How Long Does It Take To Get Used To A Weighted Blanket? Why Better Sleep Is Worth The Wait

Dreaming of sleeping under a weighted blanket but not sure how long it will take to work? Whether you still need a few days to sleep on it or are already sleeping under it, we’re here to give you the rundown.

Dreaming of deep pressure stimulation, but not sure how long it takes to get used to a weighted blanket? Whether you still need a few days to sleep on it or are already sleeping under it, we’re here to give you the rundown on how to get used to a weighted blanket. The effectiveness and the time it takes for weighted blankets to work for your sleep routine, like anything else, has a lot to do with your body, mind and personal routines.

Do People Adapt To Weighted Blankets Differently?

Bearaby customers continue to praise that the weighted blanket’s addition to their sleeping routine is certainly worth the weight; but how long exactly until you notice a difference? Well, to be honest, we can’t give a blanket response since it has a lot to do with your personal sleeping habits as well as your experience using a weighted blanket.

While one may feel instantly more relaxed after snuggling up in their weighted blanket, consistent use over time will help to develop healthier sleep patterns, resulting in long-term health benefits. For those getting used to a weighted blanket, we recommend opting for a weight that is 10% of your body weight; you should ease your way under your heavy blanket by using only half of your new blanket for the first 3-5 days in order to avoid any discomfort. Covering just your legs, for instance, during the first few days can help your body adjust to sleeping under the weight, so that you can gradually develop a more healthy sleep schedule.

Once your body adjusts to the gentle pressure from using a weighted blanket, you’ll be able to enjoy deep sleep. You may find that your weighted blanket pairs well with a mug of herbal tea in the afternoon, or a supportive body pillow at night.  - we assure you that consistent use of a weighted blanket will round out your sleep routine, resulting in overall benefits from improved sleep quality.

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Does Your Mind Adapt Like Your Body Does?

The short answer? Yes. Incorporating weighted bedding into your sleep routine results in both physical and mental benefits. Sleeping under a light amount of pressure (the good kind!) can immediately offer a sense of relaxation resulting in an increase and decrease in levels of certain hormones produced in the brain. One of these hormones produced is known as Oxytocin, a chemical directly associated with a feeling of happiness. When using the Napper, for example, one’s body adapts to the weight of the weighted blanket in the same way it would do when being cuddled, which is directly linked to the production of Oxytocin. As a result, a person feels at peace, contributing to their overall well-being.

Additionally, sleeping under a weighted blanket isn’t much different from applying pressure through added weight to the body which helps to slow down a person’s heart rate. Referred to by doctors as ‘Pressure Therapy,’ adding additional weight decreases the heartbeats per minute (BPM) leads to a sense of calmness, which some immediately notice upon first use. Backed by scientific research, sleeping under a weighted blanket can help relieve stress by reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) levels in the brain. This means that you’ll not only be guided into a more restful night of sleep, but your sleep quality and readiness for the day will be better as well.

In fact, Bearaby designed weighted blankets with technology based on scientific research around Deep Touch Pressure (DTP). Unlike other weighted blankets that use plastic pellets to add weight, Bearaby chose to think outside the box by hand-knitting over 280 yards of organic yarn to create chunky-soft weight naturally, which applies gentle pressure across the body. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing and super cozy, but its unique design evenly distributes weight across your body. We wanted to promote the calming benefits for a good night's rest for everyone who has trouble falling asleep, staying asleep or similar sleep problems. We believe everyone deserves better sleep through deep touch pressure.

Using a weighted blanket has a wide range of therapeutic benefits that will not only help with medical conditions such as chronic pain, but also help with various sleep conditions such as restless leg syndrome and sleep apnea, among others. The added weight of a weighted blanket is also helpful for people with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and people on the spectrum, for the gentle weight of a Napper can calm one's sensory stimuli and help you feel safe in your Cocoon.

So What Does This All Mean?

We know, we know…lots of science stuff, so we’ll sum it all up for you. Higher levels of oxytocin and lower levels of cortisol naturally result in higher serotonin, which is the chemical that affects sleep, mood and memory, or in other words… all the feels. Serotonin converts into melatonin which on a basic level, tells the body when it’s ready to hit the lights.

Unfortunately, a lot of adults suffer from low serotonin levels due to high-stress environments which makes it difficult to fall asleep naturally without relying on sleep aids and other pharmaceutical supplements. That being said, sleeping with weighted blankets can help increase oxytocin and decrease cortisol which results in stabilized serotonin levels that naturally develop into the melatonin needed for a peaceful night’s rest. Science lesson over.

Seriously though, whether it’s your first night using your new weighted blanket or you’ve used one for years, the benefits of our most popular weighted blanket, the Napper, are usually felt almost immediately. It may take your entire body a few days of getting used to sleeping under light pressure, but the long-term effects can prove to be absolutely life changing.