Blanket Temperature: Are Weighted Blankets Hot?

A restful, uninterrupted good night’s sleep is something that eludes many of us. For some, it’s insomnia or anxiety. For others, it’s sensory sensitivity or hot flashes during perimenopause that make comfortable sleep difficult to achieve. Among many solutions for sound sleep, weighted blankets have gained phenomenal popularity over the past few years.

But considering Singapore's climate, you might wonder, “Are weighted blankets hot”? Despite their many benefits, one might justifiably hesitate to add another layer to their bedding. The good news is that sleeping cool and experiencing the deep pressure stimulation of a weighted blanket are not mutually exclusive. 

Choosing a weighted blanket in Singapore residents trust, made with breathable fabrics and cooling fillings, ensures you stay comfortable throughout the night.

What Is a Weighted Blanket?

A weighted blanket, also known as a gravity blanket, is a heavy blanket weighing from two (2) to 13kgs. The weight and pressure of the blanket make you feel like you’re being hugged or held. This evokes feelings of safety, security, and calmness. 

Weighted blankets may have become a huge phenomenon only recently, but they have been around since 1997, when Keith Zivalich created the very first weighted blanket. The idea spawned after his daughter placed a ‘90s cult toy beanie baby on his shoulder, and he realised how cosy and comforting the toy felt. The calming sensation was so powerful that it drove him to come up with a beanie blanket. 

The first prototype had pocket-like squares, each filled with the same amount of polly pellets for an evenly distributed weight throughout the blanket. At first, weighted blankets were only used in the special needs community, especially among people with autism and sensory troubles. 

But in 2018, they gained mainstream popularity, and now they are touted as a scientifically-proven sleep solution that ensures restful sleep for anyone. But how can a weighted blanket help you, you may wonder? Allow us to explain.

Featuring Weavve’s Weighted Blanket

6 Benefits of Using a Weighted Blanket

Many pieces of research have been undertaken to study the effectiveness of weighted blankets, and they’ve all given the blankets a nod of approval. Here are some weighted blanket benefits.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Weighted blankets give you a feeling of being hugged and cuddled. This deep pressure stimulation is known to reduce stress and promote the release of serotonin and dopamine — neurochemicals responsible for the quality of your sleep. 

Promotes Calm 

A calm mind ensures restorative sleep. Remember that night before an exam or an important interview? You toss and turn, wake up several times during the night, and never get a proper shuteye. For some of us with an overactive nervous system, that’s the reality of every other night, only worse.

But weight blankets have been observed to promote calmness and put the nervous system into a ‘rest mode’. A small group study concluded that 78% of individuals reported a calming modality after using a weighted blanket. 

Fights Insomnia and Improves Sleep

Six (6) out of 10 Singaporeans reported experiencing insomnia during the pandemic. This affected not only their health but also their productivity during the day. This might be one of the reasons why more people are searching for a weighted blanket in Singapore as a way to improve their sleep quality.

For instance, one of the benefits of weighted blankets for insomnia sufferers is the reduction of stress, resulting in better sleep.

Featuring Weavve’s Weighted Blanket

Alleviates Chronic Pain

According to a 2021 study, weight blankets help reduce chronic pain. The deep pressure offered by a weighted blanket feels relaxing and pleasant on the muscles, alleviating the pain. While it’s not an alternative to medically prescribed medication, it’s definitely an accessible and safe home-based tool to help with chronic pain.

Helps With Autism and ADHD Symptoms

Weighted blankets were initially only used by individuals with autism and ADHD, and their effectiveness is well-established. Weighted blankets mimic the feeling of a hug. This deep touch therapy is calming and soothing for people with autism and helps them sleep better.

Offers Relief From Menopause Symptoms

Disrupted sleep, anxiety, and depression are something that women going through menopause commonly experience. Weighted blankets relieve all these symptoms and help you get a good night’s sleep.

Image By Jcomp From Freepik

Do Weighted Blankets Make You Hot?

Given all the above factors and the country’s tropical weather, it’s only natural to wonder, “Are weighted blankets hot to sleep under?” The answer is no. Weighted or gravity blankets in Singapore might be heavy, but they’re not necessarily hot. 

The fabric, filling, and weight of the blanket determine whether it will be hot or not. These are also the most important things you should consider when choosing a weighted blanket. Even if you’re a hot sleeper, you can enjoy all the benefits of a weighted blanket and improve sleep quality as long as it’s made of breathable fabric and filler that allows better airflow.

Featuring Weavve’s TENCEL™ Lyocell Duvet

A good duvet can also be substituted for a weighted blanket. These two types of blankets, duvet vs weighted blanket, are often compared with each other for their sleep benefits. Another countermeasure for a weighted blanket that might feel too stuffy for your liking is to insert it into a cooling duvet cover. A TENCEL™ duvet cover with its comfortable and cooling properties works the best. 

Nevertheless, there’s no reason to believe that a gravity weighted blanket is not for you. With a few tips up your sleeve, you can choose the right weighted blanket that suits your needs.
 

4 Factors to Consider While Choosing the Right Weighted Blanket

Hunting for the best weighted blanket in Singapore? Here are some factors you should consider before buying.

Weight

Blanket weight is the first thing you should consider. The market is brimming with gravity blankets weighing from 2 to 13 kg. But should you get a mid-range blanket or go all the way out with a 13kg blanket? A general rule is to go with a blanket that’s about 10% of your body weight. If you weigh 70kgs, the ideal weight of your blanket will be 7kgs. 

