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7 Best Weighted Blankets To Help Ease Stress And Anxiety
These throws will help you relax after a busy day at work
To say the last few years have been somewhat testing would be an understatement. Given the chaos of Covid, it’s understandable that many of us are seeking out small ways to soothe the stresses of everyday life, ease anxiety and unwind.
Scientific research backing up their relaxation credentials remains fairly scarce, but studies have indicated that the calming, grounding effect of a weighted blanket can lower the levels of cortisol (also known as the stress hormone) in the body.
What is a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets are similar to regular blankets in feel but, as you might expect from the name, they weigh considerably more (usually between 4.5kg and 11.5kg). This extra weight tends to come from glass or plastic beads stitched inside their fabric, though some use tightly woven cotton for a more natural feel.
These heavy throws have long been used by occupational therapists as calming devices for adults and children with sensory or psychiatric disorders. But recently, they have grown in mainstream popularity as more of us try to lower our stress levels at home.
Kourtney Kardashian is believed to be a big fan of weighted blankets, revealing on Instagram in 2018 that she uses a BlanQuil.
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
The science behind how weighted blankets work is limited, but there is plenty of evidence to suggest that they can help improve wellbeing. Heather Darwall-Smith, a psychotherapist who specialises in sleep, recommends weighted blankets to patients with anxiety who struggle to fall asleep at night.
'Weighted blankets mimic proprioceptive deep pressure stimulation, which is the body’s physical awareness of self,' she says. 'The weight of the blanket creates pressure on the skin that is believed to stimulate the feeling of a hug.'
'This pressure activates the parasympathetic nervous system - the opposite of the sympathetic nervous system that triggers the stress response - to trigger your brain to release neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. These have a naturally calming effect in reducing anxiety, heart rate and cortisol, thus promoting sleep.'
How heavy should my weighted blanket be?
You should always be able to move freely underneath your weighted blanket. The weight comes down to personal preference, but as a general guide, aim for a blanket that weighs between 7% and 12% of your body weight. For easier maths, call it 10%. So, if you weigh 70kg, try an 7kg blanket. Many brands offer a trial period to help you figure out the best weight for you.
Who shouldn't use a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets are not recommended for pregnant women, children under three and anyone with a respiratory or circulatory disorder, such as asthma or diabetes. If in doubt, ask your GP.
How we test
Each weighted blanket was used by at least three members of our expert panel for three days and nights, both for getting cosy on the sofa and as a duvet-topper in bed. Our testers then shared their experiences, scoring the throws based on how comfortable they felt to lie under, whether they felt restrictive and (crucially) if they helped them feel more relaxed.
Only the products that were consistently awarded top scores made it on to our final roundup.
Comfortable, comforting and very, very cosy — this throw has everything a great weighted blanket should. Plus, it’s machine washable, so keeping it clean and smelling fresh is a cinch.
Our panel appreciated the soft, fleecy outer material, saying it felt like a big hug when they wrapped it around them. They were also fans of the blanket’s natural feel, barely noticing the super-fine glass beads sewn inside. Safe to say, we adored this one.
Key specifications
Sizes available (cm): 1 (122.5 x 198)
Weights available (kg): 5
Filling: Glass beads
Machine washable: Yes
John Lewis & Partners Specialist Synthetic Weighted Blanket
When one of our panel told us this weighted blanket helped them drift off quickly and sleep through the night, we knew we were on to a winner. And, when the rest of our testers said it instantly fell comfortably over their bodies and helped them unwind in record time, our suspicions were confirmed — this is a top product.
It comes in a range of four weights, so there’s an option for everyone, though the beads inside have a tendency to gather in the corners. However, our team said this didn’t affect its performance and couldn’t think of another bad word to say.
Key specifications
Sizes available (cm): 1 (150 x 200)
Weights available (kg): 4.5, 7, 9, 11.5
Filling: Glass beads
Machine washable: No
If you’re looking for a subtle weighted blanket that can slip seamlessly into your living room or bedroom aesthetic, we’d point you firmly in this Mela’s direction. Using tightly woven cotton (rather than the usual glass beads) to create weight, it looks just like a normal —albeit, attractive — knitted blanket.
