I’ve loved using a weighted blanket for years—especially on evenings when my mind won’t switch off. The gentle pressure can feel like a calming hug, and for many people it helps reduce anxiety, improve sleep onset, and support deeper rest. But one common stumbling block I hear again and again is overheating: “I want the calming weight, but I wake up sweaty.” I’ve experimented with materials, layering, and bedroom tweaks so the blanket helps without turning into a sauna. Here are practical, evidence-informed tips and fabric picks that have worked for me and readers of Letstalkmore Co.
Why weighted blankets can feel too warm
Before we talk solutions, it helps to understand why a weighted blanket can trap heat. Many weighted blankets use dense fillings like glass beads, microbeads, or poly pellets sewn into fabric pockets. If the cover or outer material is not breathable—or if the blanket is large compared to your body—it can reduce airflow and increase warmth. The bedroom temperature, personal metabolic rate, hormonal changes, and whether you wear pajamas all affect how hot you feel under a weighted blanket.
General principles I use to avoid overheating
- Choose breathable fabrics for the cover and top layer—natural fibers generally win for airflow.
- Match weight to your body size: a blanket that’s too big or too heavy can feel warmer. The common guideline is around 10% of your body weight, plus or minus a bit for preference.
- Use it as a top layer, not a duvet replacement: weighted blankets work best directly over lightweight sheets, not over heavy duvets.
- Regulate bedroom temperature: cooler room temperatures (around 16–19°C / 60–67°F for many people) make a big difference.
- Consider seasonal rotation: have one breathable summer cover and a cozier winter cover, or swap to a lighter-weight blanket in warmer months.
Fabric picks and what I like about them
Below is a simple table comparing materials I often recommend, and why each one might suit different sleepers.
| Fabric | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| 100% cotton (percale) | Light, crisp, breathable; feels cool to touch; durable | Can wrinkle; less insulating in winter |
| Cotton-linen blend | Excellent breathability, slightly textured and breathable | May be pricier; slightly rougher hand-feel |
| Bamboo viscose | Very soft, naturally moisture-wicking and cooling | Some blends can pill; check sustainability credentials |
| Tencel (lyocell) | Silky, breathable, good moisture control; feels cool | More expensive; care instructions vary |
| Fleece or minky | Warm and cosy for winter weighted blankets | Traps heat—avoid for hot sleepers |
My favourite brand options for hot sleepers
There are several brands that offer thoughtfully designed, breathable weighted blankets. I mention them because I’ve tried or researched them and found their fabric choices sensible for staying cool:
- Gravity Cooling Weighted Blanket — designed with a cotton cover and a cooling inner layer. Good for people who love the Gravity weight but tend to overheat.
- Bearaby Cotton Napper — knitted, chunky cotton design that’s breathable (no dense filling), so it’s less insulating while still providing deep pressure.
- Brooklinen Weighted Cooling Blanket — uses a blend of cotton and cooling materials aimed at breathability.
- Hush Iced Weighted Blanket — made with a cooling fabric on the outer layer for hot sleepers.
Note: availability varies by country. If you’re in the UK, brands like Silentnight and Psi Bands have some cooling options too—always check fabric composition and weight options.
Practical layering tips I use
- Sheet first: Sleep on a lightweight cotton or Tencel sheet, then use the weighted blanket as the top layer. This reduces trapped heat compared with placing the weighted blanket directly on bare skin.
- Use a removable cover: Get a duvet-style cover for your weighted blanket so you can swap to a breathable summer cover (cotton, linen, bamboo) and a warmer one for winter.
- Partial cover technique: When I’m very warm, I drape the weighted blanket over my chest and shoulders and leave my legs under a lighter sheet—this gives the calming pressure without full-body heat.
- Feet out: Leaving an arm or foot poking out reduces core warmth and helps regulate temperature.
Bedroom environment tweaks that help
Beyond the blanket itself, small changes in the room make a big difference:
- Lower the thermostat in warmer months or use a fan to circulate air.
- Choose breathable bedding (sheets, pillowcases) made of cotton, linen, bamboo, or Tencel.
- Consider a mattress topper or protector designed to be cooling—memory foam can retain heat, so a breathable topper helps.
- Take a lukewarm shower before bed—this can help drop your core temperature as your body cools, aiding sleepiness without overheating under covers.
Care and maintenance that keep breathability intact
Washing and caring for your weighted blanket correctly helps it stay breathable and comfortable. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions—many weighted blankets can be machine-washed with a gentle cycle, but some require spot-cleaning or a removable cover to be washed separately. Avoid fabric softeners that can coat fibers and reduce wickability. Dry thoroughly; trapped moisture can worsen heat retention and smells.
When to try a lighter or alternative option
If you’ve tried breathable fabrics, layered cleverly, and adjusted your bedroom and you still overheat, it’s okay to switch approaches. Options I recommend trying:
- A lighter-weight weighted blanket (a kilogram or two less than your usual).
- A knitted or crochet style weighted blanket (like Bearaby) that uses chunky cotton and no inner beads—these often feel cooler.
- A calming, non-weighted alternative: weighted lap pads, weighted shawls, or weighted blankets designed for upper body use only.
One final, gentle note: comfort is personal. What feels cooling to one person may still be warm for another. I encourage you to try a few small experiments—swap the cover, sleep with feet out, or use the blanket only on your torso for a week—and notice what shifts. Over time, you’ll find a cosy balance where the calming deep pressure of a weighted blanket supports your sleep without the discomfort of overheating.
