Is there a better feeling than curling into a soft, warm blanket? You probably have a favourite blanket you can’t sleep without and even a couple more on the couch to cuddle with when watching Netflix. If it were up to us, we would never get out of our blanket cocoon!
But what is it about custom blankets that humans find so appealing? The science behind this strange love match is actually a lot more interesting than you might assume. It all boils down to the bizarre way our minds work.
Why People Use Blankets
Blankets are everywhere. You use them when sleeping in your bed, resting on your couch, having a picnic in a park, or sitting by the fire. Many people even have an emotional connection to their beloved blankets.
Although you might not have a blankie you consider special, you must have noticed that you can’t fall asleep without some kind of cover — even if it’s really hot outside. There’s an explanation for that. In fact, there are four.
Your Body Temperature Drops When You Sleep
During REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, you do not control your body temperature. As a result, you need a blanket during this period of deep sleep to avoid waking up feeling extremely chilly.
Blankets Make You Happy — Literally
Serotonin and melatonin levels rise when you snuggle under a blanket. These hormones help calm you down, relax, and finally, fall asleep.
They Help You Feel Protected
People feel exceptionally vulnerable when they sleep, and a blanket provides an extra layer of protection and security. You most likely feel safer because of the blanket’s weight on you especially when it’s a branded fleece blanket.
You Are Programmed to Love Blankets
Since you were a newborn, your caregivers would cuddle you in a blanket when it was time to sleep. So, every time you snuggle into one, your brain immediately assumes it’s time to relax and rest.
Ultimately, you are biologically and psychologically attached to blankets. They bring warmth while also soothing your sleeplessness or restlessness. With a blanket securely over your body, you feel more at peace.
But Why Are Blankets So Good at What They Do?
A blanket retains your body heat, forming a warm “microclimate.” That means you’ll feel comfortable under a blankie no matter what the temperature in the room is.
The area of science that describes how blankets function is called thermodynamics. It claims that the blanket’s warmth passes to your body while you are under it and the other way around. Basically, you share the heat with your cover. So, if you or the blanket were missing, the one left behind would pretty soon become cold.
This notion makes perfect sense when you give it a thought. Your blanket wouldn’t be very warm if it were out in the snow, would it? That means you need to keep it at room temperature for it to maintain your body temperature effectively.
Should You Sleep With a Blanket? These 5 Benefits Say You Should
What two words come to your mind when thinking about blankets? Comfort and cosiness? Or perhaps warmth and softness? If you already have one covering you during the night, know that you are making the right choice.
Using blankets has several benefits to your physical and mental well-being. Some of them include the following.
Better Sleep
During the last several hours of the circadian rhythm, your body temperature gradually lowers. Without a blanket, you would probably become too cold and awaken from your deep slumber.
Setting the Right Mood for Sleep
A nighttime routine is essential for unwinding and relaxing. Putting on your pyjamas and crawling under a blanket signals your brain that it’s time to start feeling drowsy.
Calming Your Nervous System
The weight of a blanket calms your pulse rate and relieves anxiety. After a hard day, it’s nice to burrow under a warm, thick blanket such as the Carlisle Sherpa Blanket.
Keeping You Healthy
Poor sleep affects your immune system, making you more susceptible to illness. But using a blanket can make you peaceful and relaxed, which means fewer night awakenings.
Making You Feel Nice
Everything else notwithstanding, blankets just have a way of making you feel better and more content. And who doesn’t need such a positive mood after a long day or at the beginning of a new one?
Heavy Blankets Mean Better Sleep: Truth or Hoax?
Weighted blankets, according to experts, can improve your sleep quality. That is because they use deep pressure stimulation to relieve stress, anxiety, tension, and depression. But not everyone enjoys sleeping under a heavy blanket like the Coral Super Soft Fleece Plaid Blanket. So, it might depend on your personal preference.
That said, heavy blankets are good for people who suffer from sleep problems such as sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, or insomnia. If you are struggling with any of these health issues, consider using a weighted blanket.
But What If You Don’t Like to Sleep Under a Blanket?
Sleeping without covers is perfectly normal and fine. It’s all about making yourself comfortable. That said, you might find it more difficult to sleep peacefully without one.
Even in summer, when it’s really hot, you might want to drape a thin blanket over your body — you’ll be more rested! If this is making you too warm, there are some things you can do to cool down a bit.
Turn On a Fan
Do you want to save a few pounds over the summer? The best way to do it is to use a fan instead of your air conditioning during the night. Even when you wrap yourself in a blanket, you’ll feel cooler.
Open a Window
Opening your bedroom window will provide a cross breeze even on a humid day. But it would be best to open it a few hours before going to bed, so it doesn’t get too stuffy in your room at night.
