What is the best sleeping position with a weighted blanket?

When it comes to sleeping position, everyone has their own preferences. For example, nearly half of people sleep in the fetal position, that is, on their side curled up. Of course, there are also many back sleepers and stomach sleepers. 

How weighted blankets can help side sleepers sleep better

Today, however, we want to focus on side sleepers and whether a weighted blanket can provide you with a good night's rest in this sleeping position. While a weighted blanket works very well when you sleep on your back, you might wonder if you can also use a blanket when sleeping on your side. And the answer is: Yes! Side sleepers can also look forward to a good sleep with the help of a weighted blanket. 

The pros and cons of sleeping on your side

Interestingly, the left side is generally considered the best side to sleep on. Sleeping on the right side can actually contribute to acid reflux. Sleeping on the left side alleviates this problem and also promotes overall gut health. The natural effect of gravity on your organs improves digestion when you sleep on your left side. It has also been shown that sleeping on your side relieves sleep apnea and snoring. In sleep apnea, the airways collapse and block oxygen supply. This can cause you to wake up gasping for air multiple times per hour. It can also cause loud snoring because your throat narrows. Sleeping on your side improves airway stability and reduces the likelihood of sleep apnea and snoring. 

When your body is properly aligned, sleeping on your side can also reduce lower back and joint pain. Caution! Without the correct spinal alignment, sleeping on your side can worsen lower back pain. Additionally, sleeping on your side can contribute to neck and shoulder pain. This is mainly due to the elevated head position caused by the pillow, which tilts the shoulder on the side you sleep on toward the neck. Finding the right balance so you don't wake up in pain can be very difficult.

How weighted blankets can help side sleepers

Weighted blankets can help side sleepers reduce problems with falling asleep and staying asleep. Below you will learn how therapy blankets can help you sleep better, regardless of your preferred sleeping position:

Reduce anxiety and stress

Anxiety and persistent stress can disrupt your sleep in many ways. Anxiety can not only prevent you from falling asleep but also shorten the time you spend in deep sleep. Therapy blankets have a calming effect on the body due to their weight and can reduce anxious thoughts and stress, allowing you to fall asleep and stay asleep peacefully.

Falling asleep faster

The weight of the therapy blanket gives the user the feeling of a loving hug. With the appropriate weight of the weighted blanket, inner restlessness is reduced and the mental carousel in the head is stopped. The cozy feeling provides you with security and makes falling asleep easier. 

Improvement of well-being

High-quality weighted blankets can significantly improve comfort. The calming effect of deep pressure stimulation, which reduces anxiety and restlessness while stimulating the production of melatonin (the so-called sleep hormone) in the brain, helps you naturally feel more relaxed so you can fall asleep faster. Furthermore, sufficient sleep provides more energy and balance for body and mind. 

What side sleepers should consider when choosing the right weighted blanket

Therapy blankets can be beneficial regardless of your sleeping position. However, if you sleep on your side, you might want to choose a lighter blanket than the manufacturer's recommended standard values. When sleeping on your side, the weight is not evenly distributed over your body, which could put strain on your hips and joints. The usual recommendation for a weighted blanket is about 10% of your body weight. While this is certainly a good rule of thumb for back sleepers, side sleepers can subtract 1 to 2 kilograms of blanket weight depending on comfort. No matter which sleeping position you prefer, the Original weighted blankets from Therapiedecken.de will surely help you achieve the relaxation you deserve in the evening. Since there are different models with various sizes and weights, it's easy to choose the best blanket for you – even if you are a side sleeper.

Curious? Try one of our therapy blankets 28 days trial now and revolutionize your (side) sleep!