20 Best Weighted Blankets for the Deepest Sleep of Your Life
Just as parents (and plant moms) can't stop gushing over their precious little ones, anyone who's ever tried the best weighted blankets can't stop talking about how wonderfully life-changing they are. We've heard everything from: “I'm so comfortable and so relaxed” to “I'm having the most bizarre, deep dreams—and waking up feeling incredible.”
But it's hard to judge a weighted blanket's sleep-inducing powers without ever having cozied up under one. Can you be a hot sleeper and not sweat to death with a weighted blanket? Are these dense, gray contraptions going to ruin your bedroom's Scandi-cool vibes? Is a weighted blanket nothing but hype?
So. Many. Questions. So we went to the experts to answer them. Then we put the blankets to the test ourselves. For weeks Glamour staffers tossed and turned under weighted blankets to find the ones actually worth your money. Ahead, the 20 best weighted blankets to shop in 2022—and answers to questions flooding the internet about them.
What is a weighted blanket?
“Weighted blankets are essentially heavy blankets initially designed for therapeutic uses,” says Eddie Huai, CEO and cofounder of Luna Wellness. He explains that most weighted blankets get their weight through a fill of small glass beads or tiny plastic pellets that are distributed evenly across tiny squares. It basically means you'll never have a saggy corner—or limp edges hanging off the side of your bed.
Can weighted blankets help with anxiety?
The jury's out on whether a weighted blanket actually works, but the gist is that it can be a calming strategy for anxiety, stress, and sleepless nights. The blanket's evenly distributed weight is a form of “deep pressure stimulation,” which Michael Breus, a.k.a. The Sleep Doctor, says is the same gentle feeling you get when you're being hugged or massaged. (If you ask us, it's the next best thing to a big fluffy cat sinking into your lap.)
“As research shows, deep pressure stimulation decreases the activity of the body’s sympathetic nervous system,” Breus says. “That’s the system that promotes alertness and vigilance and responds to stressful stimuli. It’s the fight-or-flight division of the nervous system. At the same time, deep pressure stimulation increases activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is sometimes called the ‘rest and digest’ system. When it’s activated, it lowers heart rate and blood pressure and increases relaxation and feelings of calm.”
Do weighted blankets work?
The science is limited, but the most quoted study is one from 2015, which examined the effects of deep pressure stimulation from weighted blankets. “[The study] found a 33% reduction in stress, as measured by a test of physiological signs of arousal,” says Breus. “Among the participants, 63% reported feeling a decrease in anxiety, and 78% said they found using a weighted blanket a preferable way to increase their level of calm.”
Are weighted blankets hot?
They can be—but if you tend to wake up dripping in sweat, there are cooling ones. “People who sleep hot should choose a weighted blanket made with glass beads, which do not retain heat [as opposed to plastic beads],” says Adam Tishman, cofounder of Helix Sleep. He also recommends getting a blanket that has an outer cover made of breathable fabric (i.e., organic cotton or cooling bamboo), as they're lighter and have more breathability than polyester.
How do you choose a weighted blanket?
The blanket should feel snug or cozy, like a teddy coat. Tishman recommends selecting a weight that's around 8% to 12% of your body weight. So if you're less 125 pounds, you'd pick a weighted blanket that's 10 pounds. If you're between 150 pounds, you'd go for a heavier blanket, like a 15-pounder. “If you're in-between sizes, we recommend selecting the lower of the two weights,” Tishman says.
How do you wash a weighted blanket?
Try as you might, you're going to have to wash your weighted blanket at some point. So if you want it to stay as fresh as the day you first slipped under it, consult the care tag. Some have removable covers that you can easily toss into the machine, but how you go about washing it really depends on the weight and filling.
Weighted blankets with glass microbeads and plastic poly pellets can be washed on a gentle cycle with cold water, but anything with more than 20 pounds of heft is probably better off at the cleaners. Avoid using fabric softeners and bleach since that'll make your blanket itchy. When all is said and done, you can dry your beloved weighted blanket on low heat because the fill doesn't absorb a lot of water.
Where do you buy weighted blankets?
Online. Some of the best weighted blankets are sold on Amazon (hi, two-day free shipping), but you can also check out individual brand websites, like the ones below. These things can weigh up to 35 pounds, so unless you're trying to get in two workouts a day, just have it delivered to your doorstep.
Whether you want a weighted throw blanket for binge-watching Bridgerton season two on the couch or a weighted duvet that'll turn your bed into cozy headquarters, shop the 20 best weighted blankets Glamour staffers have ever tired.
