You might be asking yourself, “Do people really need advice on how to use a weighted blanket? I mean, don’t you just put it on your bed and sleep under it?”

Well, yes – and no. You should know some things to experience the optimal benefits of weighted blankets and get better sleep.

Weighted blankets are way more than just heavy blankets. They are specially designed to apply slight, comfortable pressure over your body when you wrap them around you or sleep under them. It may sound unpleasant to be covered by a heavy blanket, but imagine being wrapped in a comfy hug all night long. Sounds nice, right? (Unless you’re not a hugger…but for the sake of this article, pretend you are.)

“So you’re telling me an all-night hug is supposed to help me sleep better?”

Yup. Thanks to Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS). DPS and weighted blankets were initially used to help individuals with autism and ADHD feel calmer, fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Over the years, word spread about the benefits of weighted blankets. Now they are used by people worldwide to help calm anxiety, sleep better, and a whole host of other great things.

See, DPS helps raise serotonin, your happy hormone, lower cortisol, stress hormone, and increase melatonin, your sleepy hormone. This is the precise magical formula your body naturally uses to help you fall asleep and stay asleep. But if you have trouble sleeping due to anxiety, stress, a racing mind, pain, or any other reason, the DPS delivered by weighted blankets can help your body reach its natural state of calm and sleepiness.

1. Get the correct size: This is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing a weighted blanket. One size certainly does not fit all. Most importantly, choose a weighted blanket based on your body weight. The general rule of thumb is to use a weighted blanket between 8-12% of your body weight.

You also want to make sure the weighted blanket you choose correctly fits your bed. Unlike typical blankets, weighted blankets should not drape over the sides or bottom of your bed. That’s because the weight of the blanket would make it slip off the bed, and that won’t help anyone.

2. Use it with or without your current blanket: While you can find some pretty attractive-looking weighted blankets, you might have a favorite duvet, comforter, or blanket that matches your room. Have no fear. Using a weighted blanket doesn’t mean you have to get rid of your other blankets. You can use it under your blanket or on top of it - however you’d like!

4. Make use of it regularly: It’s best to sleep under a weighted blanket regularly. Getting high-quality sleep night after night has incredible health benefits.

5. Sleep any way you like: While it’s best to lie on your back or stomach to receive the optimal benefits of weighted blankets, since it covers more of your body that way if you are a side sleeper, you can still use weighted blankets. However, it’s recommended that you get a lighter weighted blanket since the weight won’t distribute evenly.

6. Note how it changes your sleep patterns: You might not notice earth-shattering changes right away, but there will be changes. If you’d like proof, other than feeling like you slept well or falling asleep faster, consider tracking your sleep using a watch and app. Or simply use good ‘ol pen and paper and record your sleeping patterns.

7. Ensure you buy a good one: This is another critical component of buying a weighted blanket. Not all weighted blankets are created equal. Do your homework. Don’t just buy any cheap old weighted blanket off the shelf of a discount store.

Weighted blankets are safe for almost anyone, including children, adults, and pregnant women. With that said, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor to find out if a weighted blanket is right for you.

Now that you know how to use a weighted blanket to receive its optimal benefits, why not give one a try? At Weighted Evolution, we are passionate about helping others lead healthier lives. In fact, we started this business with that very thing in mind. We believe sleep serves an important biological purpose to every living creature. That’s why we give you the chance to experience it the best, healthiest way possible.

Sure, getting better sleep, reducing anxiety, helping individuals with autism, and much much more, might not change the world, but it can change someone’s world - it could change your world. And if we can help you and others one at a time, we’re good with that.