Anna Paul
If you suffer from anxiety or insomnia, investing in one of the best weighted blankets could help. Designed to essentially simulate the feeling of a hug by applying light pressure to the body, they can help create a feeling of calm.
"A weighted blanket can mimic the feeling of being cocooned, which can help you feel safe and alleviate feelings of restlessness - and both are conducive to deeper, more restorative sleep," explains Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, a neurophysiologist and sleep expert at Oak Tree Mobility.
The best weighted blankets, as tested by us
RRP: £104 | Weight: 7kg | Materials: cotton, microfibre, polyester, glass beads filling
Emma makes some of the best pillows and the best mattresses, so it’s no surprise that the brand’s weighted blanket is one of our favourites, too. While it's only available in one weight, 7kg, I found this to be a perfect middle ground. However, it's worth noting that the brand recommends this blanket to adults who weigh between 55 and 80 kg.
The cotton layer of fabric that surrounds the extra-fine glass beads is really breathable, so much so that I think you could certainly still use the blanket in hotter weather, as it’s not likely to make you overheat. The small beads, along with the blanket's double-layer, also ensure that the weight is distributed evenly.
The blanket is machine washable up to 30 degrees, which is also really convenient. You can also add on the Emma Bamboo Cover (£40), which can be washed on its own at up to 40 degrees, which might be a little easier. Another pro of this option is that, like all of Emma’s products, it comes with a ten-year guarantee, so you can sleep soundly with that in mind. You can also save a bit of cash on this one by using the latest Emma voucher codes.
RRP: £99 | Weight: 4.7kg | Materials: Microfibre fabric and polyester, micro glass sand beads filling
If you're sensitive to temperature and want to stay cool while using a weighted blanket, this Kudd.ly option was created specifically for warmer weather and hot sleepers. Naturally, it's also one of the lightest options I tested, at 4.7kg - so if you want a blanket specifically for anxiety and you’re not worried about getting too hot, you might want to opt for a slightly heavier and thicker blanket.
Due to the nature of this blanket, I did feel a lot cooler while using it than I did when testing other options that came with a cosier layer. So I'd say this option is truly best if you're a hot sleeper who is always seeking the best cooling mattresses, as this is a great, breathable accompaniment. This is also an excellent option for those suffering from hot flushes, one of the most common menopause symptoms.
One big con, sadly, is that Kudd.ly announced its closure in February 2025. You can still find stock on Amazon and some third-party retailers, but when they're gone, they're gone. So if you do want to try this weighted blanket, act fast.
If the product is out of stock, we'd recommend the Oodie blanket as a strong alternative.
RRP: £55 | Weight: 9kg | Materials: 100% polyester, glass beads filling
Weighted blankets should weigh about 10% of your body weight, so if you weigh around 90kg, this blanket will be ideal. However, if you weigh less than this, this Silentnight option might feel a little intense. Despite its heaviness, however, the weight is evenly distributed to provide a comforting feel. Heavier blankets are generally the best for soothing anxiety, but if you want a lighter option, Silentnight also make a cooling weighted blanket, which weighs 6.8kg, as well as a kids' option, which is lighter again.
The Wellbeing Weighted Blanket isn’t as soft or cosy as the Emma blanket, for example, but if you're seeking a heavier option for deep relaxation, this is a good investment. Another bonus is also the low price - this blanket is a bargain when you consider its weight and quality. Silentnight make some of the best duvets, so it's no surprise they make brilliant weighted blankets too.
A final pro about this blanket is that it's hypoallergenic - ideal for those who struggle with allergies.
RRP: £109 | Weight: 4.5kg or 6.8kg | Materials: 100% polyester, glass bead filling
Oodie is known for its comforting onesies, but the brand also offers thick, cosy weighted blankets, so I was excited to try this option. Sitting at the same price as the Kudd.ly blanket, this is another great budget option that will see you through cold nights as well as relieve anxiety and other issues with sleep. While the 9kg option isn’t available at the moment, there are also 4.5kg and 6.8kg weights on offer. Though there isn’t the option of various sizes, I found that this slightly larger blanket was perfect for keeping on the sofa and using on nights when I wanted to relax and stay warm.
