Are pricey ‘sleepy' drinks really worth it or is a cup of Horlicks just as good?
For some of us, a glass of water, a warm mug of tea, or a sturdy nightcap is all we need before drifting off to sleep at the end of the day. But nearly half of adults get less than seven to nine hours per night, and 90 per cent experience sleep issues, according to a 2024 study.
Enter the functional drink. These beverages – which are infused with health-promoting ingredients – have stormed onto the wellness scene in recent years. Twinings, Teapigs, and Pukka are just some of the brands driving this trend with their 'sleep teas' that contain ingredients that supposedly help us to drift off. And we're buying it. The functional beverage industry is now worth an estimated £177 billion and is expected to reach £254 billion by 2030.
Most recently, a 'category first' Bedtime Milk from Tom Parker Creamery in Wincanton has joined the party, containing chamomile, valerian root, and magnolia extract to help induce sleep.
The functional drink market is overflowing with magnesium coffees, ashwagandha hot chocolates, and mushroom chai lattes ranging from £10 to £40 and beyond. They promise to aid relaxation and boost sleep quality, but are dedicated functional sleep drinks worth the money? Or is a cup of Horlicks just as beneficial?
What do the experts think?
'There's nothing wrong with having a sleepy tea or trying these supplements before bed but there certainly isn't the evidence yet to say everyone should try this to fix their sleep,' says Dr Lindsay Browning, a chartered psychologist, neuroscientist, and author of Navigating Sleeplessness.
'Everyone wants a quick fix so the public are massively incentivised to pay for something that's marketed as a quick and easy solution to sleep,' she adds.
'So you might drink a particular tea and think it'll cure your insomnia but the reality is that there is no evidence to suggest these drinks are going to have a significant impact on sleep compared to rigorous treatment for insomnia such as CBTI [cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia].'
Dr Kat Lederle, a sleep and circadian rhythm specialist and author of Sleep Sense, believes sleep teas are useful to include in a regular pre-sleep routine to signal to the brain that it's time for bed.
' Pick a tea or drink that you look forward to having before bed,' she says. 'Make it a ritual – so it's not just the tea but it's the whole set-up and atmosphere that allows your body and mind to wind down and relax before sleeping.'
So, whilst the evidence on the effectiveness of sleep teas may be insubstantial, they can still be a soothing way to end the day. Just don't expect them to provide an immediate cure to your sleep problems.
'For somebody with insomnia who has normal levels of magnesium in their body, taking one of those drinks isn't likely to do much besides creating a significant placebo effect,' she explains.
Are traditional drinks just as useful?
So, what about those of us that like to keep it simple and end the day with a glass of water or cup of tea?
A review conducted by researchers at Columbia University suggests a positive association between dairy intake and sleep quality. Adults who engaged in more leisure-time physical activity and consumed a higher amount of milk had better sleep in particular.
Cow's milk contains tryptophan – 'an amino acid used in the body to make serotonin which is linked to melatonin production,' nutritionist Sophie Trotman explains. 'It's really good when it comes to sleep regulation.'
Horlicks and other malted drinks are loaded with vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium and B vitamins that can help to aid relaxation. When mixed with milk, it may help to improve sleep.
'We just need to be aware of how much sugar those drinks contain,' Dr Browning says. 'If it's highly sugared, or if you opt for a drink like hot chocolate which has lots of sugar in it, then it's obviously not going to help us to feel sleepy.'
A mug of Horlicks Original with 200ml of semi-skimmed milk contains 28.7g of carbohydrates, of which 19.2g are sugars – a fifth of an adult's maximum intake. Meanwhile, a serving of Cadbury Original drinking hot chocolate contains 20g of sugars.
Dr Lederle says a simple glass of warm milk or a cup of tea might provoke a positive association to childhood which could psychologically aid relaxation and contribute to restful sleep.
'In addition to the ingredients, I also think that association to a place or memory is important,' she explains. 'If you don't like chamomile tea, don't force yourself to drink it. It won't help you to relax. Pick a tea or a drink that you look forward to having and can add to your restful pre-sleep routine.'
Dr Browning says a glass of milk is 'ideal' before bed. She suggests drinking it warm as it can help to raise your core body temperature which aids sleep initiation. 'Sometimes people can't fall asleep because they're hungry,' she adds. 'And of course, milk is food. So if you have a warm glass of milk before going to sleep, you're not going to be hungry and you're going to feel more calm and settled.'
