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Want to Know: Are Weighted Blankets Hotter?

By Oktay Ozadam

Are Weighted Blankets Hot?

One of the main questions people have about weighted blankets is: are weighted blankets hot?

What they mean by this, are they too hot for me to sleep under? Because naturally, all blankets, by their very nature, are hot.

So, we figured we'd talk a bit about this, look at some of the technologies that weighted blankets use to 'keep their cool', and at whether or not a weighted blanket can be a solution for hot sleepers.

In our review of the chiliBLANKET weighted cooling blanket, we talk a bit more about hydro-powered weighted blankets, so that might be something worth looking into if you're interested in a hot blanket that's not too hot.

So, Will A Weighted Blanket Make Me Too Hot?

No, it will not. Or at least, not necessarily.

To better answer this, it's essential to understand that a weighted blanket is much heavier than your average blanket. That in itself can make it seem hotter, but it's not. Most weighted blankets focus on deep pressure therapy.

That means they apply pressure on your body to help relieve stress and soothe away insomnia. That being said, this pressure does not automatically translate to heat. Many weighted blankets use fillers that are not overly warm.

A vital aspect of a weighted blanket is the fabric. This is one of the critical factors in ensuring your blanket won't be too stifling. You want to look for a weighted blanket with an exterior fabric that is soft and breathable, such as cotton. The fabric determines how well your skin will be able to "breathe" under the blanket.

Another factor to look for when choosing a weighted blanket is the amount of layers inside. Many of the cheaper weighted blankets out there boast several layers, which make them heavier, but also hotter. Just like with clothes, the more jackets you put on, the warmer you'll be, so you don't want an entire wardrobe dumped on top of you while you sleep.

One final aspect that determine whether or not your blanket will be too hot is the technology used. Some of these blankets use pellets to weigh them down. Others use layers, which, as we mentioned, can get somewhat stifling. While others use a hydro-system, that is, as far as we can tell, the most cooling option (the water keeps you warm, and yet cool).

You want to look for a weighted blanket that stays cool but also does the job, meaning it provides stress relief.

Caution: Weighted blankets may be too heavy for young children and may constitute a danger if used without the supervision of an adult. We would not recommend purchasing a weighted blanket for your child unless it's specifically designed for kids.

Will A Weighted Blanket Make Me Sweat?

This depends both on your body and on the blanket, but the right weighted blanket shouldn't make you sweat. Again, while these blankets are heavier, they're not necessarily warmer. And unless you live in a particularly hot or humid climate, where people are prone to excessive sweat, then this should not be a problem.

However, if you usually do tend to sweat a lot during the night, the blanket won't be able to counter that.

For people currently dealing with night sweats or hot flashes, it's recommended that you use a weighted cooling blanket, such as the chiliBLANKET mentioned above. Here, you'll want to focus on the cooling effect, rather than the warming one.

Tips for people suffering from hot flashes and night sweats:

  • Try wearing very light sleeping clothes, or even go to bed naked. The number of layers you have on you determines how sweaty/hot you'll be during the night;
  • Regular exercise can help you release stress and regulate your hormonal levels (night sweats are often a symptom of hormonal changes);
  • Drink a glass of water before bed. Make sure you stay hydrated;
  • Meditate, to clear your mind before you go to sleep;
  • Ultimately, yes, invest in a cooling mattress or weighted blanket (these work very similarly).

You see, the question you should be asking is, 'Are weighted blankets good?' rather than 'Are weighted blankets hot?'.

Because the answer will ultimately tell you whether or not you'll sweat a lot and/or feel stifled during the night. As with any regular blanket, the fabric and the quality of the product itself affect the quality of your sleep.

If you have a cheap, scratchy blanket, for example, it's no surprise you can't sleep properly. Well, it's the same with weighted blankets. You need to aim for good, breathable fabric and a high-quality product, from a reputable brand, because this will determine whether or not you sleep well at night.

Is A Weighted Blanket Too Hot for Summer?

What are the Benefits of the Weighted Cooling Blankets?

This is another common issue people have when purchasing a weighted blanket.

No, a weighted blanket is not too hot for summer nights.

That being said, once again, it depends on the product. Some weighted blankets come with changeable exterior padding and offer a lighter, cotton cover for the warm summer nights.

Alternatively, you can look into buying a weighted blanket for summer that has an explicitly cooling effect. There are several excellent options out there that provide that balance between hot and cold, which helps regulate sleep, especially for hot sleepers.

By providing this cooling effect, the blanket stops hot sleepers from tossing and turning, and likewise, can be a great asset if summer tends to be hot where you live. As summer can make you sweat more during your sleep, you want to make sure your blanket is made of light, breathable fabric and doesn't weigh you down too much.

Conclusions

Weighted blankets are not designed to be used only in one season or only by one group of people (e.g., cold sleepers, as opposed to hot sleepers). It's all a trick of doing the research and finding the right blanket that caters to your specific needs.