Are Weighted Blankets Hot? A Guide for Hot Sleepers

As temperatures and heat indexes soar into triple digits this summer, many consumers desperate for sleep may be wearily wondering, “Are weighted blankets hot?” Because, let’s face it, the thought of any extra layers this summer is unbearable. Furthermore, for individuals who already suffer from insomnia, anxiety, or sensory sensitivity, a hot weighted blanket may only worsen a problem that weighted blankets are supposed to help resolve.

A good cooling weighted blanket can be a great option for individuals who need better sleep during the hot summer months, as well as those who get overheated easily at night.

Do Weighted Blankets Make You Hot?

It is no fun to awake from a deep sleep in the middle of the night drenched in sweat. For anyone searching for the right summer weighted blanket or just wondering if a weighted blanket even exists that does not cause body temps to fluctuate, we have good news!

Do weighted blankets make you hot? Not necessarily.

Weighted blankets do not have to be synonymous with hot flashes and night sweats. In fact, many cooling weighted blankets exist for this very reason. Let’s take a look at the different types of weighted blankets designed for controlling temperature.

Are Weighted Blankets Good for Hot Sleepers?

The benefits of a good weighted blanket apply to everyone, even those who get hot easily at night. So, are weighted blankets good for those who overheat easily at night? The short answer is yes.

Many options are available for a variety of climates and personal temperature preferences. Anyone - even those who struggle to stay cool at night - can benefit from a good weighted blanket and the way they can manage symptoms of anxiety and insomnia.

Is There a Weighted Blanket That Isn’t Hot?

It may seem like a weighted blanket is just too hot, especially in the summer. But there are options available for the hot sleeper and those steamy summer nights.

Take some of these suggestions into consideration when trying to select the right blanket to keep from getting too warm under those covers.

All Season Weighted Blankets

Most consumers want a weighted blanket that works in all seasons, not just the cold winter months when curling up with a heavy blanket sounds cozy.

In fact, it’s not really the weight in the blanket that can make it warm - the fabric that covers the weighted blanket plays a much larger role in body’s temperature when using one of these blankets.

Certain fabrics like fleece and flannel are probably not ideal for most individuals to use in the heat.

It’s easy to get hot at at night when using a weighted blanket cover or duvet that holds in heat. It is neither healthy nor comfortable to let body heat reach high levels when trying to sleep.

For a good all-season weighted blanket, consider fabrics that do not trap in heat, such as fibers made from bamboo, eucalyptus, or a cotton-polyester blend.

Another good rule of thumb for individuals who overheat easily under a weighted blanket is setting the thermostat a few degrees cooler at night to help the individual stay comfortable and sleep well.

Cooling Bamboo

Bamboo fibers are naturally light and breathable, which may make them a good option for weighted blanket fabrics or duvets.

Bamboo can be even more breathable than cotton because of its natural moisture-absorbing properties, which can help keep moisture away from the skin. This feature can also help keep sleepers stay cool and stay asleep longer.

Bamboo can also be thermo-regulating, meaning it can help maintain body temperature when using a weighted blanket. This works both ways: it can help the individuals stay cool during warm, summer months while also helping the body stay warm in the cool winter months.

It may seem like fibers from bamboo would be stiff or scratchy, but that does not often seem to be the case. Bamboo is typically used to make bamboo viscose or lyocell, which are materials with a feel that is almost identical to that of 100% cotton.

Fabric materials made from bamboo are also said to be less static, which can also make them feel softer and less prone to wrinkles.

Fewer wrinkles in the fabric also help the blanket or duvet maintain its shape longer.

Bamboo fabrics may also hold dye and coloration much easier than some other materials, meaning that they may contain far less chemicals from their artificial coloring than other materials.

Because bamboo viscose and lyocell require much less processing, this can also make it a more natural, “greener” option.

Eucalyptus

Another good option may be eucalyptus. A biodegradable material is manufactured from the wood pulp of the eucalyptus tree that is both breathable and environmentally friendly.

These organic fibers can be very cooling, allowing the body to breathe and heat to escape.

This green option can be a good choice for individuals worried about getting too hot at night in warmer climates.

Cotton

Cotton is classic, and it is a popular option for many who use weighted blankets faithfully so they can fall asleep easily.

A blanket with weights that uses a cotton duvet cover or that is made from a cotton-polyester blend may be one of the most cost-effective and practical options available.

These blankets and duvets are typically easier to clean and the lightweight, breathable fabric can also help the individual wrapped up underneath the blanket to keep cool and comfortable while falling asleep easily.

Glass beads

Glass beads might be a good filler when searching for the right weighted blanket for summer.

These beads are cool to the touch and do not hold in heat the way their counterparts - pellets and poly beads - do.

The glass bead is also much more environmentally friendly compared to the other plastic options.

In addition to being cool and green, these beads are also extremely smooth, smaller, and heavier than plastic pellets. This means that it takes fewer of the glass options to reach the desired weight, which may help keep weighted blankets more maneuverable and less bulky.

Weighted blankets made with glass fillers can be good option for these blankets with weights.

Conclusion

The best cooling weighted blanket is not impossible to find, but it will vary depending on personal preference.

Right, but do weighted blankets make you hot? Options such as cotton, eucalyptus, and bamboo can be great ways to help keep the exterior of the blanket cool and comfortable. Fillers can also make a difference. Beads made from glass can have a cooling effect and do not hold heat the way most other pellet fillers do.

When trying to select the right cooling weighted blanket, check out our answers to these common questions:

• How heavy should it be? Weighed blankets should be equal to 10% body weight, plus one to two pounds. More on how to choose a weighted blanket here.
• Do weighted blankets really help you sleep better? Yes, they can help reduce anxiety and insomnia, helping individuals achieve an overall feeling of well-being, as well as better sleep.
• Can kids use weighted blankets? Yes, kids can use weighted blankets and they are often used to treat conditions common in children, like autism, ADD, ADHD, and sensory sensitivities. However, children under the age of two years-old should never use a weighted blanket.
• Will a weighted blanket make me too hot? Not necessarily. As we mentioned, it depends largely on the type of exterior material used for the blankets. A cotton or bamboo duvet can help regulate temperatures and contribute to a comfortable sleep.
• Will it make hot flashes worse? Many women who experience hot flashes due to hormone imbalance or menopause may also suffer from other symptoms like insomnia, making a good night’s sleep hard to come by. For women who have hot flashes at night, one of these cooling or all season options may be a good fit, as they can help individuals maintain their body heat while they get better sleep.