How Weighted Blankets Work - Koala Comforts explanation

“Sleep is the golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.” — Thomas Dekker

Benefits of Weighted Blankets

Many scientific studies have shown that using a weighted blanket can holistically improve the body and mind’s experience by promoting rest, relaxation and recovery.

 

Person comforted by knitted weighted blanket

Sleep

Reduces time taken to fall asleep and improves sleep quality

Calm

Reduces anxiety and increase sense of calm and promoting relaxation by quieting the persistent stresses of everyday life

Balance

Decreases stress hormone cortisol whilst boosting happy chemicals dopamine and serotonin

 

Happiness

Increase happiness and improved social interactions

 

Science behind how weighted blankets work

Originally designed for patients with various behavior disorders, weighted blankets have become a tool used by people all over the world to help reduce anxiety and sooth their minds.

Weighted blankets utilise a tactile sensory input method called Deep Touch Pressure (DTP). DTP is often felt in everyday life through actions like firm holding, firm stroking, cuddling.

 
The way DTP works is by causes the body to switch from running its sympathetic nervous system to its parasympathetic nervous system. Or, in other words, causes a shift from fight or fight to rest and digest.
 
The sympathetic nervous system (SNS) is the “alert” system in the body. This is the one in charge when you’re facing a stressful situation like driving through heavy traffic in a storm. When the SNS takes over, you feel anxious, irritable and can’t sleep properly.
 
On the other hand, when the parasympathetic nervous system takes over, your heart rate slows, muscles relax, and circulation improves. The body decreases your levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, while producing endorphins, dopamine and serotonin. These “happy” hormones help with motivation, impulse control, attention, memory, social behaviour, sleep, and digestion.

 

Sizing and Weight

All of our weighted blankets come in standard American bed sizes

 

To ensure the best results, you must use the correct weight. Your perfect blanket weight is determined by proportion to your body weight. This proportion should be between 6-10% of your weight


However, if you plan to share your blanket with someone else or are getting a larger blanket to spread across your bed, it is recommended that you select a heavier weight!

Blanket type My weight Blanket Weight  Blanket Dimensions
Twin 110-130 lbs 11 lbs 38" x 75"
Full 198-218 lbs 18 lbs 54" x 74"
Queen 220- 240 lbs 20 lbs 60" x 80"
King  242- 262 lbs 24 lbs 76" x 80"