How to Use a Weighted Blanket

A quick start guide for first-time users

1. Expect an adjustment period in the beginning

Research has shown that we need an average of 21 days to adjust to a new routine. While it generally takes half of that time – if not less – to adjust to your new sleep routine with a weighted blanket, it is a new sensory input for your body that you should allow some time for adjustment.

The great news is, there are steps that you could take to help yourself unlock the power of quality sleep with your weighted blanket from day one.

2. Get started by covering your lower body in the first week

To start, place your weighted blanket on your abdomen and cover your lower body with it from the waist down. Our abdomen and thighs are generally less sensitive than our upper body parts and more welcoming to new sensory input, given that an appropriate weight is applied. You can read more about how to choose the right weighted blanket size and weight for you here.

Also, feel free to stick your foot out if that feels natural to you.

use a weighted blanket guide for back sleepers and side sleepers

3. Think twice before covering your entire body straightaway

We generally recommend you take it slowly especially if you are a first-time user, although some of us have no problem covering our entire body with a new weighted blanket immediately.

Placing weight on your chest before your body has learnt about the new sensory input may make you feel uncomfortable, even a little claustrophobic, depending on the person. If that was you, try covering your lower body with your weighted blanket first and that should help you relax in bed and toss and turn less at night.

how to use a weighted blanket by covering your lower body

4. You may try covering your upper body from the second week onward

Once your lower body has gotten used to the weight after the first week, try covering the rest of your body up to your chest.

Remember that everyone is different – you may not need to cover your upper body with your weighted blanket at all to enjoy its full benefits and sleep better.

use a weighted blanket and try covering the rest of your body up to your chest

Can I use my weighted blanket with a comforter or a top sheet?

Yes, your Aricove’s weighted blanket is designed with maximum breathability and a cool touch to help you fall asleep quicker and stay asleep for longer all-year-round.

Be sure to place your weighted blanket on top of your top sheet, and under your comforter so that your weighted blanket can follow your body contours closely.

how to use a weighted blanket with a comforter or a top sheet

Don’t share a weighted blanket with your partner

A weighted blanket is a personal care item. When choosing and using a weighted blanket, you should consider only your own preferences and personal factors such as body weight, height, sleep position, joints sensitivity... as they affect how you will perceive the added weight individually. For example, a 20lb weighted blanket may be perfect for your partner but it may be too heavy for you.

Another problem with sharing a weighted blanket is that it is unlikely to cover you, nor your partner, fully like a cocoon which is an important factor for you to reap the full benefits of a weighted blanket.

Also, when you move, your partner will certainly feel it under the same weighted blanket because it is weighted on both of your skin.

Each of you will need your own weighted blanket that tailored to your needs individually.

do not share a weighted blanket and get your own one for your needs

Don’t feel like sleeping?

At the end of a long day, it can take time to unwind physically and mentally before you are ready for bed. Don’t stress or force yourself to sleep. Just stay under your weighted blanket, take a few deep breaths, and let yourself relax – it will gradually channel your energy down and help you slip into sleep mode.

A final note – using a weighted blanket for better sleep

A weighted blanket is a general wellness product created to promote sleep management and the overall sleep quality of the user. Our range of Aricove weighted blankets is optimized to offer the fullest experience and benefits you or your loved ones could get from using a weighted blanket.

If you are having a medical condition that directly hinders you from getting quality sleep and the symptom persists for a prolonged period, we recommend you seek professional advice.