We spoke to Mela, the award-winning & best-selling blanket brand, to find out about the benefits of weighted blankets and how they actually work. 

Mela has been in the sleep and wellness industry for 4 years, so they know a thing or two when it comes to improving sleep.

Mela is offering OTO customers an exclusive 10% off with the code OTO10 

What is a weighted blanket?

A weighted blanket does what it says on the tin - a blanket that is weighted down using beads or tight weaving. They come in various different weights, as a general rule of thumb, a weighted blanket should be 8-12% of the user's body weight.

How does a weighted blanket work?

Deep Touch Pressure therapy. This is when firm, gentle pressure is applied to the body that relaxes the nervous system. The pressure from a weighted blanket can lower the heart rate and breathing rate which naturally prepares the body for sleep.

What benefits does a weighted blanket have?

A weighted blanket stimulates the brain to produce serotonin and dopamine, these improve mood and the body’s sense of calm. It also encourages production of melatonin, the sleep hormone, which tells your body it’s time to nod off. 

The gentle pressure helps to slow down the heart rate, reducing anxiety and giving the feeling of security, which is the same effect as swaddling an infant.

Deep touch pressure therapy, mentioned above, has been proven to have incredible benefits for all kinds of people, including those with autism, anxiety, depression, tourettes, restless leg syndrome, ADHD, PTSD, or insomnia.

The benefits of a weighted blanket go beyond helping people to fall asleep though; they reduce tossing and turning in the night which induces a deeper, higher quality sleep. A better night's sleep in turn significantly improves productivity and social interactions the next day.