The thick material of this blanket is a soft, cosy fleece-like polyester, which is ideal for cold nights and ultimate relaxation. However, I do think that if you run particularly hot, find it difficult to sleep in the heat, or are a sweaty sleeper, this material might be a bit too much for you. I also can’t imagine using it in summer, despite how comforting it has been in colder temperatures. Despite this, I still think this is a great option for cosying up on the sofa and I also love the icy blue shade it comes in.
RRP: £99 | Weight: 6.8kg | Materials: 100% cotton cover, glass nano-beads filling
Another option that comes with a removable cover is the Simba Orbit blanket, but this time, the cover is included in the price. The cover sheet is quite difficult to put on the blanket due to the obvious issue of its weight, but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s a plus that the sheet can just be machine-washed whenever you need. This would be a great blanket to offer to guests if they stay over to help them sleep better in unfamiliar surroundings.
The Orbit is only available in a UK single size and only offers a 6.8kg weight at the moment, but this is a great one to get started with if you’ve never used a weighted blanket before. Despite being a thinner blanket, there are four layers inside it, with glass nano-beads applying even, gentle pressure and a soft, cushiony layer that sits between the beads and the outside layers of the blanket, providing the ultimate comfort.
As of November 2025, the brand no longer stocks this blanket; however, you can often snap it up from the refurbished section of the Simba site, and via third-party retailers like Amazon.
How we tested the best weighted blankets
There were a few things we kept in mind when we tested the best weighted blankets, including:
- Weight: As we've said, the weight your blanket should be is dependent on your own body weight. Despite this, I tried a few different weights to see if it made a difference to how relaxed I felt and how they operated as sleep aids.
- Anxiety and sleep: As this is the purpose of a weighted blanket, I paid close attention to how I felt during and after using the blankets, asking questions such as: did I sleep better under it? Did I feel noticeably more relaxed?
- Price: Weighted blankets are often at a similar price, but some of the more premium sleep brands, such as Emma and Simba, can charge a bit more for a blanket. I only added pricer options to this list that were genuinely worth the investment.
A selection of the best weighted blankets as tested by shopping writer Hannah Holway.
FAQ
How to choose a weighted blanket
- Ensure you choose the right weight: Sammy Margo, a certified physiotherapist and sleep expert at Dreams, says, “When using a weighted blanket, it’s crucial to make sure you’re choosing the right weight. Opt for a blanket that’s approximately 10% of your body weight." For example, if you weigh 65kg then your weighted blanket should be no heavier than 6.5kg.
- Pay attention to material: Weighted blankets can be warm, so keep that in mind if you're sensitive to heat. "You should also consider breathability," adds Dr Deborah Lee, a sleep expert at Dr Fox Online Pharmacy. "Many people don’t realise that weighted blankets can trap heat, which interferes with the body’s natural temperature drop needed for deep sleep. Sourcing duvets that have bamboo in them can offer great breathability."
- Choose a blanket with even weight distribution: "Source a duvet with even weight distribution," adds Dr Lee, who is also working alongside Comfybedss. - make sure stitching is high-quality so the weight doesn’t distribute unevenly."
- Price: While expensive doesn't always mean better, be wary of cheap blankets from unknown retailers. They'll generally use cheaper materials too and be poorly constructed, which won't aid sleep in the way that more reputable products will.
- Warranty: Some options, like the Emma blanket, come with an extended warranty, which is a big bonus. However, you often won't have this option from third-party sites, so in these cases it's worth buying directly from the brand.
How heavy is a weighted blanket?
There are lots of different weighted options out there when it comes to a weighted blanket, and often, there are several weights to choose from.