Shower Before Going to Bed
Showering before going to bed might help you cool down. Moreover, it means you don’t have to do it in the morning, allowing you to sleep in a bit. It’s a win-win in our book!
Take Your Feet Out from Under the Covers
If you’re sweating beneath your blanket heathered fleece blanket, consider sticking your feet out from under it. That will lower your body temperature, and you’ll be able to sleep more comfortably.
Put a Towel in the Freezer
Take a wet towel or washcloth and put it in the freezer. If you feel too warm at night, you can get it and place it on your forehead. It’ll freshen you up and cool you down, allowing you to fall asleep faster.
Use a Thinner Blanket
During those warm summer nights, you can put away your fleece blankets and replace them with a thinner option. Linen, bamboo, as well as silk covers, are all great choices.
Keep Your Blinds Shut
On sunny days, close the drapes or shades in your room. By the time you want to go to sleep, your bedroom will feel cool and pleasant. In addition, it will be dark, which is ideal for a good night’s sleep.
Drink Plenty of Water
Keep track of how much water you drink during the day. If you are dehydrated, you might feel flushed and hot, making you restless at night. So, drinking enough water might help you sleep better at night.
Sleep Naked
It’s not just Joey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S — everyone should try to sleep naked at least once. If that’s not your cup of tea, no problem; comfy PJs it is. Just make sure they are made of lightweight material. Also, choose lighter-coloured pyjamas because darker hues absorb heat.
Purchase a Cooling Mattress Pad
If overheating is a problem for you, investing in a cooling mattress pad may be worthwhile. You can place it on top of your mattress to increase airflow every time you feel too warm at night. Don’t want to break your bank by buying a cooling mattress? Cooling pillows are a good and more affordable alternative.
Is There Such a Thing as Too Many Blankets?
Sadly, yes. Sleeping with too many blankets can cause overheating. In fact, experts recommend keeping your bedroom cool. That allows you to sleep better at night as well as wake up more easily the next day.
So, How Many Blankets Are Enough?
Of course, that entirely depends on your habits and the room you sleep in. But the number of blankets is less important than their quality. You need a soft, big blanket that covers your whole body and goes well past your feet.
Furthermore, having a few different kinds of blankets at home might be wise. On chilly evenings, use thick, woolly blankets; on warmer nights, use thin, lightweight kinds. Just don’t forget to wash them regularly!
Also, if you share a bed with someone, you might want to invest in another blanket like GoPromotional‘s Chatsworth Fleece Blanket. Some experts say that couples who don’t have to share a blanket tend to sleep better.
What Type of Blanket Is the Warmest?
As you probably already know, the material used determines how warm a blanket is. Generally speaking, heavier, thicker fabrics make for a cosier blanket. The thread count also affects the warmth aspect. Blankets with higher thread count and the closely woven together are thicker and cosier.
So, what kind of blanket is your safest bet on a cold night? As it turns out, any of these will do:
- Feather blanket
- Space blanket
- Cashmere blanket
- Faux fur blanket
- Mink blanket
- Fleece blanket
- Sherpa blanket
- 100% cotton blanket
- Flannel blanket
- Wool blanket
- Quilt
- Heated blanket
- Weighted blanket
- Down comforter
If you live in a colder climate, you should absolutely keep one of these blankets on hand. You’ll appreciate the added warmth!
What Is the Best Way to Store Blankets?
Blankets are amazing but a bit difficult to store because they are quite bulky and thick. So, you need to come up with a solution that will have your blankets neatly stacked without taking up too much space.
Do you need help storing blankets? Take a look at a few brilliant storage options.
- Fill an ottoman with blankets
- Hang them instead of folding them inside the closet
- Store them in a large basket or a bin
- Make use of a magazine rack
- Arrange them on a shelf
- Place blankets under the bed
- Put them on a rack
- Purchase a fashionable blanket ladder
- Drape them over a couch or a chair
- Put them away in an armoire
- Tuck blankets away into a vacuum-sealed bag
Before putting your blankets away, it might be a good idea to throw in a couple of scented dryer sheets among them. That way, you will avoid that musty odour. When it’s time to use them again, you’ll be glad for the pleasant scent!
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Final Thoughts
In many cases, a good blanket and an ice cream are all you need to feel better. The blanket will surround you with warmth and safety, while the dessert will improve your mood. And after a tough day, throwing a heavy blanket over your head as you snuggle into your bed might be just what you need to keep the world at bay.
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If you have any more questions about blankets, you can contact GoPromotional. You may call us at 0800 0148 970 or simply email us today. We have been in the business for years and know the ins and outs of the industry better than anyone. Give us a call, and let’s talk about all things blankets!
