If you’re someone who struggles to fall asleep at night, there’s a good chance that you’ve been recommended a weighted blanket.
People who own them (myself included) often rave about the benefits, which range from better sleep to decreased feelings of stress at night. Below, we’re sharing everything you need to know, from the benefits to the blankets our editors actually recommend. Plus, tips on how to clean yours.
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What do weighted blankets do?
“Weighted blankets simulate deep touch pressure, which releases oxytocin to make us feel calm and safe,” says clinical psychologist Janet Kennedy.
Because of that pressure, weighted blankets may help some people sleep better, says Dr. Andrew Colsky, a licensed professional counselor and sleep medicine clinician. “The gentle, even pressure across the body can feel grounding and calming, almost like a steady hug. For people who struggle with anxiety, restlessness or that wired-but-tired feeling at night, that added weight can help quiet the nervous system and make it easier to settle down. Some individuals with ADHD or sensory processing differences also report that weighted blankets help them feel more contained and less fidgety at bedtime.”
The best weighted blankets to shop
“Considering most weighted blankets on the market are well over $100, this blanket is extremely well priced,” one former Shop TODAY intern shared about this popular weighted blanket. She added, “The blanket was not too heavy or light. The material inside the blanket used to weigh it was spread very evenly, so it did not bunch up and make the blanket heavier on one side over another. The blanket was not extremely soft, but it was definitely soft enough to use without a sheet underneath it.”
“From the velvety texture to the size, I was really pleased with this weighted blanket,” editor Vivien Moon shares about this Shop TODAY 2026 Sleep Awards winner. “Others are designed for function without considering the day-to-day, and this one factored in both. It’s more elevated and can function as a blanket because of the softness, without wanting to cover it up to keep it out of sight. I have other weighted blankets that just don’t fit in with the aesthetic of my home, and this one can fit in on the couch.”
One of our previous editors tested this budget-friendly weighted blanket as part of the Shop TODAY Sleep and Bedding Awards.
“I don’t know how I’ve gone this long in life without using a weighted blanket, as this one helped me wind down better than a good book or cup of tea,” she previously told us. “This budget-friendly blanket is super soft, durable and comes in a variety of colorways. Also, as someone who moves around a lot in their sleep, this trusted blanket helps me stay in one place.”
This weighted blanket is well-loved by multiple Shop TODAY editors, who praise the lightweight feel of the fabric, its weight distribution and the way it still manages to look stylish draped over a bed or couch.
I [Stessman] have been using this weighted blanket for years now and whenever I sleep somewhere that’s not my own bed, I find myself missing it. The weight isn’t overly heavy, but it provides a comfortable pressure that basically feels like a big hug and is ultra comforting as you sleep.
Editor Kamari Stewart-Jackson also named this blanket as her favorite. “I used to only sleep with it in the summertime because the material is good for then, but I now sleep with it all year long because this one really hits different,” Stewart-Jackson says.
More of the best weighted sleep accessories to shop
This cute orangutan was name the best weighted stuffed animal during our 2026 Shop TODAY Sleep Awards. Not only is he super adorable, but the weighted clay beads inside are made to be microwaved, the brand says so you can heat him up (or put him in the freezer) for targeted relief where you need it most.
"I never really liked traditional eye masks — I’d never tried one that completely blocked out light," says writer Danielle Murphy of this award winner. "However, since this one is weighted, it does a great job keeping any source of light out of sight. The weighted feature is really comfortable and helps me get into a more relaxed state."
What should you look for in a weighted blanket?
Colsky says you should focus on comfort first. “A common guideline is about 10% of your body weight, but it should feel calming, not restrictive. Look for evenly distributed glass beads or pellets so the weight doesn’t bunch up, and choose a breathable outer fabric like cotton or bamboo if you tend to sleep warm.”
He encourages choosing a weighted blanket that’s easy to clean, like one with a removable, washable cover.
Frequently asked questions
"It may not be a good idea to use a weighted blanket if the person using the blanket has physical, learning or other difficulties (including age-related factors) that might affect their understanding of the purpose and use of the weighted blanket and their ability to remove it on their own," says Dr. Maja Schaedel. "If someone has a health condition that might affect their ability to breathe, regulate their temperature and/or remove the blanket when they want to or maintain skin integrity, then they may not be suitable. Additionally, if they are likely to experience side effects of medication or any illness affecting levels of alertness, then it might mean a weighted blanket should not be used."
"Weighted blankets, especially larger ones (15–25 pounds or more), can exceed the machine’s weight capacity, putting strain on the drum and motor," says Balanzat. "This is particularly risky for top-loading washers with agitators, which can get unbalanced or damaged."
When it comes to dryers, "the weight combined with fillers like beads or pellets may take longer to dry, potentially overheating the dryer," she says.
First things first: check the care label! It’ll keep you from guessing the right care instructions and potentially damaging your blanket, according to cleaning expert Rechelle Balanzat.
Some are indeed machine washable. And in those cases, Balanzat says using a commercial washing machine (like one at a laundromat) is best. She also recommends using gentle settings and a mild detergent — no bleach or fabric softeners to avoid damage to the blanket.
If your weighted blanket isn’t machine-washable, Balanzat suggests two different methods: spot cleaning and hand-washing.
- Spot cleaning: “For small stains, use a mild detergent and a damp cloth,” she says. “Dab the area gently to avoid over-saturating the filler.”
- Hand-washing: In this case, Balanzat recommends using your bathtub as a mock washing machine — kneading the blanket while washing. Then, rinse it out thoroughly and press excess water out — do not wring it out.
Again, check the care label to see if your weighted blanket can be dried in the dryer. And if it can, Balanzat recommends using “a low-heat setting if the care label allows, but avoid high heat to protect fillers like glass beads or poly pellets.”
When air drying a weighted blanket, find a surface large enough for it to be laid out, then let it sit for an appropriate amount of time. For even drying, Balanzat suggests flipping it every so often.
Owners of weighted blankets should also be mindful of their contents. Certain types of fill (rice, sand, beans and other organic filling) are more absorbent than other types of fill, like beads or pellets. Because of this, they can become moldy if not left to dry properly.
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there, interview expert sources and comb through customer reviews to make shopping easier for our readers.
All of the products included in this piece, were recommended by editors on our team. Many of the weighted blankets on this list were tested by editors as a part of our awards process. For our Shop TODAY Sleep Awards, we incorporated products into our sleep routines over the span of a month to see if they meet requirements when it comes to quality, special features, value and overall satisfaction.
Meet the experts
At Shop TODAY, our reporters interview a range of qualified sources and experts to capture a wide scope of perspectives. We also make sure that all expert guidance and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Rechelle Balanzat is the CEO and founder of Juliette, a laundry service based in New York City.
- Dr. Andrew Colsky, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor and the founder of the Center for Professional Counseling.
- Dr. Janet Kennedy is a clinical psychologist and the founder of NYC Sleep Doctor.
- Dr. Maja Schaedel is the co-founder and director of The Good Sleep Clinic.
