Ever since the pandemic hit, I’ve had a complicated sleeping pattern. For the first few months, sleeping wasn’t a problem—I’d doze off easily after a full day of working from home. I’d stay indoors the whole day and knockout at around 9 p.m. without a problem. I also found this article that explained why I felt so tired even after a full day of just being indoors during quarantine—I had less exposure to sunlight, my routine was disrupted, and my anxiety also shot up from reading the news and the entire situation. Basically, my brain was trying to keep up with the changes which resulted in me being exhausted and ready to pass out earlier in the evening than usual. Understandable. 

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Fast forward to around September, when I couldn’t, for the life of me, get a good night’s sleep regularly. I tried a lot of hacks to help me doze off: I bust out every single lavender-scented product I had (lotions, pillow sprays, etc.), tried exercising, got into meditation and yoga, read half of my “to-read” pile, and when it was really bad, I’d take a pill to help me snooze. These little hacks “worked”, but I realized my sleep quality wasn’t that great. I’d wake up in the wee hours of the morning and then doze off again until my 8:00 a.m. alarm goes off. I really disliked it. 

During my search for more ways to fall asleep faster and how to improve sleep quality, I stumbled upon weighted blankets. I read a lot of positive reviews from strangers on the internet saying how these heavy blankets have helped them improve their sleep quality, especially during the strange times we’re in today. I’ve heard about weighted blankets for years, and how it could also help ease your anxiety because it mimics the feeling of a warm hug. After more research, I was pleasantly surprised to see local online stores that offer fairly-priced (Read: Not cheap, but not ridiculously expensive as well.) weighted blankets. 

And as if the universe heard all my troubles about sleeping, local brand Blanket Hugs reached out and sent over a 15-pound weighted blanket for me to try. I was obviously ecstatic, because boy am I ready for restful sleeps to begin! 

What is a weighted blanket?

According to Healthline, weighted blankets are “therapeutic blankets” that weigh anywhere between five to 30 pounds. Some studies have found that weighted blankets can help reduce and treat anxiety, insomnia, and even chronic pain. Weighted blankets mimic deep pressure stimulation, which helps relax the nervous system. 

According to Blanket Hugs, their products “mimic the gentle pressure of being held,” which helps release serotonin—and we all know that is key to relaxing and calming down. You get the same cozy feeling when you get a warm hug. Once serotonin is released, the brain produces melatonin, the hormone responsible for our sleep cycle. 

It’s recommended to use a weighted blanket that weighs 10% of your body weight. As for the size, they recommend to base it on your body size instead of your bed.

Are weighted blankets worth it? Here's my review.

The weighted blanket from Blanket Hugs couldn’t have arrived at a better time. I started using it during a particularly stressful season at work. I was working longer hours, but despite that, still found it difficult to fall asleep. 

The blanket comes in two pieces: The actual weighted blanket and a duvet cover made of bamboo cotton that’s smooth and cool to the skin. You insert the blanket inside the duvet, tie the corners to keep it in place, zip it up, and it’s ready for use. 

I know what you’re thinking: Hindi ba mabigat ‘yung blanket? The short answer is yes, but that's okay. I was shocked when I picked up the package. (The regular adult size weighs 15 pounds!) But once I wrapped myself in it in bed the weight was so comforting and cozy. Like I was literally being hugged. It felt nice, and I never wanted to get out. I felt...safe.

I’m not going to lie, it took me a few days to get used to sleeping with a weighted blanket because I usually end up tossing and turning in the middle of night. That became a challenge because the blanket literally weighs you down, so you’re not as free to move around. Still, having it made me look forward to resting and sleeping. Like what I mentioned, I started using it during a very stressful time at work, so all I wanted to do at the end of a long day was to watch one K-drama episode and sleep. The blanket didn’t help me fall asleep faster, but what I did observe was that my sleep quality improved greatly—I no longer wake up in the middle of the night and I always wake up feeling refreshed. I now have more restful and deep sleeps, even when I’m stressed or anxious. (Which is, you know, every night, lol.) Also, who knew bamboo cotton could be so life-changing?! 

Overall, I’d say a weighted blanket is a great life investment. To be honest, I was doubtful about the product at first because of the price, but after getting to experience the effects, I’d say it’s pretty worth it. We dedicate so much of our time to working and getting through tough days, but we barely think about the quality of rest that we get, and that’s not a good thing. So if you can, do get yourself one and I hope it helps you as much as it has helped me. 

To get your own Blanket Hugs weighted blanket, visit their website here. Prices start at P5,999.

LET'S TALK ABOUT SLEEP:

• I Got Blackout Curtains—Now I Never Wake Up With A Bad Mood

• What Your Favorite Side Of The Bed To Sleep On Says About Your Personality

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