Weighted blankets are typically filled with thousands of tiny glass beads that apply light pressure to the user. This pressure can have a soothing, calming effect on the body, says Nichola Henderson, a holistic life, self-development coach and wellness specialist. Adults only - Whilst some weighted blankets are suitable for children, the recommendations in this guide are based on adult use only. The cotton is super-soft next to the skin and breathable for ultimate comfort, which our tester found helped them sleep much better than without the blanket. And we particularly like that this weighted blanket works just as well draped over the bed as it does in the living room on a chair or sofa. The design is gorgeous and comes in a range of colours, including a berry red, green, grey and blue. We were also impressed by the ethical production process that ensures every worker at each stage is paid a fair wage. Newer versions sometimes swerve the beaded inners entirely, instead creating heaviness by layering up cotton into a weave. This makes it easier to wash, and they can look a little cuter when hung over your sofa arm or bed, too. Do weighted blankets work? According to sleep experts, using a weighted blanket can ease your nervous system, release oxytocin and boost serotonin levels (also known as the happy hormone), resulting in a calming effect on even the most anxious sleepers. This deep pressure therapy served up by snuggling under a weighted blanket emulates the stress-busting feeling of being enveloped in a comforting hug–that’s high-quality calming rest for the body and mind alike.

Some people prefer the lighter feel of a duvet, says Henderson, and she suggests using something you already have at home to evaluate if the sensation of sleeping under a weighted blanket is for you. “Using a few large bath towels on top of your duvet can give you a good alternative feeling of how the weighted blanket might feel before you invest in one.” As they release feel-good chemicals to your brain, most people that use them find that they help to relieve anxiety symptoms, and promote relaxation.

The best weighted blankets for 2023 are:

If you’re looking for a bit of a luxury feel and a standard of craftsmanship that will stand the test of time, the Kids Weighted Blanket from Gravity Blankets is handmade in Europe from 100% certified cotton and features a weighted filling of fine, evenly distributed glass beads. The blanket comes with a cover that’s designed to be either ‘summer’ or ‘year round’ so you can choose which you prefer, and the fact that this is removable makes it a more practical choice for laundering.

It’s up to you – some people like to replace their duvet with a weighted blanket, whereas others like layering them both, particularly during the colder months. If the sizes match up, you can also use a duvet cover on your weighted blanket, to keep it clean. It's only available in one size (single, 135cm x 200cm) but comes in two different weights 6.8kg/15lb or 9kg/20lb to suit different requirements. It’s really important that they’re used correctly – particularly for children – so make sure they don’t restrict movement, and the cover should never go past a child’s shoulders or cover their head or face. In particular, make sure your child is able to take if off themselves – for safety reasons. Henderson recommends that people with a medical condition or concerns about using a weighted blanket consult a medical professional before investing. And young children should be supervised when using a weighted blanket. How to wash a weighted blanketBut there are also more expensive ones like those from Simba and John Lewis. Where to buy weighted blankets? Something we especially liked about the Baloo weighted comforter is its 100 per cent cotton exterior and interior and that it’s made with only natural and chemical-free materials. The result is a breathable, super-soft blanket that helps you adapt to changing temperatures for a comfortable night’s sleep. Size: 150 × 200cm | Weight: 4kg, 7kg, 9kg or 11.5kg | Filling: glass beads and polyester | Removable cover: No Reasons to buy The humble weighted blanket has become a must-have for cosy comfort and relaxation, with a growing range of products flooding the market in the name of self-care.