It is high in protein so will keep you full throughout the night, meaning you're less likely to wake up at midnight desperate for a snack.
And, of course, you can't go wrong with a glass of water before bed which helps to prevent dehydration and supports temperature regulation.
The science behind the ingredients in sleepy teas
Chamomile
In 2018, Twinings launched their Superblends range of teas in the UK which included a sleep tea containing chamomile, passionflower, and valerian root.
Chamomile has a long history of use for sleep. In fact, it dates back 2000 years, as far as ancient Rome when it was recommended for treating insomnia. It can reduce the number of awakenings and help people to stay asleep too, according to a 2024 study in the Complementary Therapies in Medicine journal, although it didn't affect sleep duration or efficiency.
'Chamomile contains an antioxidant called apigenin which can reduce anxiety and cortisol levels, promoting relaxation,' says Trotman. 'It can also help with digestion which might help to aid better sleep by reducing uncomfortable bloating.'
Valerian root
Valerian root is a powerful herbal remedy which can help to reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, whilst passionflower may help to ease anxiety by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical the brain makes to help regulate mood.
However, the science supporting the effectiveness of these sleep aids is limited and teas should not be treated as a quick fix to insomnia and other sleep issues.
Magnesium
Magnesium supplements have experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity in recent years, with Waitrose reporting a 44 per cent rise in sales in 2023.
Scientists and wellness experts alike laud the mineral's various benefits from easing anxiety to improving workouts.
A 2024 study published in the European Society of Medicine suggests that it can improve sleep quality, duration, and mood. Magnesium bisglycinate, a supplement which contains both magnesium and the amino acid glycine, is often a core ingredient in functional night drinks.
Dr Lederle says that magnesium can certainly help with sleep as it binds to receptors in the brain to promote a deeper state of relaxation. However she urges people with sleep issues not to treat these functional drinks like 'a sleeping pill' – a view which Dr Browning shares.
Whilst studies have shown that magnesium can be helpful for sleep, generally this is seen most clearly when people already have a deficiency, she explains. Therefore, whilst it may improve sleep most dramatically for those bringing their magnesium levels back to the 'normal' amount, those who already have an adequate level are less likely to experience such benefits.
Magnolia
Another common ingredient in sleep drinks is magnolia. It features in Tom Parker Creamery's functional Bedtime Milk alongside valerian root, lavender and chamomile. A 2012 study published in the Neuropharmacology journal conducted on mice found that magnolol - a polyphenol in magnolia bark - may help to induce and improve sleep.
However, comprehensive research on other common functional drink ingredients such as ashwagandha and reishi mushrooms is lacking. Whilst a 2021 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that ashwagandha extracts can improve sleep quality, especially for insomnia sufferers, researchers said that further clinical trials are needed to generalise the outcome.
What's the best drink to have before bed?
1. Milk
Milk is low in sugar, high in protein, and rich in tryptophan, all of which contribute to a more comfortable night's sleep.
If the thought of a glass of milk before bed is distinctly unappealing, consider mixing it into your favourite decaffeinated tea.
2. Water
Water will always be the best beverage to drink at any time of the day, including before bed.
It prevents dehydration and supports temperature regulation, leading to a more restful sleep. Just be sure not to drink too much before bed in order to avoid a midnight trip to the bathroom.
3. Chamomile tea
Trotman lauds the benefits of a soothing mug of chamomile tea before bed.
Its relaxation effects are scientifically proven and incorporating it in a regular routine can help to signal to the brain that it's time to wind down in the evening.
