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There are all kinds of reasons why people have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, and seemingly as many ways to try to remedy sleeplessness. For anxiety- and stress-related insomnia, some might find meditation or aromatherapy helpful, but another option to consider is a weighted blanket. These blankets weigh anywhere from 5 to 35 pounds, and the pressure they provide can put your autonomic nervous system into rest mode, which in turn reduces some symptoms of anxiety, like a rapid heart rate or heavy breathing. Plus, they’re just plain comforting for those who like the feeling of being wrapped in a hug. But for the uninitiated, picking the best one for your sleeping style might seem a bit tricky. To help you out, we consulted lots of experts, read tons of reviews, and even tested a bunch ourselves to figure out which ones you should buy.
Best overall weighted blanket
Bearaby Cotton Weighted Blanket
Weight: 10, 15, 20, and 25 pounds | Material: Available in Tencel lyocell, organic cotton, and velvet jumbo yarn | Filling: Chunky knit | Maintenance: Machine washable
Longtime Strategist readers shouldn’t be surprised to find the Bearaby weighted blanket at the top of our list. (It’s also our top choice for the best overall cooling weighted blanket, a favorite of Strategist staffers, and is even celebrity-approved.) What makes it unique is that unlike other weighted blankets, the Bearaby doesn’t have a filling. Instead, it’s hand knit with thick, chunky layers that create the heft without added weight. And thanks to the open-knit construction, it’s inherently breathable, a boon to hot sleepers. It’s arguably the best-looking weighted blanket out there, too, resembling something cozy as opposed to therapeutic.
I tested a 15-pounder and found it to be extremely comforting and calming. I put it over my comforter during colder months and felt cozy and “pressed down” in a way that instantly put me to sleep. It’s admittedly harder to move around underneath it, because it’s so heavy, but that contributed to a deeper sleep. I will note that because of its construction, it’s a bit cumbersome to store and carry, and the loops require adjusting from time to time, so you’ll want to keep that in mind. Senior editor Jen Trolio, who has owned the velvet version for nearly three years and has given others as gifts, was first drawn to its look and is now “all in” on the Bearaby, though she notes that the “chunkiness can be an issue” for some, especially if you’re sharing a bed with someone. The Bearaby is available in 10-, 15-, 20-, and 25-pound weights and comes in three materials (organic cotton, Tencel, and velvet), though it should be noted that not all materials encompass the full range of sizes. Bearaby also offers the nicest and broadest color options, including lavender, driftwood, eggplant, and jade, depending on the style. As far as maintenance goes, it’s machine washable, but Trolio notes that it takes a while to dry.
YnM Weighted Blanket 15lbs
Weight: 5, 7, 12, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30 pounds | Material: Cotton | Filling: Glass beads | Cooling: Yes
Even though it may not be as pretty as Bearaby’s selection, this YnM blanket is a favorite of Strategist associate editor Jenna Milliner-Waddell, who calls it a dupe for the Instagram-famous Gravity Blanket. “Using the blanket, I couldn’t tell you how long it takes me to fall asleep, because I’m actually sleeping instead of having nightly staring contests with my ceiling,” she says. YnM labels the blanket as cooling because of its many layers of breathable fabric and glass beads. But Milliner-Waddell clarifies, saying, “lying under it doesn’t feel like an ice bath, but as someone who sleeps hot, I will say using the blanket doesn’t make me any hotter, even on warmer nights,” which in our opinion makes the blanket worthwhile. It comes in lots of fun colors, like sky blue and avocado, and patterns in the kids versions.
Best cotton weighted blanket
Baloo Weighted 15–20 Pound Blanket (Full/Queen)
Weight: 12, 15, 20, 25 pounds | Material: Cotton | Filling: Glass beads | Cooling: No
While not specifically labeled as a “cooling” weighted blanket, the cotton material actually plays a huge part in the breathability of this Baloo blanket. “We sleep more deeply in a cool environment. Heat loss and temperature regulation often occurs from our feet at night. This is why people may kick their feet out from under the covers at night,” explains Peters, adding, “A material like cotton that is more breathable, allowing for natural cooling, may be preferred.” Adelson tested the blanket out, reporting, “I felt cooler sleeping under the Baloo than most of the other blankets.” The blanket also boasts a thin profile, further contributing to its comfort, and the glass beads also help with airflow because they’re not as tightly packed. However, a glass bead filling typically shifts easily throughout the blanket at night, which throws off the weight distribution and essentially prevents the weighted blanket from actually doing its job. Baloo solved that problem by sewing the beads into individual quilted pockets.
Aside from four different weights, the Baloo also comes in three sizes: throw, blanket, and comforter. The throw, their best-selling size, works best for an individual or twin-size bed. If you’re looking for something to cover a full-, queen-, or king-size bed, try the blanket.
Best weight range for a weighted blanket
ZonLi Weighted Blanket
Weight: 5, 7, 12, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30 pounds | Material: Cotton | Filling: Glass beads | Cooling: Yes
Out of all the options on this list, ZonLi has the widest range of weights to choose from with seven different options. The YnM blanket comes fairly close, but its blankets on the highest and lowest end of the spectrum tend to always be out of stock; you’re much better off with this one if you’re in search of a five-pound or thirty-pound blanket at an inexpensive price. Joe Auer, the founder of sleep-product review site Mattress Clarity, thinks it’s among the cooler-sleeping weighted blankets because it’s made from 100 percent cotton, and the glass beads it’s filled with allow for some airflow. I actually own this weighted blanket, too, but because I run cold, I can’t speak to it being great for hot sleepers. However, I can tell you that I find it particularly durable. After four years of constant use, it doesn’t look worn, and the beads stay in place throughout the night thanks to the quilting stitches on the blanket. It’s noisier than other weighted blankets, but I’m a diagnosed insomniac, and I have yet to be woken up or bothered by the beads moving in the blanket, if that tells you anything.
Best bamboo weighted blanket
YnM Bamboo Weighted Blanket
Weight: 7, 12, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30 pounds | Material: Bamboo viscose | Filling: Glass beads | Cooling: Yes
We labeled the cotton YnM blanket as a cooling option, but for an extra boost of breathability, we suggest trying this version. It features all the same stuff we love about the other one — great weight distribution, filling that stays put, comfortable to sleep with in summer and winter — but instead of a cotton construction, it’s made from 100 percent bamboo viscose fabric, which typically is silkier and more breathable than cotton. The glass bead filling allows for more airflow to pass through, also keeping your temperature regulated. We love the sea grass color, but it comes in fun geometric and animal patterns, too, as well as your basic neutrals.