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1/20Top-Rated Weighted Blanket: Bearaby Weighted Blanket
I admit I was skeptical about this whole “weighted blanket” phenomenon. But the truth is in my REM cycle: I slept deeper, harder, and more peaceful with this weighted blanket than I ever had. Something about the way this heavy material enveloped made me feel like I was being held by a boyfriend, which is exactly what I need right now, seeing as how I'm single as hell. But even when I do get a boyfriend, he won't cuddle me as hard as this weighted blanket will. I know that for a fact. —Christoper Rosa, contributor
2/20Doubles-as-a-Duvet Weighted Blanket: Gravity Blanket Queen/King Blanket
Restful sleep is important to me, but I never seem to get enough of it. Between travel, back-to-back meetings, and being on my feet all day, it's nice to have something to come home to. A weighted blanket can be so comforting, and I've been using this one for a while. I like it because it's big enough to double as a duvet if I've had a really long day. Plus, it looks great on my sofa. —Samantha Barry, editor in chief
3/20Top-Rated Weighted Blanket on Amazon: Gravity Blanket
This blanket has been life-changing for me. I've never been a great sleeper, and while the gravity blanket doesn't necessarily help me fall asleep, it does help me stay asleep throughout the night. The quality of my sleep has improved dramatically. The only drawback is that it doesn't go with my bedroom decor, but I throw a coverlet on top of it during the day to solve that issue. It's a small price to pay for an incredibly good night's sleep. —Sarah Yalowitz, contributor
4/20Weighted Blanket for Anxiety: Brooklyn Bedding Dual Therapy Weighted Blanket
In the last couple of years I've been a pretty anxious sleeper—tossing and turning; pounding heart—and regularly wake up throughout the night. I thought a weighted blanket could be worth a shot. After only one night with the Brooklyn Bedding 15-pound blanket, I noticed a difference in my night's sleep. Not only did it make me feel super secure and relaxed from its huglike pressure, but the hypoallergenic duvet cover has a cooling side that left me the perfect temperature the entire night (I was worried about overheating and waking up at 2 a.m.). I will definitely be incorporating this into my sleeping routine, but it's also great for just napping on the couch. —Kathleen Thomas, contributor
5/20Weighted Blanket for Couples: Yogasleep Weighted Blanket with Minky Duvet
The Yogasleep weighted blanket is the best thing to happen in my bedroom since my husband and I got a king-size bed. It makes 20-minute naps feel like an hour’s sleep and a full night’s sleep feels deeper and more restful. However, it should come with a warning notice; once you get under it, you won't want to get out of bed. It's the coziest blanket ever. —Frank Pulice, contributor
6/20Knitted Weighted Blanket: Bearaby Cotton Napper
Like a true Aquarius, I was drawn to Bearaby blankets because they're unique—the blankets are knit with a super-heavy “yarn” (unlike a quilted blanket that's filled with plastic or glass beads). This makes a major difference in a few ways: (1) The chunky knit blanket is cute, like, leave-on-your-couch-even-when-guests-are-over cute. (2) It's way cooler than other blankets I've tried because you're actually sleeping under a throw with holes (and yet it still manages to keep you extremely warm and fully enveloped). (3) I ruin everything I own, and the thought of puncturing a regular weighted blanket and unleashing a tsunami of glass beads around my apartment? Not into it. In sum, the Bearaby is the weighted blanket for accident-prone people who still like things to look nice. —Shanna Shipin, managing commerce editor
7/20Quilted Microbead Weighted Blanket: Casper Weighted Blanket
Relaxing on the couch is not “relaxing on the couch” unless I'm swaddled in some kind of plush throw. Since I don't have trouble falling asleep (TBH, I pass out 10 minutes into a 90-minute movie), this weighted blanket is the perfect substitute for my never-not-long-or-wide-enough couch throws. Like my trusted coffee mug, this is just the right kind of “heavy” to pass for a perma-hug. —Talia Abbas, commerce editor
8/20Most Affordable Knit Blanket: California Design Den Chunky Weighted Blanket
I have the eight-pound version of this airy, breathable weighted blanket, which provides just enough pressure to make me feel swaddled and secure. (If you prefer a heavier blanket, you'll be happy to know California Design Den also has 12- and 15-pound weight options.) As far as aesthetics are concerned, the hand-knit chunky design is so pretty, not to mention both color options of gray and midnight blue. It's also machine-washable, which is a big plus, and arrives in sturdy, protective canvas bag. I love it so much! —Kristi Kellogg, contributor
9/20Most Customizable: YnM Weighted Blanket
When I first began searching for a weighted blanket, this one from Amazon kept showing up. I now get why it's one of the most popular weighted blankets: There are 15 different sizes, 10 blanket weights, and over 40 colors and prints to choose from, so there's really something for every need—physical and aesthetic—here. Other notable blanket features include an even weight distribution of the glass beads sewn into little square pockets, a free duvet cover, and Oeko-Tex-certified organic cotton fabric. —Andrea Navarro, commerce writer
10/20Glass Bead Weighted Blanket: Layla Weighted Blanket
I loved this weighted blanket. I sleep next to my partner every night. He works long hours and sometimes travels for business as well, so the blanket is a good replacement to help me get to sleep when he's away. I do roll around a lot, and I'm a very light sleeper. The blanket didn't change that, but it's heavy enough that it drowns out my movement and leaves him uninterrupted. It's a big win in our apartment. —Ashlee Bobb, contributor
11/20Best Comforter: Brooklinen Weighted Comforter
I'm not a hot sleeper by any means, and I like to be bundled up throughout the night year-round. I was extra excited to hear that Brooklinen offers a weighted comforter so I can still layer my favorite sheets underneath. —A.N.