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Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
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Rising temperatures and lighter evenings are an uncomfortable combination. One woman who opted for a better life away from London with her partner has felt this first hand As we look forward to saying goodbye to spring and hello to summer, us Brits will be revelling in the prospect of sunnier days and warmer weather. However, heat is one of the main causes of a bad night's sleep, and we're often left tossing, turning and searching for the cold side of the pillow when temperatures start to rise. Dr Lindsay Browning, psychologist and sleep expert at And So To Bed, explains why heat can be so disruptive to our sleep. She says, 'As we fall asleep, our body temperature naturally drops. 'When the room is too hot or your covers are too thick, you can struggle to reduce your body temperature, which makes falling asleep much harder.' According to the National Sleep Foundation, a common cause of insomnia and poor sleep quality is linked to endocrine dysfunction, which can worsen in summer because your body produces less melatonin, a key hormone necessary for healthy sleep cycles. The increased amount of daylight can delay the production of melatonin, one of the hormones that regulates sleep. And this can make it harder to fall asleep at your usual bedtime. Statistics from World Data show there are 16 hours of daylight in June. In December, on the other hand, we usually get six to seven hours of daylight. 'This can also disrupt our internal body clock (circadian rhythm), affecting other aspects of our body,' says Ana Brito, sleep expert at Somnissimo. 'The extended daylight hours can also make it harder to wind down, affecting the overall quality and duration of sleep. Plus, longer days can be associated with higher temperatures until later, which can make it harder to fall and stay asleep as cooler temperatures are generally more conducive to sleep.' Rosie Mullender, 47, from West Sussex and author of the novel Ghosted, struggles to sleep in her attic bedroom. She tells us: 'I'd never had trouble getting to sleep until I spent my first summer in Worthing. Before moving to the seaside town, I'd only ever lived in flats, where you could open a window and enjoy a breeze as you slept without fear of encouraging burglars (or spiders) inside. 'Moving out of London meant my fiancé and I were able to buy a house rather than a flat, which was a dream come true, until I realised that I hate stairs, and when the master bedroom is in a loft conversion, your chances of a great night's sleep are minimal. 'Because heat rises, the bedroom is warm all year round – ideal in the winter when I don't have any need for thermal jim jams and a hot water bottle, but not so welcome in the summer months.' 'The bedroom does have a set of double doors leading onto a Juliet balcony, but my fear of the local spiders, which seem to consider our house their own personal hangout, means they have to stay firmly shut all year. 'So, instead, I'm left to toss and turn in a puddle of sweat every night, my hair clinging to my sticky neck. 'On the hottest nights, I'll place an oscillating fan next to the bed, and angle a standing fan directly at my torso. It means I'm much cooler, but the noise of two fans whirring stops me getting to sleep, and when I do manage it, I'll wake up in the middle of the night chattering with cold. 'At this rate, I might have to resort to sleeping in front of the fridge with the door open. Or making friends with those spiders.' Here are some top tips to help you prepare for getting a good night's sleep in the warmer weather… Sleep on your side 'Most people aren't aware that when trying to get to sleep in the heat, one of the best positions is to sleep on your side, as this minimises the surface area of your body against the mattress and bedding,' says Chris Tattersall, sleep environment expert and managing director of the bedding retailer Woolroom. 'This, in turn, will stop you from feeling too hot in the night and avoid any subsequent sweating.' Let the heat out A simple yet effective trick is to let your bedroom breathe. Chris says, 'The ideal temperature is 18˚C, so ensuring the hot air can circulate by opening windows is essential to ensure a comfortable sleep environment. 'I advise opening your bedroom windows for as long as possible only once the sun has passed to ensure that cool air flows in.' Keep your room cool all day Switch off unnecessary electronics in your bedroom. 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Telegraph
17-03-2025
- Telegraph
Are pricey ‘sleepy' drinks really worth it or is a cup of Horlicks just as good?
