Could Blanket Hug Weighted Blankets Be The Solution To Sleepless, Restless Nights?

They say our future depends on how much sleep we’re getting and that’s not entirely an exaggeration. Sleep, and getting enough of it, can work true magic in helping you work, think, and just live better. This may seem like such a no-brainer but for a lot of us, good quality sleep is extremely difficult to come by. As we are subjected to and weighed down by the daily stresses of our new normal and working from home, as well as managing pandemic anxiety and our mental health, we’re getting less and less sleep in a time where we need it more than ever.

Getting an adequate amount of rest and sleep is vital for your well being—mentally, emotionally, and physically—and is a non-negotiable, especially during a time like this. When sleep gets more elusive by the day, a few things come in handy—establishing a strict wind down schedule, using methods to relax such as aromatherapy and gentle yoga, and alternative aids for better sleep like a weighted blanket!

Weighted blankets have become incredibly popular lately with scientific evidence backing them up. It’s been proven that they offer a multitude of health benefits—helping with anxiety, insomnia, ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), and ASD (Autism spectrum disorder). These weighted blankets help calm nerves and get you good quality sleep by signaling the nervous system to lower heart rate and breathing and triggering the brain to release serotonin (a neurotransmitter which helps the mind calm down) and melatonin (the hormone that facilitates sleep cycles). Weighted blankets also help as sensory therapy by helping give a gentle pressure to help those who suffer from anxiety and restlessness feel safer and more protected.

Enter Blanket Hugs, a popular brand for hypoallergenic weighted blankets in the country. Since its establishment in October 2019, Blanket Hugs has been helping Filipinos achieve a faster and deeper sleep, one blanket at a time.

How does it work? Basically, a Blanket Hug mimics the gentle pressure of being held which is also known as Deep Touch Pressure. Because of this innovation, the Blanket Hug gives a warm, cozy feeling throughout the night by signaling your body to release serotonin and melatonin, allowing your body to switch from “fight or flight” mode to a “rest and digest state,” and reducing your autonomic arousal to control symptoms of anxiety like increased heart rate and rapid breathing. It does all this to relieve anxiety and stress without the use of drugs or supplements that act as sleeping aids.

Moreover, weighted blankets are perfect for those who are constantly restless, even at night. By literally weighing you down, a Blanket Hug can keep your body calm and snug in one position with a gentle force that literally feels like a hug, encouraging stillness while you sleep and helping reduce hyperactivity.

Blanket Hugs uses micro glass beads (instead of plastic pellets) and are hypoallergenic, odorless, non-toxic, and more quiet than other weighted blankets on the market. For those worried about temperature and possible heat caused by the weighted blanket, Blanket Hugs also uses bamboo cotton instead of regular cotton for both the weighted blanket and the washable duvet cover. Bamboo cotton is an antibacterial and anti-fungal fabric that is breathable and thermal regulating. Even better, bamboo cotton is the more sustainable option as it’s made without any chemical treatment whatsoever. Texture-wise, bamboo cotton is smoother compared to more common fabrics like wool or hemp. It’s also cooling and breathable due to the natural cooling properties of bamboo, making it an ideal material for beddings in tropical climates such as that of the Philippines!

To choose the weighted blanket for you, it really comes down to personal preferences. Generally, you’ll want to look for a blanket that is 10 percent of your body weight but really, it depends what works for you. Machine-washability, durability, and comfort are also important factors and Blanket Hugs blankets consider all of these. Available in four sizes—Adult (P5,999/15 pounds), King/Queen (P12,999/30 pounds), Kids (P4,499/7 pounds), and Full (P9,499/20 pounds)—there’s a Blanket Hug for suit everyone and every lifestyle.

Well, how is it and does it work? Our experience with the Blanket Hugs weighted blanket

As someone who is naturally more active at night (mentally, at least) I’m constantly looking for methods to relax and really get proper shut eye. I regularly reach for a bottle of melatonin, work with essential oils, and play relaxing music to get into the mindset of shutting down and turning off my normally restless mind. Now, I know people say melatonin supplements are non-habit forming but I feel as though I began to depend on them too much to get a good night’s rest, especially since quarantine began. Since then, I’ve discovered other techniques to wind down such as breathing exercises, restorative slow yoga, and yoga nidra meditations, but even then, sometimes my mind is still restless. So to hear and find out about Blanket Hug was welcome, for someone who was naturally looking for more sustainable, natural ways to get better sleep.

I tried the Blanket Hug Adult which weighs 15 pounds. Immediately, I felt the cozy effect as I lay in bed ready to get to sleep. I admit that the weight and gentle pressure took some getting used to however, once I fell asleep (within 30 minutes, no less—a feat even melatonin supplements cannot achieve with me) it was deep and restful. I woke up feeling well-rested and refreshed, ready to take on the day. It was the best sleep I’ve had since quarantine started and I don’t regret trying it out in the slightest. And now that I’ve tried it and experienced that kind of sleep, there’s no looking back now! 

Visit blankethugs.com to purchase your own weighted blanket, to achieve a faster and deeper sleep. Available in four sizes: Adult (15 pounds), King/Queen (30 pounds), Kids (7 pounds), and Full (20 pounds). Blanket hugs also come in three colors: Cloud White, Slumber Beige, and Lazy Grey. Follow @blankethugsph on Instagram for more information and updates.