Do Weighted Blankets Get Hot? A Complete Guide

Weighted blankets have become a popular sleep aid, offering benefits such as better sleep, reduced anxiety, and a calming effect on the body. However, one common concern among users is: “Do weighted blankets get hot?”

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need about weighted blankets and heat retention. From understanding the factors that influence their temperature to actionable tips for staying cool, this guide will help you make an informed decision about choosing and using a weighted blanket, regardless of climate or season.

How Do Weighted Blankets Work?

Weighted blankets are designed to create a calming, comforting effect by applying Deep Pressure Touch (DPT) therapy, which provides gentle, constant pressure to the body. This pressure mimics the sensation of a hug and triggers various physiological responses, including:

  1. Lowering Cortisol Levels: This stress hormone can disrupt sleep and increase anxiety. Weighted blankets help reduce cortisol, promoting relaxation.

  2. Increasing Serotonin Production: Serotonin is a “feel-good” hormone that stabilizes mood, promotes relaxation and helps regulate sleep cycles.

  3. Boosting Melatonin: This hormone works with serotonin to induce sleepiness and improve sleep quality.

The primary goal of weighted blankets is to help users feel more secure and relaxed, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, or autism. However, due to their weight and construction, some users experience concerns about overheating during use. To address this issue, examine the key factors affecting heat retention in weighted blankets.

Do Weighted Blankets Get Hot?

The short answer is—it depends. Not all weighted blankets get hot, but several factors, including the materials, weight, construction, and sleep environment, determine their ability to retain heat. Some weighted cooling blankets are designed with breathable fabrics and cooling technology to prevent overheating, while others can trap heat due to their dense layers or fillings.

Whether or not a weighted blanket gets hot depends on your preferences, body temperature, and local climate. Let’s break down the factors that influence heat retention in weighted blankets.

Key Factors That Determine Heat Retention in Weighted Blankets

1. Fabric Type: The Foundation of Temperature Control

The fabric of a weighted blanket plays a critical role in its ability to regulate temperature. Here’s a detailed look at the various fabric options:

  • Cotton: Cotton is a natural, breathable fabric that wicks away moisture and allows for proper airflow. A weighted blanket of 100% cotton is ideal for people who sweat at night or live in warm climates.

  • Bamboo Viscose: This eco-friendly material is known for its natural cooling properties. Bamboo viscose is lightweight, highly breathable, and can wick away moisture, making it one of the best blankets for hot sleepers.

  • Tencel (Lyocell): Tencel is a premium fabric known for its ultra-breathable, soft, and temperature-regulating properties. It stays cool to the touch and works well in both warm and humid conditions.

  • Minky/Plush: Minky is a soft, textured fabric with a cozy, warm feel. However, it retains heat and is better suited for colder weather rather than hot sleepers.

  • Fleece/Flannel: These thick, insulating fabrics trap heat effectively, making them ideal for cold climates but unsuitable for warm weather.

Pro Tip: Look to buy cooling weighted blankets with dual-sided covers, where one side is made of cooling fabric (e.g., bamboo or cotton) for summer and the other is made of plush material for winter.

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2. Filling Material: The Core of Heat Retention

The type of filler used in the weighted blanket is another key factor affecting temperature. Here are the most common materials used for weighted blankets and how they compare:

  • Glass Beads: Glass beads are small, dense, and smooth, allowing for better airflow and breathability. Intimacy Blankets filled with glass beads are less likely to trap heat and are the best option for hot sleepers.

  • Plastic Pellets: Plastic pellets are larger and bulkier than glass beads, which makes them more likely to retain heat. They work well for cold sleepers or people living in colder climates.

  • Steel Beads: Steel beads are dense and distributed evenly, similar to glass beads. They do not retain much heat and are a good option for people who want a cooler weighted blanket.

If you sleep hot or live in a humid climate, opt for a weighted blanket filled with glass beads or steel beads for optimal breathability and cooling.

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3. Weight of the Blanket

The weight of the blanket directly influences its warmth. Heavier blankets (15 pounds or more) tend to press down on the body more, restricting airflow and increasing heat retention.

Most experts recommend choosing a weighted blanket that weighs 8–12% of your body weight. For example, if you weigh 60 kg (about 132 pounds), a blanket in the range of 6–7 kg (13–15 pounds) is ideal. Lighter blankets are better for hot sleepers, as they reduce the likelihood of overheating.

