Are Weighted Blankets Hot?

You likely landed on this article because you’re wondering if a weighted blanket is right for you. Simply, are weighted blankets hot to sleep under? If you’re a hot sleeper, you need to know whether a weighted blanket can help you stay calm and cool all night long. Luckily, this article will cover everything you need to know about weighted blankets, including how to choose the right one if you’re worried about sweating at night.

• Do Weighted Blankets Make You Hot?
• Best Weighted Blanket Materials For Hot Sleepers
• What to Look For in a Weighted Blanket
• How Do Weighted Blankets Work?
• The Layla Weighted Blanket
• The Bottom Line: Are Weighted Blankets Hot?

Do Weighted Blankets Make You Hot?

There are many benefits of weighted blankets, including relieving symptoms of stress and anxiety. Additionally, weighted blankets help sleep by promoting a sense of calmness while feeling like you’re being wrapped in a big hug. No one wants to wake up in the middle of the night sweating. If your bedroom is too warm, you might not be able to fall asleep at all. Unfortunately, many people get hot when they sleep, which means additional blankets can make matters worse. But do weighted blankets make you hot? The answer is complicated.

As we’ve mentioned, weighted blankets do not always make you hot; they’re simply heavier. A weighted blanket is not a heated or electric blanket, although they are often confused with one another. Weighted blankets have no heat settings and are similar to duvets, but they’re heavier.

What makes blankets of any kind warm is the fabric and filler inside of them. If you want a warmer blanket, you’ll likely choose one that’s thick with cotton or down filling. However, weighted blankets are filled with heavier materials, which we’ll discuss more in-depth later. Additionally, you can find weighted blankets that are meant to keep you warm. For example, flannel weighted blankets are deliberately made to keep you warm, while cotton and other types of weighted blankets are meant to be cooling. Are weighted blankets warm, then? They can be if you purchased a weighted blanket made from materials designed for warmth.

Best Weighted Blanket Materials For Hot Sleepers

As we’ve already discussed, weighted blankets can be made from a variety of materials, fabrics, and fillers. Weighted blankets help sleep best when they can keep your body at your ideal temperature for sleep, so you should always do your research and determine which materials are best for you. These are the types of fabrics and fillers to look for when choosing a weighted blanket for hot sleepers.

Fabrics

The fabric of a weighted blanket is what the exterior of the blanket is made out of. Some materials are better for hot sleepers than others, and not all weighted blankets are created equal. If you’re looking for the best fabrics for a weighted blanket, consider:

• Cotton: Cotton is one of the most common fabrics used for weighted blankets because it’s durable, and washing it is simple. Additionally, cotton is soft and breathable to help you keep your body cool at night.
• Bamboo: Bamboo weighted blankets are sustainable and cooling because they’re made from lightweight bamboo. Bamboo wicks moisture to keep sweat off of you at night while keeping you cool.
• Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is another sustainable and naturally cool fabric that has temperature-regulating properties. It’s one of the most breathable fabrics and can help you stay cool at night, even in the warmer months.
• Linen: Linen is similar to cotton, and it’s both durable and breathable. It’s also a great choice for the summer months because it wicks away moisture, similar to bamboo. However, linen is typically more expensive than cotton and may have a rougher feel.

Fillers

Fillers are what’s in a weighted blanket; they’re the part of the blanket that is responsible for giving it its weighted properties. Believe it or not, the fillers used in weighted blankets can also impact how hot it gets under the blanket, so it’s important to choose wisely. There are many different types of fillers depending on where you get your weighted blanket, including:

• Glass Beads: Glass beads are made out of glass, but they’re small enough to move around within the sections of the weighted blanket to fit around your body. Glass beads are the most cooling filler option because they provide the best airflow to help you stay comfortable.
• Plastic Beads: Plastic beads are similar to glass beads, but blankets made from plastic filler pellets are typically more affordable. Plastic beads are hypoallergenic and durable, but they’re the least sustainable option and can make your weighted blanket feel uncomfortable.
• Steel Beads: Steel beads are heavier than glass and plastic beads, but they’re typically larger, which means your blanket could become lumpy, bumpy, and uncomfortable if you move around in your sleep. They also make a louder sound than the alternatives when they’re moving around the blanket to conform to your body.
• Organic Materials: Organic fillers include grains, rice, and even beans. These materials are affordable, but they degrade quickly and can contribute to more heat. They can also become odorous, and it’s best not to get them wet because they can promote mildew and mold growth if not dried completely.

What to Look For in a Weighted Blanket

As we’ve mentioned, not all weighted blankets are created equal. If you’re looking for a weighted blanket that will stay cool at night, there are many factors you’ll need to consider.

• Fabric: Fabric is one of the most significant factors that can cause a weighted blanket to be hot. You should always look for comfortable and breathable material, like the ones we listed above. Natural materials will wick moisture away from your body to keep you from waking up in a puddle of sweat.
• Filling: The filling inside of the blanket, the part that is responsible for providing the blanket with its weight, can also play a role in the amount of heat the blanket keeps. Glass beads are typically the best filler because they offer optimal airflow.
• Breathability: Fabric and filling will both contribute to the overall breathability of a blanket. If you purchase a weighted blanket that has a non-breathable fabric, such as polyester, and a filling that’s heavy and hot, such as organic materials, there will be limited breathability. However, if you opt for a cotton weighted blanket with glass beads, you’ll have maximum breathability for a truly comfortable night of sleep.
• Weight: Weighted blankets come in a variety of weights, but how heavy should a weighted blanket be? Most people will get the best benefits from a weighted blanket that’s no more and no less than about 10% of their body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs, you should purchase a 15 lb weighted blanket.
• Price: While it’s important to shop within your budget, price doesn’t always dictate quality. For example, a weighted blanket that’s half the cost of a standard weighted blanket might use cheaper and less durable materials that run hot. However, there’s no need to break the bank on a weighted blanket, especially when you can get an affordable weighted blanket that’s just as luxurious and comfortable as an expensive one.
• Brand: Of course, some brands are known for using quality materials. While there’s no reason to purchase a weighted blanket just because you know the brand, you should always choose a weighted blanket from a brand you trust. Always make sure to read reviews and testimonials to see what current customers have to say.
• Washability: Before you purchase a blanket, it’s important to know how to wash a weighted blanket. Most weighted blankets can be washed in your regular washing machine, but some might have special care instructions. Depending on how much work you’d like to do keeping your blanket clean, you might want to choose one that you can throw in with your laundry.

How Do Weighted Blankets Work?

Weighted blankets use deep pressure therapy (DTP) to help calm the body and mind. The weight in the blanket provides pressure to the body, which has a calming effect. DTP can increase endorphins and release serotonin and dopamine to help you calm down before bed and fall asleep faster.

Learn more about weighted blankets by reading our weighted blanket buying guide.

The Layla Weighted Blanket

The Layla Weighted Blanket is ideal for hot sleepers. Made from cotton, a breathable and natural material, it can help improve sleep quality by relieving stress and anxiety through DTP. The Layla Weighted Blanket is machine washable, durable, and soft to help you get your best sleep every night.

The Bottom Line: Are Weighted Blankets Hot?

Weighted blankets can be hot, but many are not. Depending on the materials used, including the fabrics and fillers, your weighted blanket can be just as cooling or as warm as your comforter. It’s up to you to do the research necessary to find a weighted blanket that can help you sleep better, whether or not you’re a hot sleeper.