvantage of weighted blankets, more on this below. Hot sleeper? Consider a cooling option While we've established that a weighted blanket is a significant upgrade from a regular comforter or blanket, it can cause overheating in some sleepers. On days I experimented with having the heater on, I did wake up due to stuffiness and then pried the blanket off my body during the night. This is why I think it's crucial for those who naturally sleep hot or struggle with night sweats to go for a specialist cooling option. Thanks to modern bedding technology, you can now not only find cooling weighted blankets, but even those with a knitted-loop design like the Bearaby Weighted Blanket, which can be more breathable and comfortable for hot sleepers.
