Weighted Blankets: Do They Regulate Body Temperature?

Body temperatures drop as bedtime approaches, telling the brain it’s time to sleep. However, some people still struggle with sleeping hot. This is especially true for insomniacs, fever patients, menopausal and pregnant women, and those taking antidepressants. That explains weighted blankets’ popularity as a cooling mechanism. Even without underlying conditions, you still need a comfortable blanket during summer. But are Weighted Blankets hot?

Cooling Properties

Ordinarily, people want cool weighted blankets instead of hot ones. An organic weighted blanket may be heavier than other bedspreads, but this doesn’t mean it’s hotter. When it comes to temperature control, the blanket’s fabric matters more than the weight. Consider these materials for a cooling effect.

• Cotton

Since it’s readily available, cotton is a popular weighted blanket fabric. Though it’s costlier than regular alternatives, organic cotton is skin-friendly, reducing adverse reactions. Its breathability also exceeds synthetic materials, preventing body heat. Furthermore, cotton weighted blankets are cold to the touch and simple to clean.

• Bamboo

Unlike cotton that holds moisture, bamboo removes sweat from the skin to promote evaporation. Besides its cool threads, the blanket’s micro-gaps also offer ventilation, allowing heat to escape the body. Another selling point is the ease of care. Apart from being machine washable, the fabric softens after cleaning to increase its coolness. Bamboo’s antistatic properties also prevent shock and clinging.

• Eucalyptus

The fabric comes from the eucalyptus tree’s wood pulp. Thanks to its thermoregulation, the blanket warms you during winter and cools you during summer. It also wicks away moisture, so it doesn’t cling to your body when you sweat. Not forgetting breathability. In addition to eliminating body heat, the material is cold to the touch.

Fillers also determine whether weighted Blankets are hot. Take the case of glass beads. Their coolness to touch makes them a top choice for weighted blanket manufacturers. Because you need fewer beads, the blanket is less bulky. Their hypoallergenic quality also favors those with sensory disorders. Again, glass beads don’t hold heat like poly pellets.

Other Ways to Stay Cool

Apart from using an organic weighted blanket, you can stay cool by regulating your sleep environment. Per the NSF, the ideal bedroom temperature is 60°F-67°F. Though you can achieve this temperature with a central AC, your energy bills will skyrocket. An alternative is activating your thermostat before sleeping and switching it off in the morning. You could also block the sun during the day using blinds and open the windows as bedtime nears. Another option is dressing light or sleeping nude. This goes hand in hand with warm showers. By doing so, you enhance blood flow to the feet and hands and help the body release heat.  Again, exercise during the day rather than at night. That way, your body has time to cool.

Before Buying Weighted Blankets

Weighted blankets may regulate your temperature at night, but they’re not for everybody. Ordinarily, the blanket shouldn’t exceed 10% of your body weight. Additionally, avoid using them on children below two years because of the suffocation risk. The same applies to asthma, sleep apnea, and COPD patients. The blanket could also raise anxiety if you’re claustrophobic.