For some of us, a glass of water, a warm mug of tea, or a sturdy nightcap is all we need before drifting off to sleep at the end of the day. But nearly half of adults get less than seven to nine hours per night, and 90 per cent experience sleep issues, according to a 2024 study. Enter the functional drink. These beverages – which are infused with health-promoting ingredients – have stormed onto the wellness scene in recent years. Twinings, Teapigs, and Pukka are just some of the brands driving this trend with their 'sleep teas' that contain ingredients that supposedly help us to drift off. And we're buying it. The functional beverage industry is now worth an estimated £177 billion and is expected to reach £254 billion by 2030. Most recently, a 'category first' Bedtime Milk from Tom Parker Creamery in Wincanton has joined the party, containing chamomile, valerian root, and magnolia extract to help induce sleep. The functional drink market is overflowing with magnesium coffees, ashwagandha hot chocolates, and mushroom chai lattes ranging from £10 to £40 and beyond. They promise to aid relaxation and boost sleep quality, but are dedicated functional sleep drinks worth the money? Or is a cup of Horlicks just as beneficial? What do the experts think? 'There's nothing wrong with having a sleepy tea or trying these supplements before bed but there certainly isn't the evidence yet to say everyone should try this to fix their sleep,' says Dr Lindsay Browning, a chartered psychologist, neuroscientist, and author of Navigating Sleeplessness. 'Everyone wants a quick fix so the public are massively incentivised to pay for something that's marketed as a quick and easy solution to sleep,' she adds. 'So you might drink a particular tea and think it'll cure your insomnia but the reality is that there is no evidence to suggest these drinks are going to have a significant impact on sleep compared to rigorous treatment for insomnia such as CBTI [cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia].' Dr Kat Lederle, a sleep and circadian rhythm specialist and author of Sleep Sense, believes sleep teas are useful to include in a regular pre-sleep routine to signal to the brain that it's time for bed. ' Pick a tea or drink that you look forward to having before bed,' she says. 'Make it a ritual – so it's not just the tea but it's the whole set-up and atmosphere that allows your body and mind to wind down and relax before sleeping.' So, whilst the evidence on the effectiveness of sleep teas may be insubstantial, they can still be a soothing way to end the day. Just don't expect them to provide an immediate cure to your sleep problems. 'For somebody with insomnia who has normal levels of magnesium in their body, taking one of those drinks isn't likely to do much besides creating a significant placebo effect,' she explains. Are traditional drinks just as useful? So, what about those of us that like to keep it simple and end the day with a glass of water or cup of tea? A review conducted by researchers at Columbia University suggests a positive association between dairy intake and sleep quality. Adults who engaged in more leisure-time physical activity and consumed a higher amount of milk had better sleep in particular. Cow's milk contains tryptophan – 'an amino acid used in the body to make serotonin which is linked to melatonin production,' nutritionist Sophie Trotman explains. 'It's really good when it comes to sleep regulation.' Horlicks and other malted drinks are loaded with vitamins and minerals including calcium, magnesium and B vitamins that can help to aid relaxation. When mixed with milk, it may help to improve sleep. 'We just need to be aware of how much sugar those drinks contain,' Dr Browning says. 'If it's highly sugared, or if you opt for a drink like hot chocolate which has lots of sugar in it, then it's obviously not going to help us to feel sleepy.' A mug of Horlicks Original with 200ml of semi-skimmed milk contains 28.7g of carbohydrates, of which 19.2g are sugars – a fifth of an adult's maximum intake. Meanwhile, a serving of Cadbury Original drinking hot chocolate contains 20g of sugars. Dr Lederle says a simple glass of warm milk or a cup of tea might provoke a positive association to childhood which could psychologically aid relaxation and contribute to restful sleep. 'In addition to the ingredients, I also think that association to a place or memory is important,' she explains. 'If you don't like chamomile tea, don't force yourself to drink it. It won't help you to relax. Pick a tea or a drink that you look forward to having and can add to your restful pre-sleep routine.' Dr Browning says a glass of milk is 'ideal' before bed. She suggests drinking it warm as it can help to raise your core body temperature which aids sleep initiation. 'Sometimes people can't fall asleep because they're hungry,' she adds. 'And of course, milk is food. So if you have a warm glass of milk before going to sleep, you're not going to be hungry and you're going to feel more calm and settled.' It is high in protein so will keep you full throughout the night, meaning you're less likely to wake up at midnight desperate for a snack. And, of course, you can't go wrong with a glass of water before bed which helps to prevent dehydration and supports temperature regulation. The science behind the ingredients in sleepy teas Chamomile In 2018, Twinings launched their Superblends range of teas in the UK which included a sleep tea containing chamomile, passionflower, and valerian root. Chamomile has a long history of use for sleep. In fact, it dates back 2000 years, as far as ancient Rome when it was recommended for treating insomnia. It can reduce the number of awakenings and help people to stay asleep too, according to a 2024 study in the Complementary Therapies in Medicine journal, although it didn't affect sleep duration or efficiency. 'Chamomile contains an antioxidant called apigenin which can reduce anxiety and cortisol levels, promoting relaxation,' says Trotman. 