Most of us have heard about weighted blankets, and how they help improve the quality of your sleep. This is true.
Weighted blankets are effective in improving the quality of sleep and reducing anxiety. Nonetheless, their price tags might not be as alluring as their benefits. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of weighted blanket alternatives for better sleep.
Here they are:
A Blanket Pile
Weighted blankets are created based on the perception of creating pressure on your body. This same pressure can be attained by using several blankets. However, at times the concept of piling many blankets atop each other is not reasonable.
Therefore, some people opt for a duvet or comforter, with a detachable cover. You can remove the cover and add blankets to create the “weighted” impact. You can achieve this with about three blankets.
A Deep Pressure Massage
A deep pressure massage is also an excellent weighted blanket alternative. This is a gadget engineered to emulate a soothing sensation, with an intense pressure touch, like a weighted blanket.
It can offer a sense of relaxation and comfort, rendering them a great choice for those looking for a unique experience. They have different sizes and shapes, including body wraps, which are a good alternative for weighted blankets.
Even though deep massagers are a unique alternative, they need power, can be loud and aren’t travel-friendly.
A Wool Blanket
Generally, wool blankets are heavier than other fabrics like silk or cotton, which is why they are a great substitute for weighted blankets. Covering yourself with it gives added pressure, like a weighted blanket, though they can be itchy.
Nonetheless, if you first cover yourself with a sheet, then you won’t feel itchy. Prevalently, a wool blanket is very warm, since wool is not a breathable material. This also makes it a good choice for the cold weather.
Beanbags
You probably think this is the silliest alternative on this list. However, beanbags are affordable, and can serve you just as well as weighted blankets. You can even find those that weigh 20 pounds!
But to be honest it’s rather unfeasible to sleep covered with bean bags, precisely if you move around a lot as you sleep. However, if your duvet has a removable cover, you put the bean bags inside it.
Moreover, if you can sew and have a high level of patience, you can sew bean bags between two blankets.
Sleep Pod
Here, you have to tap into your creative side. The issue with some substitutes is that they aren’t pragmatic. Weighted blankets rely on pressure from their heavy weight to give you a calming effect, but the sleep pod on the other hand, is based on compression. This makes it feel like it’s hugging your back.
It applies the same concept as a weighted blanket to help you relax and reduce anxiety. It is shaped like a cocoon, and it’s explicitly designed to improve the quality of your sleep.
It doesn’t have the problem of trapping excess heat as you sleep; this simply means it’s extremely breathable. The stretchy material is lightweight and highly breathable.
The Move model is engineered for convenient mobility, giving you ample freedom as you sleep. This is especially advantageous if you move a lot in your bed.
Something else about the sleep pod is that it can be machine washed, and doesn’t call for special care. It is also a great choice for traveling, and will cover the same space your t-shirt will in the suitcase.
Who Should Consider an Alternative?
Even though these blankets are a benefit to many people, there are circumstances where it may not be the ideal investment. Considering alternatives is not a bad choice, especially if you cannot afford weighted blankets or you aren’t comfortable using them.
Some individuals should avoid sleeping with a weighted blanket due to their lack of physical capacity to hold the blanket. This could result in issues like overheating, entrapment or suffocation. This could be elderly people, or other individuals with physical problems.
Additionally, people suffering from some health conditions should consult their doctor before buying weighted blankets. Here they will advise you on the best weighted blanket, or alternative. For instance, if you have asthma, claustrophobia, low blood pressure, type II diabetes, circulatory or chronic respiratory issues.
The weight of this blanket could affect airflow; therefore, they aren’t a good option for people with sleep apnea.
