How Heavy Should a Weighted Blanket Be? (And Why Choosing the Right Weight Matters)

Weighted blankets have become a popular tool for stress relief, better sleep, and calming the nervous system. They are widely used by children, teenagers, and adults, including people with anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum conditions, and sensory processing differences.

But one of the most common questions we hear at aspeegee is:“How heavy should my weighted blanket be?”

This question matters more than you think. Choosing the right weight is essential for comfort and safety. A blanket that is too light won’t provide the calming “deep pressure” effect, and one that is too heavy can cause discomfort and even be dangerous.

How to Choose the Right Weighted Blanket Weight

The general rule of thumb recommended by occupational therapists and sleep specialists is:

A weighted blanket should weigh about 10% of your body weight, plus or minus 1–2 kilograms.

For example:

• Child (20 kg) → 2–3 kg blanket

• Teen (50 kg) → 5–6 kg blanket

• Adult (70 kg) → 7–8 kg blanket

This guideline ensures the blanket is heavy enough to create the Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) effect—gentle, evenly distributed pressure that relaxes the nervous system—but not so heavy that it restricts movement or breathing.

At aspeegee, our blankets are carefully designed based on this ratio and tested for comfort and safety.

Why the Correct Weight Is So Important

1. Calming the Nervous System

Weighted blankets work by applying deep, even pressure across the body. This pressure stimulates the production of serotonin and melatonin (feel-good and sleep hormones) and reduces cortisol (the stress hormone).This is why so many users report feeling calmer, less anxious, and able to fall asleep faster.

2. Promoting Safe and Restful Sleep

If the blanket is too light, you may not feel enough of this calming pressure.If it’s too heavy, your body can feel trapped or overheated, which makes sleep restless instead of restorative.

What Happens If a Weighted Blanket Is Too Heavy?

This is a critical question, especially for children and teens.

Potential risks of using a blanket that is too heavy include:

1. Restricted Breathing: A blanket that’s too heavy can put too much pressure on the chest, making it harder to breathe comfortably.

2. Difficulty Moving: The user might find it hard to turn, adjust position, or remove the blanket by themselves, which can cause anxiety instead of reducing it.

3. Overheating: Too much weight can trap heat, which can lead to overheating and disrupted sleep.

4. Increased Stress Instead of Relief: A blanket that feels more like a “weight” than a “hug” can activate stress instead of calming it.

This is why choosing the right size and weight is not just about comfort—it’s about safety.

Special Considerations for Children

Weighted blankets for kids should always be chosen with extra care.

• Never use a weighted blanket on babies or toddlers under 3 years old.

• Always ensure that the child can remove the blanket by themselves.

• Follow the 10% rule strictly and consult with an occupational therapist if you are unsure.

At aspeegee, we design separate blanket sizes and weights specifically for children, teenagers, and adults.

Final Tips for Choosing the Best Weighted Blanket

1. Measure Body Weight: Start with 10% of the user’s body weight.

2. Adjust for Comfort: Add 1–2 kg if the user prefers a heavier hug, but don’t exceed this.

3. Choose Quality: Look for blankets with eco-certified materials, breathable fabrics, and secure stitching to ensure the glass beads or other weights stay evenly distributed.

4. Trial Period: Give your body time to adapt. It can take a few nights to get used to the new sensation.

   
   

Why Choose aspeegee Weighted Blankets?

At aspeegee, our mission is to help young people and adults find calm in a stressful world.

• We use eco-certified fabrics

• We follow strict safety and ergonomic guidelines

• Our blankets are tested by families, therapists, and neurodivergent individuals to ensure both comfort and safety

Built with heart. Powered by purpose.

Key Takeaways

• Ideal weight: About 10% of body weight

• Too heavy: Can cause restricted breathing, overheating, and anxiety

• Always choose quality and safety over “more weight”

  
  

Looking for the perfect weighted blanket? Check out our collection here and find the right size for your child, teenager, or yourself.

Sleep better. Feel calmer. Wake up more rested.