Ah, winter in Canada—snowstorms, freezing temperatures and ice! The perfect excuse for staying bundled up and warm indoors, sub a blanket of snow with a weighted blanket. Not only will a weighted blanket help you sleep better, but it’ll take your winter comfort level up a notch. And if you’ve already graced your bed with a weighted blanket, they also make perfect gifts—especially with Christmas just around the corner.
We’ve got you covered—in more ways than one—with our selection of Hush blankets. With a variety of weights that are great for every season and sleeper, you’ll be ready to heap on the comfort without needing five layers of blanket to stay warm this winter season. But if you’ve never slept with a weighted blanket, you might be wondering what the big deal is.
What Makes Weighted Blankets So Special?
It might seem like an odd thing to put on your bed at first, but weighted blankets actually pack some pretty heavy results when it comes to comfort. Originally designed for patients suffering from ADHD, OCD, and Sensory Processing Disorder, studies have found that adding weight to your blankets provides additional comfort and relaxation—both physically and emotionally.
Weighted blankets have positive effects on insomnia, too, with findings showing that sleep time increases due to the weight, which also prevents excessive movement while asleep. Additionally, one study found that the use of weighted blankets helped reduce anxiety in 63 percent of patients.
The comforting envelopment of the blankets also showed decreased brain activity, resulting in lowered feelings of anxiety. The pressing weight from the blankets is often compared to the comfort and security of a hug—so it’s no wonder that many people choose weighted blankets as their go-to calming method.
What Exactly Are Weighted Blankets?
Weighted blankets are similar to duvets, only 3 to 5 times heavier. They can come in various sizes and weights, from lighter, child-sized blankets, all the way up to 35 pounds. The weight and size you choose will depend on a few things like how much you weigh, and how many people are sharing the blanket.
Hush blankets are made from cotton and polyester, allowing warmth and breathability. Inside, the blankets are stuffed with glass microbeads, evenly distributed in small pockets throughout the blanket. This allows for maximum breathability and equal weight distribution—great if you have a partner who steals the sheets!
In terms of sizing, Hush recommends sleeping with a blanket that’s roughly 10 percent of your body weight. For someone 100 to 170 pounds, a 15-pound weight would be a good fit, while someone over 170 pounds would get more comfort from a 20-pound blanket. 35 pounds is the heaviest blanket made by Hush, and they don’t recommend going over this weight, regardless of how many people are sleeping under it because a blanket that is too heavy can lead to decreased blood circulation, excess joint pressure, and feelings of restricted movement. There’s a fine line between feeling comfortable and feeling trapped, so be sure to pick a blanket weight that’s a good fit for you.
If you’ve got your comfort covered but you’re still having trouble sleeping this winter, you may have an undiagnosed sleep disorder. Book a complimentary sleep consultation, and we’ll help you start off your new year with some much-needed rest.
