A weighted blanket can help you bid goodnight to restless sleep and wake up feeling fresh and re-energised. Here, Daniel Tannenbaum from Calming Blankets shares the secret to a getting good night’s sleep…

Reduce anxiety and stress

‘Laying down with a weighted blanket feels much like being enveloped in a big, warm hug,’ says Daniel.

‘Using deep touch pressure therapy (DPT) a weighted blanket gently applies pressure to the body that stimulates a release of serotonin – the brain’s “happy chemical” – generating a sense of calm and restfulness.’

This can help your brain to process information about your body’s environment a little quicker – easing tension and helping you to reach the REM stage of sleep faster.

The concept originated in the 1980s when weighted blankets were used in hospitals to help calm nervous or restless patients.

The blankets come in a range of colours, are machine-washable and available for both adults and children (photo: Calming Blankets)

Ease sleep disorders

Poor sleep can affect your productivity, harm your wellbeing, and could put you at increased risk of suffering from various mental and neurological disorders.

‘Almost 51% of all adults across the globe are not getting enough sleep. These days, the global average an adult sleeps per night is closer to six hours instead of the recommended eight,’ says Daniel.

‘Weighted blankets have been proven to help people with insomnia, children with autism and those that struggle with disrupted sleep.’

‘The DPT technology can help lower the body’s cortisol levels, making it easy to relax and reducing tossing and turning throughout the night.’

Keep cosy and warm

‘The soft, mink overlayer of the blanket makes it the ideal companion for you to snuggle up under on the sofa or in bed. It’s important that you feel comfortable and secure if you want to get a good night’s sleep,’ says Daniel.

You can adjust the weight of your blanket to suit you: ‘We suggest choosing a blanket that’s 10-15% of your body weight. You can choose from a weight of 4.5kg, 6.8kg and 9kg.’

The blanket is machine-washable, making it easy to clean and look after.

Weighted blankets have been proven to help people with insomnia, children with autism and those that struggle with disrupted sleep’ (photo: Calming Blankets)

The perfect home accessory

‘A weighted blanket makes a great addition to any home. Even if you don’t suffer from a sleep disorder, the blanket can help improve your quality of sleep,’ says Daniel.

It comes in a range of colours. Find one that matches your living room décor and use it as a stylish accent for your sofa, or choose a shade that complements your bed linens to create an inviting bedspread that you can’t wait to climb into at the end of a long day.

Calming Blankets has recently started selling its range of weighted blankets and pillows in the UK, with blankets available for both children and adults.

Visit calmingblankets.co.uk to see the full range and order today using the code ‘holiday’ for a £40 discount and free delivery within two to four days