This general guideline ensures that you don’t feel overwhelmed with the weight and the pressure or experience unnecessary overheating.

Fabric

A breathable outer fabric guarantees that you stay cool at night. Fabrics like cotton, bamboo, and TENCEL™ are natural, cooling, and moisture-wicking materials perfect for weighted blankets. Don’t go for thick and warm fabrics like fleece and flannel.

Choosing the right fabric ensures you get a cooling weighted blanket in Singapore can count on for comfort even in the tropical heat.

Featuring Weavve’s Weighted Blanket

Filling

The filling is also a very important factor to take into consideration when buying a weighted blanket in Singapore. Glass beads are a great filler for weighted blankets suitable for our climate. Glass beads are cooling and don’t trap heat, unlike plastic pellets. 

Glass beads are small but heavier than plastic pellets, which means that a smaller amount of glass beads can achieve the desired weight. The blanket doesn’t feel bulky but still offers you the right amount of pressure. They are also an environmentally friendly option as opposed to plastic pallets. 

Drift into deeper, calmer sleep with Weavve’s Weighted Blanket. Crafted with care, it’s completely toxin-free and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified, so you can rest easy knowing that every thread is safe for you and your loved ones.

Construction

There are two main types of weighted blankets: knitted and duvet-style. 

Knitted blankets are made from thick yarn that creates weight while allowing airflow through open weaves, giving them a cosy, textured feel. Duvet-style blankets, on the other hand, use glass beads or plastic pellets sewn into small compartments to ensure even weight distribution, often paired with breathable fabrics like cotton or TENCEL™.

For Singapore’s warm and humid climate, duvet-style weighted blankets are often the best fit. Their moisture-wicking fabrics and removable, washable covers help regulate temperature and keep you cool, making them a practical yet comfortable choice for tropical nights.

With Weavve’s Weighted Blanket, you don’t have to worry about it being too hot like other options in the market. Designed with breathable materials and thoughtful construction, it delivers deep, calming pressure while still being suitable for Singapore’s tropical weather.

How to Sleep Cool with a Weighted Blanket

• Keep your room ventilated: Use a fan, aircon, or keep a window slightly open to improve circulation and reduce stuffiness.
  

• Take a cool shower before bed: Lowering your body temperature helps you fall asleep faster and stay comfortable longer.
  

• Dress light and breathable: Go for airy, moisture-wicking sleepwear like cotton or TENCEL™ that helps regulate body temperature naturally.
  

• Pair with cooling sheets: For the best results, layer your weighted blanket over our Lyocell Duvet and cover it with the TENCEL™ Duvet Cover. Both are made from breathable TENCEL™, perfect for humid nights.
  
  Place the duvet underneath your weighted blanket for light insulation, and secure the blanket to the cover using the built-in corner loops to keep everything in place and easy to care for.
  
  

Featuring Weavve’s TENCEL™ Duvet Cover

Keep in mind, when choosing the best weighted blanket for hot sleepers, it’s just as important to think about your overall sleep environment - ventilation, bedding, and fabrics all play a big role in how comfortable you’ll feel at night.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Okay to Sleep With a Weighted Blanket Every Night?

Yes, as long as you select the right weight. Experts recommend choosing a blanket that's about 7–10% of your body weight. That way, you enjoy the calming deep-pressure effect without feeling overheated or restricted. For newcomers, start with short naps or partial-night use to ease into full-night use gradually.

Why Does My Body Hurt After Sleeping With a Weighted Blanket?

A weighted blanket can make your body ache if it’s too heavy, too warm, feels strange at first, or if your sleeping position puts pressure on your joints. To avoid this, pick a blanket that’s about 10% of your body weight, give yourself time to adjust, make sure the weight is spread out evenly, and start by using it for short periods. If the pain doesn’t go away or gets worse, it’s best to talk to a doctor or try a lighter blanket.

Are Weighted Blankets Bad for Side Sleepers?

Not at all, weighted blankets aren’t bad for side sleepers. In fact, many people who sleep on their side find them helpful for reducing restlessness and creating a sense of calm. The key is choosing the right weight: too heavy a blanket may put extra pressure on your shoulder or hip, while a lighter, breathable option will give you the soothing benefits without discomfort.

Can a Weighted Blanket Cause Blood Clots?

A weighted blanket is not usually linked to blood clots in healthy people, but anyone with circulatory, heart, or breathing problems should seek medical advice before using one.

How Long Does It Take to Get Used to a Weighted Blanket?

Getting used to a weighted blanket is a very personal experience. Some people feel the calming effects almost at once, while others may need a few days, a couple of weeks, or even longer, sometimes ten days or more, before it feels completely natural. The best way to know is to try it for yourself and see how your body responds.

What’s the Ideal Sleep Temperature?

In Singapore, keeping your bedroom cool is key to a good night’s rest. Most experts recommend setting the temperature between 23°C and 25°C, though some suggest going as low as 18°C for the best results. Staying within this range creates a comfortable environment, allows your body to cool down naturally, and promotes deep, restorative sleep without the chill that might wake you up.

Breathable Weighted Blanket for the Singapore Weather

Filled with lead-free micro-glass beads and hypoallergenic poly-fill, our weighted blanket is designed to give a soothing and cooling feeling. Our fine, precise stitching guarantees that the glass beads are uniformly distributed. This provides maximum comfort that will send you to a deep slumber.

It is also OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 Certified to ensure that every component of the product has been tested for harmful levels of over 100 individual substances from 17 groups of chemicals.