4. Construction and Layers

Weighted blankets are typically constructed with multiple layers to ensure durability and even weight distribution. While these layers are essential for functionality, they can also affect heat retention.

  • Single-Layer Blankets: These provide less insulation and allow better airflow, making them a better choice for hot sleepers.

  • Multi-Layer Blankets: Blankets with padding or additional insulation layers tend to trap more heat, particularly if made with non-breathable fabrics.

Some brands offer cooling weighted blankets with design features like perforations or advanced moisture-wicking materials to promote airflow and prevent overheating.

5. Environmental Factors

Your sleep environment plays a significant role in determining how warm or cool a weighted blanket feels. Here are some points to consider:

  • Even the most breathable weighted blanket may feel warm if your room is hot or poorly ventilated.

  • Pairing your weighted blanket with heavy duvets, flannel sheets, or thermal bedding will trap heat and amplify warmth.

  • Wearing thick or non-breathable sleepwear can also increase body heat.

Use lightweight, breathable bedding to ensure the best results and keep your room well-ventilated with a fan or air conditioning.

Why Some Weighted Blankets Feel Hot

Even if you’ve chosen a cooling weighted blanket, a few additional factors might contribute to overheating:

  1. Body Heat: If you’re a naturally hot sleeper, your body temperature could make any blanket feel warm.

  2. Night Sweats: Conditions like menopause, stress, or medical issues can trigger night sweats, which may amplify the heat.

  3. Improper Blanket Size: Oversized blankets trap more heat and reduce airflow, especially if they cover the entire bed. Opt for a blanket that fits your body size.

Tips to Stay Cool with a Weighted Blanket

For individuals worried about potential overheating, here are some actionable tips to help you stay comfortable while using a weighted blanket:

1. Choose Cooling Fabrics

Prioritize materials like cotton, bamboo viscose, or Tencel for their breathability and moisture-wicking properties. These fabrics ensure that the blanket stays cool and comfortable throughout the night.

2. Use a Removable Cooling Cover

Many weighted blankets come with removable covers made of cooling fabrics. This allows you to switch between covers based on the season: a lightweight, breathable cover in summer and a warmer cover in winter.

3. Select the Right Weight

Avoid choosing a blanket that’s too heavy. Stick to the recommended 8–10% of your body weight, or opt for a lighter blanket if you’re prone to overheating.

4. Adjust Your Sleep Environment

Maintain a cool room temperature by using fans or air conditioning. Pair your blanket with lightweight cotton sheets and wear breathable sleepwear to keep your body cool.

5. Opt for Glass Beads or Steel Fillings

Skip blankets made with plastic pellets, as they trap more heat. Instead, choose blankets with glass or steel beads, allowing better airflow.

Benefits of Weighted Blankets Despite Heat Concerns

Weighted blankets provide numerous benefits that outweigh the concern of heat retention when chosen wisely:

  • Improved Sleep Quality: Deep Pressure Therapy promotes deeper, uninterrupted sleep.

  • Reduced Anxiety: The calming pressure helps ease stress and create a sense of security.

  • Therapeutic Benefits: Weighted blankets are effective tools for individuals with ADHD, autism, or PTSD, improving sensory integration and providing relaxation

Conclusion

  • Weighted blankets don’t inherently get hot; their temperature depends on fabric, filling, and construction.

  • Choose cooling fabrics like bamboo, cotton, or Tencel, and opt for glass beads for airflow and breathability.

  • Adjust your sleep environment to enhance airflow and maintain a comfortable room temperature.

By following these tips, you’ll enjoy the benefits of weighted blankets without the worry of overheating—no matter the climate. Sweet dreams!

FAQ

1. Are weighted blankets too hot for summer?
 Not necessarily. Weighted blankets made from cooling fabrics like cotton or bamboo are designed for summer use and help keep you cool.

2. Can hot sleepers use weighted blankets?
 Yes, hot sleepers can use weighted blankets by selecting breathable fabrics, lighter weights, and cooling fillings like glass beads or steel beads.

3. Do heavier blankets retain more heat?
 Yes, heavier blankets tend to trap more heat due to their density. Choosing a lighter weight can help prevent overheating.

4. Can I use a weighted blanket in humid climates?
 Absolutely! Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like bamboo or blankets with glass beads to manage humidity and stay cool.

5. Do all weighted blankets come with removable covers?
 Not all, but many high-quality weighted blankets feature removable and machine-washable covers for easy care and comfort.

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