12/20Cooling Weighted Blanket: Baloo Weighted Blanket
I've struggled with anxiety all of my life, so sleeping through the night has always been a challenge, but this 20-pound blanket has significantly helped with my sleeping patterns. Because of the weight and material—it's made entirely out of breathable cotton and has pure glass micro beads as filling—you feel like you're getting a giant hug with a lot of extra warmth. I felt an overwhelming sense of comfort and safety, which I didn't even realize would help me sleep so much better. If you struggle with anxiety and/or sleeping, I highly recommend this blanket. —Clara Hendler, contributor
13/20Most Affordable Weighted Blanket: Luna Weighted Blanket
I've always been a weird sleeper. I toss and turn, tear my sheets apart, invert my pillowcases, and Sweat. Like. Crazy. For a while, I thought I needed to go to a sleep specialist. What I need was this weighted blanket. The second I draped this Luna blanket over my body, it's like the universe said, "Girl, calm down." And I was relaxed. Seriously, it was that drastic. I barely moved the entire night, and woke up extremely relaxed. Leaving my bed was hilariously difficult. —C.R.
14/20Softest Weighted Blanket: Helix Weighted Blanket
I wasn't sure whether the weighted-blanket craze was another woo-woo wellness trend that would come and go in no time, but when my boyfriend plopped it on top of me one night I felt particularly restless, I understood the hype. It has this grounding quality to it that seems to quiet the mind and relax the body, and this one is very soft. It's a serotonin boost if you don't have a big spoon around; plus, it won't snore in your ear or sweat on you. (I hope he's not reading this.) —Erin Parker, contributor
15/20Bamboo Weighted Blanket: Cariloha Weighted Blanket
I was sold on the Cariloha weighted bamboo blanket as soon as I read that it helps “reduce stress and anxiety,” two areas that I’m not too proud to say I overachieve in! I also loved that the blanket has a removable machine-washable cover made mostly from bamboo (the inner cover is 100% bamboo) that helps to deflect odors and allergens. Also, it kept me cool, which is great in warmer climates like Los Angeles, where I live. The only downside—for me at least—is that with dimensions 60" x 80", it’s a bit too big for me. I nearly pulled a muscle trying to get the outer cover over the inner cover. If you’re the kind of person that has trouble changing a duvet cover and likes to wash your blankets regularly, this may not be for you. It’s truly a two-person job. Still, with that said, it’s one of the best weighted blankets I’ve tried and is nearly perfect. I just wish it came in twin-bedding size. —Jessica Radloff, West Coast editor
16/20Prettiest Weighted Blanket: Bearaby Hugger
I'm not what I'd call a "good sleeper." I procrastinate going to bed; once I'm there, I toss and turn until I eventually just shut down. My husband, on the other hand, can fall asleep anywhere, anytime. So I was curious to see how we would react to the Bearaby queen size weighted blanket. It ended up not being a fit for my husband, so I took the entire blanket for myself and have been enjoying the best sleep of my life. The organic cotton is the perfect amount of soft and cozy without feeling too heavy, while the evenly weighted feeling helps draw out a natural, deep slumber. I'm obsessed. —Anna Moeslin, deputy editor
17/20Top Cotton Pick: Gravity Weighted and 300-Thread-Count Cotton Duvet Cover
Absolutely loved this weighted blanket! I’ve never had one before, but I was always curious about how well they actually work. I slept so well and woke up feeling rested! Pro tip: The 15-pound option is also the perfect size to curl up with during the day while working from bed and feeling stressed—I felt a sense of comfort almost instantly. I also love the feel and look of its neutral tones. I would definitely recommend trying out Gravity Blankets' duvet covers if you’ve ever been curious about trying a weighted blanket. —Cassie Basford, contributor
18/20Best Healing Option: Sunday Citizen Crystal Weighted Blanket
I don't care if it's woo-woo—I can't get over the fact that this high-quality blanket is filled with thousands of small crystals—clear quartz, rose quartz, and amethyst—for natural healing vibes. The 15-pound option is the perfect combo of heavy and soothing, and I don't feel overwhelmed when lying underneath it. —T.A.
19/20Best Reversible Blanket: Luxome Weighted Blanket
This reversible blanket (with a removable cover) is great for year-round use: The bamboo lyocell side is perfect for warmer nights, while the plush side is ideal for staying toasty in the winter. That said, I'm not above a late-night bed snack, which is why I appreciate how easy it is to wash the blanket's cover. All I have to do is pop it into the washing machine and I'm done—no spot-clean treatment required to get the little chocolate smudges out. Best part? The cover dries completely in the dryer too. —A.N.
20/20Best Organic Option: Saatva Organic Weighted Blanket
On the hunt for a smooth, velvety weighted blanket? Meet the Saatva weighted blanket, which felt extra luxurious with its fine stitching and even weight distribution of glass beads. Not only that, the material is organic and the blankets are made in fair-trade-certified facilities—win-win—and it's available in 15 and 25 pounds. How heavy you want the blanket is, of course, a matter of personal preference, but my only critique is that I wish this blanket were available in different weights that skewed a little lower. (If you love a heavier weighted blanket, though, consider this your match.) —K.K.
