Are Weighted Blankets worth the investment?
Weighted blankets are everywhere now
A scant five years ago the only options I could find to get a weighted blanket were a few etsy shops and complicated diy instructions. Now you can buy them at Target or even Instagram! And yes, weighted blankets are worth the investment.
Where did weighted blankets come from?
Weighted blankets combine a regular blanket with a therapy tool originally pioneered by autism researcher, Temple Grandin. Dr. Grandin grew up on a farm and noticed that cows became calmer when gently squeezed. She also knew that when she had been hugged and held with firm but gentle pressure as a child it had helped ease her anxiety. She created a hug machine to stimulate deep pressure and treat children with autism and other sensory processing disorders. The machines, however, were expensive and often only available in clinical settings. Parents began looking for more affordable options at home and the weighted blanket was born.
Do the blankets work?
The scientific research is not completely clear on whether the blankets work. Certainly not in every case. The Journal of Sleep Medicine and Disorders published a positive study in 2015. But other research studies have been inconclusive.
Anecdotal evidence, however, from thousands of everyday people strongly suggests that weighted blankets can help many folks. Not only are autistic children sleeping better than ever before, but people with anxiety, depression, insomnia, menopause and everything in between rave about their weighted blankets.
In my household we currently have one weighted blanket and are saving for another one soon. My middle son has the 15 pound version and it is perfect for him. He takes it with him on vacations but I occasionally snag it if he spends the night out and happens to leave it behind. He is definitely planning to take it with him to college next fall.
Are they worth the cost?
Weighted blankets are expensive. No question about that. The celebrity endorsed versions are well over $200. Even the versions at Target are over $50.
Like many other products in life, this is one where you will get the quality you pay for. If you want one to last that is soft and makes you feel surrounded with luxury, you will likely not be happy with the cheapest version out there.
Personally I recommend Weighted Comforts which is a company in Nashville that offers among other benefits a CoolMax version for those folks who sleep hot and a 30 day guarantee. Weighted Comforts also employees local refugees and works hard to be a socially responsible company.
Go ahead. You know you want one!
Disclosure: Some of the links herein are affiliate links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only link to products I am personally knowledgeable of and recommend.