'It can also help with digestion which might help to aid better sleep by reducing uncomfortable bloating.' Valerian root Valerian root is a powerful herbal remedy which can help to reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, whilst passionflower may help to ease anxiety by increasing levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical the brain makes to help regulate mood. However, the science supporting the effectiveness of these sleep aids is limited and teas should not be treated as a quick fix to insomnia and other sleep issues. Magnesium Magnesium supplements have experienced an unprecedented surge in popularity in recent years, with Waitrose reporting a 44 per cent rise in sales in 2023. Scientists and wellness experts alike laud the mineral's various benefits from easing anxiety to improving workouts. A 2024 study published in the European Society of Medicine suggests that it can improve sleep quality, duration, and mood. Magnesium bisglycinate, a supplement which contains both magnesium and the amino acid glycine, is often a core ingredient in functional night drinks. Dr Lederle says that magnesium can certainly help with sleep as it binds to receptors in the brain to promote a deeper state of relaxation. However she urges people with sleep issues not to treat these functional drinks like 'a sleeping pill' – a view which Dr Browning shares. Whilst studies have shown that magnesium can be helpful for sleep, generally this is seen most clearly when people already have a deficiency, she explains. Therefore, whilst it may improve sleep most dramatically for those bringing their magnesium levels back to the 'normal' amount, those who already have an adequate level are less likely to experience such benefits. Magnolia Another common ingredient in sleep drinks is magnolia. It features in Tom Parker Creamery's functional Bedtime Milk alongside valerian root, lavender and chamomile. A 2012 study published in the Neuropharmacology journal conducted on mice found that magnolol - a polyphenol in magnolia bark - may help to induce and improve sleep. However, comprehensive research on other common functional drink ingredients such as ashwagandha and reishi mushrooms is lacking. Whilst a 2021 study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that ashwagandha extracts can improve sleep quality, especially for insomnia sufferers, researchers said that further clinical trials are needed to generalise the outcome. What's the best drink to have before bed? 1. Milk Milk is low in sugar, high in protein, and rich in tryptophan, all of which contribute to a more comfortable night's sleep. If the thought of a glass of milk before bed is distinctly unappealing, consider mixing it into your favourite decaffeinated tea. 2. Water Water will always be the best beverage to drink at any time of the day, including before bed. It prevents dehydration and supports temperature regulation, leading to a more restful sleep. Just be sure not to drink too much before bed in order to avoid a midnight trip to the bathroom. 3. Chamomile tea Trotman lauds the benefits of a soothing mug of chamomile tea before bed. Its relaxation effects are scientifically proven and incorporating it in a regular routine can help to signal to the brain that it's time to wind down in the evening.
Telegraph
29-10-2024
- Telegraph
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OHS Kids Teddy Fleece Space Weighted Blanket Best weighted blanket for kids, 8/10 We like: its novelty space pattern We don't like: It is hand wash only Size: 100 x 150cm Weights: 3kg Material (outer and inner): Polyester with micro glass beads inside There's a wide range of novelty weighted blankets to be found online that are just the right size and weight – and design – for kids over five. My seven-year-old took an instant shine to this space-printed design which contains micro glass beads within the five inch pockets of the padded fabric. It's made from polyester which isn't my first choice for a blanket as I prefer more breathable cotton finishes, but as this design is 3kg in weight it has a nice lightness to it that doesn't feel too overpowering. My son enjoyed the feel of its inner fleece cover on his skin and he was able to carry it from room to room without too much effort. The blanket will need hand washing and air drying, but as it measures just 100 x 150cm I think this is more manageable to care for than some adult weighted blankets that need the same treatment. Online Home Shop sells a wide range of weighted blankets for kids and adults all at a very reasonable price. If my son had seen the Play Station Player design or the Pokemon designs, I think he would have had a hard job deciding which blanket to choose. 6. Weighted Blanket in Grey Faux Fur Best faux fur weighted blanket, 8/10 We like: Its super tactile and stylish faux fur finish We don't like: It might feel too heavy for some Size: L 150 x W200cm Weights: 4.5kg, 6.5kg, 9kg, 11.5kg options Material (outer and inner): Polyester and recycled polyester. The grey faux fur finish on this weighted blanket is super smooth and tactile and caught my eye as it's different to the majority of quilted finishes you can find online. The blanket comes in four sizes and I tried the 9kg version, which I found a little too heavy for my petite frame. But my partner who is 6ft and 82kgs found it much more amiable. The 9kg version was too heavy for the kids, but Next does sell a 4.5kg version that would be good for kids who love the soft feel of fur. The blanket is made from polyester and recycled polyester, which wouldn't be my first choice of material as it's not as breathable as cotton. It's recommended