Guides

The Best Weighted Blankets & Calming Blankets

DEC 22|3 min read

Need help unwinding after a long day?

If you’re having trouble sleeping, or just need a little more comfort at night, a calming blanket may be the solution for you. Weighted blankets are typically used by those who struggle with anxiety, depression, insomnia and frequent headaches, to soothe symptoms and get a good night's sleep.

A 2019 study tested the pulse rates and anxiety levels of patients in a mental health facility before and after using a weighted blanket for 20 minutes. The results showed that participants who used the blanket scored lower on the questionnaire and measured a lower pulse rate after the intervention than those who didn’t.

Looking for a remedy to help you drift off at night? Or just need an extra layer of comfort to get to sleep?

We’ve got the best weighted blanket in Australia.

What is a weighted blanket?

You may have heard the term being thrown around, but if you’re asking yourself ‘what really is a weighted blanket?’, we’ve got the knowledge you need! A weighted blanket - also called a calming, heavy or anxiety blanket - is filled with materials such as plastic pellets, glass beads, or sand to add weight. The added weight is said to provide a sense of security and comfort to the person using the blanket. Calming blankets are often used to aid those with anxiety, autism, and other conditions that can be helped by deep pressure touch. The Adairs Weighted Blanket features quilted blocks filled with glass beads that promote Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation (DTPS). DTPS is even pressure applied to your body that can help to produce ‘happiness’ chemicals, regulating mood and overall sense of calm. If you or someone you know could use a stress reliever, a heavy blanket makes for a thoughtful and useful gift.

What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?

Reduces anxiety.

Anxiety can often make people feel uncomfortable, nervous and irritable, and those who experience the condition may struggle to find natural ways to cope. When using an Adairs weighted blanket or throw, DTPS is promoted, allowing the user to experience warmth and a sense of comfort, which in turn promotes calmness that helps easy anxiety symptoms.

Calming blankets may be used by those experiencing an anxiety or panic attack, to help them feel grounded and secure. A study showed that after using weighted blankets for five minutes, 78% of participants found it calming, and anxiety was reduced in 63% of users. While struggling with an anxiety induced episode, heavy blankets may be a quick and helpful tool to remedy feelings of discomfort and distress.

Relieves muscle aches and pains.

Have you ever injured or sprained a muscle or nerve? In most cases, you would’ve applied a compression aid or bandage to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Weighted blankets work in a similar way, as the added weight acts like a compression aid for your whole body. When struggling with sore muscles, aches, and pains, heavy blankets can be used on the area for natural pain relief, as well as providing an overall sense of calm.

Induces sleep.

When our bodies and minds are calm and relaxed, it’s easier to fall asleep. Adding a weighted blanket to your bed setup is a popular choice for those who have trouble drifting off. You may be thinking that owning weighted blankets in Australia may get too hot in the summer months, so, we recommend opting for a weighted throw instead of a blanket to add weight without too much heat. In the cooler months, a calming blanket will add that much-needed extra heat to your bed – helping you stay warm and cozy.

Bedtime can often be difficult for our little ones too! The Adairs weighted blankets for kids are available in sizes from 2kg – 4kg. Let them relax and wind down with their own soothing weighted blankey.

How do calming blankets work?

While the idea of a weighted blanket sounds appealing, you may be wondering about the science behind it. When it comes to the technical side of things, it’s the weight that makes it work. Each of our calming blankets feature quilted blocks filled with glass beads to ensures even weight distribution while you sleep, promoting relaxation and an overall sense of calm. If you’re looking for a calming blanket in Australia, make sure to consider the size and weight of the blanket in relation to the size of your bed, and your weight to make the best choice.

How to choose the right blanket for me?

There are a few things to consider when choosing the right weighted blanket. Weighted blankets are typically 10-15% of the person’s body weight, and you’ll want to choose a weight that’s comfortable for you to sleep with. For example, for those who weigh 50 – 60 kilograms, we’d recommend the 5.5kg Adairs Weighted Blanket. Our weighted blankets range from 5.5kg - 11kg.

You’ll also want to choose a size that’s right for the bed you have. If you’re looking for a queen-size weighted blanket, the Adairs weight blanket measures 180cm x 210cm, making it just larger than a queen-sized bed – perfect for sitting comfortably atop your quilt. Our weighted blanket for kids is 120cm x 180cm, making it ideal for a king single to a double-sized mattress.

Keep in mind, calming blankets shouldn’t be used by those who are claustrophobic or have respiratory problems. They should also be used with caution in hot weather or by those prone to overheating.

Design

Made For You

Harrison Weighted Blanket

Our signature weighted blanket is soft and stylish in a dark-neutral colour to match any bedroom. This calming blanket is available in 5.5kg, 7gk, 9kg and 11kg options and is Oeko Tex 100 certified – making it safe from harmful substances so you can sleep easy.  

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WARNING: Ensure the user is able to remove the blanket off their body themselves. The above weighted blankets and throw weights are not suitable for use by young children, and adult care should be taken around children under 3 years of age.

If you’re looking for a weighted blanket or throw in Australia, we’ve got you covered. With so many proven benefits, calming blankets evoke a safe, warm and soothing feeling. So, if you or your little one is struggling to fall and stay asleep, invest in a heavy blanket! At Adairs, we have weighted blankets for kids and adults alike, so the whole family can be relaxed to naturally fall asleep.