But, available in 6kg or 7kg options, it still offers the deep pressure stimulation benefits that make weighted blankets so comforting. It earned particular praise from our panel when used on top of a duvet, providing warmth and weight while still looking great.
Key specifications
Sizes available (cm): 1 (120 x 180)
Weights available (kg): 6, 7
Filling: Cotton, non-beaded
Machine washable: Yes
Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket
The average weighted blanket is likely to take up the majority of your wash (if it’s machine washable at all). This throw from Simba, on the other hand, has a removable cover, so keeping it clean is far less labour-intensive.
Our panel said it kept them at a comfortable temperature, shielding them from Britain’s chilly winter temperatures without causing them to overheat, and they were big fans of the duvet-like feel when using it in bed. The lack of a fleecy outer was a miss when cosying up on the sofa, but that was our only moan.
Key specifications
Sizes available (cm): 1 (135 x 200)
Weights available (kg): 6.8, 9
Filling: Glass beads
Machine washable: Yes, cover only
Cloverlane Weighted Blanket
Seeking a cosy weighted blanket for couples? Look no further. Our team found this throw easily covered two people, so there’s no need for your feet to get chilly. They also praised the luxury feel – its crafted in Portugal using tightly woven cotton rather than enclosed glass beads.
This material was at its best when used on top of a duvet, adding substance and style to our bed set-up, though some of our panel said it wasn’t quite soft enough to be used as a sofa blanket.
Key specifications
Sizes available (cm): 1 (150 x 200)
Weights available (kg): 5
Filling: Cotton
Machine washable: Yes
The Sleeper’s soft, silky cover gives it a premium feel that was loved by all of our testers. It also comes with a free tote (because you can never have enough totes, right?).
The cover is machine washable, making upkeep a breeze, and it uses a unique 360-degree zipper system to connect to the blanket. This helps to keep the glass beads evenly spread for maximum comfort and relaxation.
Key specifications
Sizes available (cm): 1 (135 x 200)
Weights available (kg): 6, 8, 10
Filling: Glass beads
Machine washable: Yes, cover only
We don’t need our weighted blankets to be artistic masterpieces but, put it this way, we’re not putting an ugly throw on our bed. Luckily, our panel loved the Emma Hug’s simple yet effective quilted design.
The weight was spread evenly, meaning we quickly got comfortable, and the size of the blanket is ample for swaddling up in at the end of a long day. Our one piece of advice: the optional bamboo cover is well worth investing in for a softer, more comforting feel.
Key specifications
Sizes available (cm): 1 (150 x 200)
Weights available (kg): 7
Filling: Glass beads
Machine washable: Yes, cover only
Jess is our Acting Multiplatform Editor, directing our digital content strategy across all sections and platforms, as well as editing and writing about fashion, entertainment, wellbeing and travel.
Jess joined Red as Deputy Multiplatform Editor in 2023, having spent the previous six years freelancing for a wide range of leading publications, including Good Housekeeping, ELLE, Harper's Bazaar, Esquire, Stylist, The London Standard and The i Paper. Prior to this, she was Senior Culture Reporter at The Independent, covering TV, film and music. Jess has an Interactive Journalism MA from City University London and an English Literature BA from Durham University.
When she isn't busy scouring the new collections, sales and preloved marketplaces for beautiful pieces to add to her wardrobe, Jess can be found binge-watching the latest buzzy series, immersed in a good book, entertaining friends, enjoying live music or planning her next holiday (usually to her favourite Spanish hideaway).
Harry’s news reporting has been published in over 70 newspapers across the UK. Now, he specialises in home appliances, health and fitness, bringing you reliable reviews on the best homes, sports and nutrition products on the market to help you upgrade your home and training routine.
Outside the office, he has dedicated countless hours to learning about different physical training methods, experimenting with everything from CrossFit to powerlifting.
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