It is a common question, can you sleep on your side with a weighted blanket? Weighted blankets are often used to help people who have trouble falling asleep, but if you are trying to sleep on your side there may be some challenges. Weighted blankets are generally designed for back or stomach sleeping. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to use one while sleeping on your side! Here are some tips for how you can get the most out of using a weighted blanket if this is something you want to try.
Can you sleep on your side with a weighted blanket?
It is possible to sleep on your side under a weighted blanket, but it will mean that less of your body is exposed to the weight and you may get less benefit from it or you may feel less comfortable.
Deep pressure therapy is said to promote deep sleep regardless of your sleeping position. However, given the size and weight of a weighted blanket, it may be uncomfortable to sleep on your side while being completely under a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets may give you enough comfort while sleeping on your back, but they may put too much pressure on your joints such as your hips and shoulder area when sleeping on your side.
What is a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets are made of heavy materials with weights inside them so they feel like you’re being held or hugged. They may be useful for anyone who has trouble falling asleep at bedtime due to racing thoughts or restlessness.
A Weighted Blanket is a blanket that weighs anywhere from 7-42 pounds sewn into a fabric. Weighted blankets are designed to be placed over the user during sleep to help them get a good night’s rest.
A weighted blanket is designed to feel heavy when you lie under it. Weighted blankets are often made of cotton, polyester or wool. Weighted blankets are normally used when someone wants to have a comforting feeling during their sleep. Weighted blankets are also helpful for people with autism, ADHD, neurological disorders, simple obesity and arthritis.
Weighted blankets reduce stress and stimulate serotonin production allowing for a better night’s sleep.
Weighted blankets also help with pain relief by providing deep pressure stimulation. Weighting should be distributed evenly across your body while sleeping, so you should make sure to take your time when laying out the blanket to ensure it is comfortable and evenly weighted.
Weighted blankets can also be used to relieve symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), autism, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more. Weighted blankets may not be for everyone but can provide relief to many people. Weighted blankets are not a medical treatment but can be used as an additional tool to help with symptoms associated with these conditions.
How does a weighted blanket work
A Weighted Blanket is designed to provide deep pressure therapy, which is used to help people who are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia.
Weighted blankets are believed to provide a calming effect by influencing the nervous system and triggering the release of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. Weighted Blankets can be used for children, teens, adults or seniors who have trouble sleeping at night due to:
- Anxiety
- Autism
- Insomnia
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
- PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Sensory Processing Disorder/Sensory Integration Issues
- Sleep apnea
Are weighted blankets bad for side sleepers?
If you are a side sleeper, it’s not normally suggested that you use a weighted blanket in this sleep position as you can’t move around enough in your sleep. Weighted blankets are designed with the idea that you stay on your back or stomach, whereas people who like to toss and turn throughout the night would benefit from the added pressure on their body. Weighted blankets also don’t work well if it’s chilly outside because you’ll want to be able to pull up the blanket if need be, but this won’t work easily with weight.
A weighted blanket won’t necessarily do any harm to you if you sleep under it on your side, but you might feel uncomfortable or you might not experience as many benefits.
If you do experience any neck pain or back pain after using a weighted blanket you should stop immediately and seek medical advice.
Is it OK to sleep with a weighted blanket every night?
As long as you have no underlying health issues which may be made worse by a weighted blanket, or which may prevent you being able to use one safely, it is absolutely OK to sleep with a weighted blanket every night. Many people swear by this technique to get better sleep and wouldn’t be without their weighted blankets.
Can weighted blankets be used by anyone?
Most manufacturers do notrecommend using a weighted blanket for young children. Although weighted blankets have been shown anecdotally by parents as being effective at helping some children fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer through lighter sleep patterns, and help regulate erratic sleep cycles, they should never be used for children under two years old due to the risk of suffocation.
Pregnant women should also avoid using a weighted blanket without medical advice.
Weighted blankets are not suitable for anyone who could potentially get tangled up in the blanket due to increased motor skills (for example, toddlers).
Weighted Blanket manufactureres also do not recommend using a weighted blanket if you have any kind of health condition that causes your muscles to feel weak or stiff when laying down because it may pose suffocation risk. The best way is consult with your doctor before trying out this product if you are unsure about whether it will work well for you.
Weighted Blanket use can improve sleep quality in most cases for those who suffer from anxiety, sensory processing disorder (SPD), ADHD, Restless Leg Syndrome/RLS, insomnia and other medical issues involving poor sleep.
Benefits of sleeping with a weighted blanket
Weighted blankets are usually associated with being beneficial for people who have disorders which affect sleep. Weighted blankets enhance the release of serotonin and dopamine, two chemicals related to sleep and feelings of calmness. Weighted nestling also helps regulate balance, muscle tone, circulation and energy levels.
Weight provides strong stimuli to help distract from pain sources or uncomfortable sensations that might otherwise interfere with sleep such as tossing and turning, or irritation from medical devices like catheters or colostomy bags.
Weight is evenly distributed across your body, acting as a passive trigger that gently reminds the brain to relax and slow down.
How should you sleep with a weighted blanket?
Most people find that a weighted blanket is most comfortable if you lie on your back and cover your entire body from neck down. The most benefit from a weighted blanket is given over the chest and legs. It’s up to you whether you choose to cover your feet with the blanket. Some people find they prefer not to have the weight over their feet.
What kind of weighted blanket is right for me?
As with most things related to sleep quality, this comes down to personal preference! Most people choose between having their entire body covered in weight (a full wrap), half their bodyweight on top of them (usually chest and legs) or just using it over specific areas where they feel pain most (typically the legs or shoulders).
The best type of weighted blanket for you, based on weight and size
As a general rule of thumb, you should pick a weighted blanket that is around 10 percent of your body weight. So, a 200lb person should generally find that a 20lb blanket is the optimal weight.
If you sleep on your side then go a little less than this in order to still feel comfortable under the blanket, as the weight will not be distributed as evenly as it would be if you slept on your back. The right weighted blanket for side sleepers is around the 7 percent of body weight mark.
Tips for sleeping on your side with a weighted blanket
If you are a side sleeper and want to try using a weighted blanket, it is best to start with one on the lighter side as the weight won’t be distributed as evenly over your whole body as it would be if you were sleeping on your back.
Alternatives to weighted blankets for side sleepers
Weight-neutral materials that simply conform snugly around you without weighing down on you or pulling against you are also an option! Some people also report similar benefits using compression clothing.
Conclusion: Can you sleep on your side with a weighted blanket?
Weighted blankets can be great for many people, includingthose who like to sleep on their side. Weighted blanket users get reports of sleeping more deeply and having less severe or no night sweats. Weighted blankets may work for some, while they may not work for others if the weight is too heavy and pulls them into a tight ball while they sleep. Start with lighter weights and eventually move up in weight if you find that it helps your symptoms. Weight-neutral materials that simply conform snugly around you without pulling on skin or organs are also an option!