Sleep PicksWeighted blankets: who they help, and how to choose
A weighted blanket spreads gentle, even pressure over your body. Many people find it calming at bedtime, particularly when the mind won't settle. The research is early and promising, not settled, so treat it as a comfort item rather than a treatment.
How heavy? Most makers suggest roughly 10% of your body weight. Which fabric? Cotton or chunky knit; polyester traps heat. Size: it should cover your body, not the whole bed, or it slides off. Safety: not for babies or young children.
Our pick
A cotton weighted blanket
Baloo or Bearaby (US), or a cotton blanket from Amazon elsewhere
Why: The gentle, even pressure is calming for a lot of people when the mind won't settle. Baloo's all-cotton blanket (glass beads, stitched in pockets) is one of the most consistently recommended in 2026 reviews and comes with a lifetime warranty. Bearaby's knitted Napper is the other favourite.
How to use it: Most makers suggest roughly 10% of your body weight. Choose cotton or a knit; they sleep cooler than polyester.
The honest downside: They can run warm, they're heavy to wash, and the evidence is early rather than settled. Not for babies or young children.
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