When I was little, my mother always used to tuck me up really tight at bedtime. I liked the feeling of the weight of the blankets and that I could not move around. I am naturally a very restless sleeper but heavy blankets and being tucked in has always soothed me and made me feel calm and safe. It feel like a hug!
Weighted blankets have long been used within the Swedish healthcare system for dementia, autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders. Weighted blankets work in a way that’s similar to an OT technique called deep touch pressure therapy (DTP). Pressure on the body can increase the release of serotonin in the brain. This neurotransmitter is sometimes called the “happy” chemical because it creates a sense of calm and well-being.
I didn’t really believe that it would be a panacea for everything, but I knew I liked heavy covers when I sleep. So recently when we moved and replaced all our old bed-linen, I bought a Cura Pearl weighted blanket. The suggestion is that you choose one that is 10 – 15% of your weight, and err on the heavy side if you are anxious. I got a 9kg one, as I already knew I like heavy covers.
Cura Pearl comes in white, beige, light grey, dark grey, navy blue and black. What I did not realise when I bought mine was that they do not fit in a duvet cover, so I probably should have bought a dark colour rather than white.
I love it! I think I chose the right weight. I could not have gone any heavier, but I could probably have gone down to 7kg (they offer 3kg, 5kg, 7kg, 9kg, 11kg, and 13kg). It is heavy though, and a pain to move around on the bed. You could never take this baby on a trip!
I have washed it in our heavy duty washer and it washed like a dream, though you could definitely not wash it in a normal washing machine.
I definitely sleep more soundly, I don’t wake up in the night anymore, and I feel more energetic when I wake up. It could just be the placebo effect, but I recommend! It is not for everyone, and you need to get the right weight and use it properly, but I really like mine.
I’m just about to start using my new purchase!
I’ve always wanted to try one because I’m very anxious, but I wonder about the summer time and if the cover wouldn’t be too hot. What is your experience during hot weather season?
It is just getting warmer here so I have no experience with really hot weather. I can say though, that the blanket is nice and cool. It doesn’t make me hot at all. It is less warm than my regular cover.
Thank you! I always had the feeling that they would be very hot, which is why I didn’t get one. Instead, I have been piling on my bathrobes and that does get very hot… Food for thought! Thank you for sharing this!