that you shouldn't share a weighted blanket in bed, but if you're going to place this 150 x 200cm faux fur design on your bed I think it's going to take up quite a bit of room as it's quite fluffy – and that won't be leaving your partner much space to sleep. I think the nature of this faux fur finish makes the blanket an excellent choice for the sofa – particularly when things start to get cold and feel festive. It would look great draped over a three-seater, creating a warm and enticing space for sitting and relaxing. I breathed a sigh of relief when I read that the cover is removable and machine washable too, which means wash day won't be a faff. 7. Silentnight Weighted Blanket Best calming weighted blanket, 8/10 We like: its washable cotton cover and smooth finish We don't like: its king size frame may be too large for some Size: King size (150cm x 200cm) Weights: 3kg, 6.8kg, 9kg Material (outer and inner): Microfibre with glass beads inside When I typed 'weighted blanket' into Amazon, this was the sponsored choice. I've also seen Silentnight's weighted blankets stocked in M&S and John Lewis, so I was keen to give it a try. The grey colourway on this blanket may be nothing to shout about, but I do like its quilted finish. It's made from a soft quilted microfibre and with glass beads inside that are well disguised inside the pockets. The fabric feels soft to touch and it's good to know that it is hypoallergenic and can be machine washed. I found this blanket a little easier to navigate than some of the fluffier designs I've tried as its smooth fabric made it easy to fold up. It comes in a see-through carry case to you can store it neatly when not in use too. While it's heavy, the weight of this blanket suited my frame and I didn't feel too hot or too stuck underneath it. Silentnight does sell a heavier 9kg version and a kids version at 3kg too if you like the idea of this fabric and finish. They are all king size versions, however, and I think the size can be quite daunting for more petite frames – especially if you're sharing a bed and your partner doesn't want the weighted blanket on their side. Overall I can't really fault this weighted blanket as it ticks all the boxes in terms of comfort, breathability, machine washing and price. 8. Thumper Weighted Blanket Licensed Best weighted blanket for teenagers, 9/10 We like: its eye-catching novelty designs and plush finish We don't like: Its licensed designs may be too garish for some Sizes: 198cm x 121cm Weights: 4.5kg, 6.8kg, 9kg Material (outer and inner): Minky plush fabric made from polyester with glass beads inside Best known for its range of novelty sleep and loungewear, Oodie also sells a collection of blankets, cooling blankets and weighted blankets. While the range is a little limited and random, you can choose from plain colourways including sober grey, pink and black, to more memorable licenced designs from the likes of Star Wars, Winnie the Pooh and Looney Tunes – all to suit the big kid in you. I tested the Thumper weighted blanket in a 6.8kg weight, which comes in a subtle baby finish and white finish. The blanket is made from polyester and while this wouldn't be my first choice of fabric finish, I did find its 'minky plush fabric' satisfyingly soft. It can be machine washed cold too, which is convenient, although hand wash is preferable. It's quite large too with a generous 198cm length that made it easy to wrap around my body or share it with my two kids while sitting on the sofa. The beads inside aren't the most silent but they are evenly spread out so the blanket feels comfortable and balanced and is easy to fold. 9. Anacortes Weighted Blanket Best compression weighted blanket, 8/10 We like: It feels very comfortable to lay under without overheating We don't like: It can only be spot or wiped cleaned Size: W125 x L180cm Weight: 6kg, 8kg Material (inner and outer) 100 per cent cotton cover with glass beads and polyester inside This blanket reminds me in style to the Silentnight Weighted blanket (above). It comes with a similarly sophisticated grey finish, but feels a little more padded and sumptuous. Its overall feel is smooth and even a little silky, which makes it easy to wrap around yourself and get cosy. I really enjoyed the feel of this blanket on top of me and while it's quite thick it never felt too overbearing or hot. It's reassuring to know that the fabric is made from 100 per cent cotton, although the blanket can't be washed in the machine. The instructions suggest you spot or wipe it clean and line dry or lay flat to dry. This makes me inclined to use it more as I would a quilt and cover it with a duvet cover to keep it box fresh. 