Generally, the lowest weight is 4kg, which is recommended if your body weight is around 40-50kg (or for a child or teenager - but children should never use a weighted blanket without adult supervision). The heaviest blanket we’ve seen is 9kg, which is recommended for someone with a body weight of around 90kg.
How to look after your weighted blanket
Fabio Perrotta, the director of buying at Dreams says knowing how to clean a weighted blanket is the first step to properly taking care of one. "Start by checking the care instructions provided by the manufacturer, as different blankets may have specific washing guidelines. For small stains, spot cleaning with a mild detergent and a soft cloth is often effective. If your blanket is suitable for it, you can hand wash it in a bathtub or large basin using a gentle detergent. Alternatively, many weighted blankets are machine washable - use a front-loading washing machine on a gentle cycle with cold water, however, make sure to check your washing machine load weight beforehand!"
When it comes to drying, he says, air dry the blanket to prevent damage to the weighted inserts." Lay it flat or drape it over a railing, avoiding hanging it from a single point, which could stress the seams. Keep in mind that weighted blankets don’t require frequent washing, and using a duvet cover can make cleaning easier.”
Tips for using a weighted blanket
- Start using a blanket gradually: “If you’re new to using a weighted blanket, start gradually, allowing your body to adjust by beginning with shorter durations and then increasing the time," says Margo.
- Keep your head, neck, and feet out of the blanket: For safety reasons, it's best to keep your head and neck clear of the blanket while sleeping. If your feet tend to get too warm in bed, then shuffle them out from under the blanket as well.
- Sleep on your back: When it comes to finding the optimal sleeping position for your weighted blanket, try sleeping on your back first. This will help to distribute the weight of the blanket across your body evenly.
How can weighted blankets aid with sleep and anxiety?
Weighted blankets are so valuable to those who struggle with anxiety or insomnia as they provide Deep Touch Pressure (DTP), Margo says, which simulates the sensation of being held or hugged. "This, in turn, can stimulate the production of serotonin and melatonin, promoting relaxation and better sleep. The gentle pressure from the blanket may also help reduce cortisol levels, contributing to a decrease in stress and anxiety. Many users report enhanced sleep quality and an overall sense of security and comfort when incorporating a weighted blanket into their routine."
She continues, "These blankets are often used in sensory integration therapy, making them beneficial for individuals with sensory processing disorders, autism, or ADHD."
If you struggle with knowing how to fall asleep fast or find yourself waking up in the middle of the night and being unable to get back to sleep, a weighted blanket could help.
Sleep scientist and coach Dr Kat Lederle agrees. She says, “Weighted blankets provide deep pressure or touch stimulation. Humans are touch-sensitive, so they convey safety and can calm us down. Because of the calming effect, it can help to reduce anxiety. Anxiety often gets in the way of good sleep, so using a weighted blanket of the right weight can help to lower activation of the sympathetic nervous system and instead activate the parasympathetic nervous system. When we are calmer, we find it easier to sleep.”
Dr Lederle also tells us: "Another factor that might help lower anxiety is that the blankets can give us a sense of being 'tucked in' and if this is something our parents used to do before saying good night, it can trigger happy, relaxing memories. However, there isn’t a lot of research or scientific evidence for this. They can safely be used by people who can remove the cover themselves, so not babies, children or frail adults."
Can anyone use a weighted blanket?
In short, no. Those with circulation issues, elderly people, pregnant women, very young children and anyone with conditions such as sleep apnoea should not use a weighted blanket.
Make sure you do your research before you buy a weighted blanket - and if you have a medical condition and feel unsure, definitely speak to your GP or another healthcare professional first.
Is it okay to use a weighted blanket every night?
Yes, generally, it's safe to use a weighted blanket every night, provided you use one that's the correct weight. However, all the experts we consulted advised using your blanket for shorter periods at first, so your body gets accustomed to it. Otherwise, it might not be particularly comfortable straight away.
