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This post is written in partnership with Tranquility. This blanket was given to me as part of a sponsorship. All opinions are my own.
I've written about my love of weighted blankets a couple times (here and here). At the end of a long, hard day, it's so comforting to curl up under a weighted blanket. Like getting a good hug, the deep calming pressure helps to relieve anxiety and release stress. I often put mine over my lap while I'm reading, watching a show, or catching up with Ben. And at night, if I'm having trouble calming my mind, getting under my weighted blanket can help me relax and fall asleep. Of course, during the cold winter months, that's great: having an extra layer of warmth is welcome. But in the summer, no one wants to wake up hot and sweaty under a heavy weighted blanket. The good news is, Tranquility (the top-rated, affordable weighted blanket brand) has introduced a new Cool-to-the-Touch Weighted Blanket available both online and in-store at Walmart. I got to test it out for the last couple months, and today I'm answering some questions about it!
1. First off, what is a weighted blanket?
It's pretty much exactly what it sounds like: a weighted comforter (typically 10-20 lbs) that distributes pressure evenly across your body. This Deep Touch Pressure Therapy (DTP) mimics the feeling of being held or hugged, to decrease anxiety and improve sleep quality. The Tranquility weighted blanket is filled with a blend of weighted glass beads in a fiber matrix, held in by a box-quilt design that prevents it from shifting. It has a removable, machine washable cover to keep it fresh and clean.
2. How does a cooling weighted blanket work?
I was kind of skeptical whether a blanket this heavy would really stay cool on a hot summer night. But then Spokane had a week with over 100 degree weather, and I had a chance to test it out. I actually did stay comfortable all night! The underside of the blanket uses BlueCool™ fabric that is silky smooth and cool to the touch (kind of like the cool side of a pillow). It absorbs and distributes body heat, making it perfect for summer nights and hot sleepers.
3. Who should use a weighted blanket, and when?
Weighted blankets were developed as a sleep aid, and have been shown to help people fall asleep faster, stay deeply asleep, and wake up more rested. They are great for anyone who has trouble sleeping, including those with anxiety, autism, ADHD or PTSD. But they're really for everyone. I like to use my Tranquility weighted blanket anytime I'm looking to destress and relax (while reading a book, watching a movie, sipping my morning coffee, or taking a nap on the couch). Some people even use weighted blankets at the office or when traveling.
4. How much does a weighted blanket cost?
There are a number of different weighted blankets out there, in a wide range of prices. Tranquility is truly an amazing value. Their quality and features are typically found in blankets that are way more expensive. For example, the Cool-to-the-Touch Weighted Blanket starts at just $40, while comparable options run upwards of $250. If you've been considering getting a weighted blanket, I feel really good about recommending this one. Look for it at Walmart.
5. Which weighted blanket should I get?
If you sleep hot or live in a warm climate, I would definitely recommend the Cool-to-the-Touch weighted blanket. It's available in two neutral colors (tan and grey) and comes in two weights. The 15 lb blanket is suggested for adults who weigh more than 125 lbs and the 20 lb blanket is recommended for adults who weigh over 175 lbs. If you prefer a different weight, the blanket I originally got also comes in 12 lb and 18 lb weights. It doesn't have the cooling side, but it has all the other same benefits.
With all that being said, the only way to truly know if a weighted blanket would help you relax and get better sleep, is to try one for yourself! To help you with that, I am giving away three Tranquility Cool-to-the-Touch Weighted Blankets on my Instagram this week. Head over there to enter the giveaway, and for a bonus entry leave a comment on this blog post. Good luck!
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I love a good giveaway!! Especially when it has to do with anything that could help me relax and nap :)
Thanks for all the great information and for sharing your experience. Being able to use a weighted blanket throughout the summer sounds amazing!