10. Emma Hug weighted blanket Best cooling blanket, 8/10 We like: The gentle, comforting pressure We don't like: Lack of options Size: 150x200cm Weight: 7kg Material: cotton, two layers of microfibre and polyester pad with fine glass beads Reviewed by Flora Bowen As someone who is prone to worrying before bedtime – and often in the daytime as well – I was excited to try the Emma Hug weighted blanket for its promise as a 'stress-reliever' even if my inner cynic also doubted this could be achieved with a blanket. A few nights later, however, I can say I feel noticeably calmer, and very well-rested. Using tiny Silica glass beads spread through 10cm pockets to ensure even weight distribution, the blanket exerts a gentle, pleasant pressure, which is comforting and snug, and aided a very good night's sleep for me. After getting out of bed blanket-less on the first morning of testing, I immediately missed the comforting sensation and went back after five minutes to bring it to my sofa. The fabric is a smooth, cotton material, which feels breathable and almost silky. Its cooling sensation is particularly impressive: using the blanket on a mild Autumn week, I layered a thick duvet on top, and yet never felt too warm. The beads are extra-fine, and with seven layers of material, they are only detectable if you pinch the blanket tight. One downside is that the blanket only comes at a 7kg weight. As Emma recommends this should be 8-10 per cent of your body weight, both my partner and I were outside the suggested range, at different ends, so it would have been useful to have had more options. Similarly, the only colour on offer is grey, so not particularly stylish. Another small frustration is that the washable blanket cover is sold separately, which increases the cost in comparison to competitors – the blanket is designed to be machine washable, but its weight exceeds the household washing machine limit. Its design might not be perfect, but the blanket gave me a few great nights of sleep, and for that I am very grateful. What is the best weight for a weighted blanket? For safety reasons, a weighted blanket should be around 7 to 10 per cent of your body weight. So if you're 70kg, a 7kg weighted blanket is plenty. A weighted blanket should only be used by an individual who can move it off themselves freely, which is why special care should be taken if kids use a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets aren't suitable for everyone – such as young children under 22.5kg or anyone pregnant or with strength and mobility issues. Those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, sleep apnoea, low blood pressure or circulation issues should also avoid weighted blankets. If you're unsure whether a weighted blanket is right for you or your family, consult your GP for advice. Which weighted blanket should I choose? Once you've chosen the ideal weight for your frame, you can decide on which colour, material and finish to go for. You can find options for winter and summer that have warming or cooling effects including those designed to regulate your body temperature. Choose from faux fur, velvet, knitted or quilted finishes in fabrics such as polyester, bamboo or organic materials. It might be a good idea to match your weighted blanket to your existing 'While What is the best weighted blanket for adults? Once you've chosen which size you need, next think about which material you prefer. While many of them are similar in style with sober grey finishes, you can find weighted blankets in varying sizes and weights and stylish colourways. In this test, the Kamara Switch came up top for me mainly due to its hypoallergenic organic cotton finish and washable cover, while I rate the Simba Orbit as a great value buy for its luxurious, balanced and even design. I'd also recommend the Aeyla Mela weighted blanket as a comfortable and breathable option. What is the best weighted blanket for anxiety? To experience deep pressure therapy from a weighted blanket and ensure you're using one safely, it's recommended that you choose a weighted blanket that is around 7 to 10 per cent of your bodyweight. Too light and you won't reap the benefits, but go too heavy and you may feel trapped. How to choose the best weighted blanket? Once you've established what weight you need, decide what you are using the blanket for – if it's for warmth when you're sitting on the sofa there are a lot of luxurious and fluffy designs to choose from – if it's to ground you as you sleep you may want to opt for a slimmer, less bulky design. For convenience, look for weighted blankets that come with removable covers, which makes them easy to wash – and breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics that are going to enhance your living space. How heavy are weighted blankets? Weighted blankets range in weight anywhere between 3kg to 12kg. You can also find them in single, double and king size versions. I found the majority of them quite cumbersome and hard to fold away and store. You should be able to lift the blanket yourself freely when using it and if not, then you should choose a lighter one. 'It's important not to go too heavy when choosing a weighted blanket as the wrong weight can restrict breathing or cause overheating, especially in young children or elderly who may struggle to remove the blanket,' says Dr Lindsay Browning. Are weighted blankets different from duvets? 'Unlike duvets, which focus on comfort and temperature regulation by keeping the sleeper warm or cool through the night, weighted blankets are designed to provide gentle pressure,' says Dr Lindsay Browning. Can I sleep with a weighted blanket? 'While weighted blankets can be very relaxing to use on the sofa or before bed, in many cases it is not advisable to sleep with a weighted blanket on all night,' says occupational therapist Kim Griffin of 'If children fall asleep with their blanket on, it should be removed by their caregiver once they are asleep. For adults, it is recommended that the blanket is only covering the bottom half of their body so they can breathe freely. While there are anecdotal reports that weighted blankets help with sleep, this is not supported by existing research evidence, therefore weighted blankets should be used with caution at night.'
