I originally wanted a weighted blanket for two reasons. If I don’t get enough sleep, I get really exhausted, so I’m always keen to try out the new thing that promises a better rest. But also because the feeling of being “hugged” at night sounded really appealing to my single ass. When I decided to buy one, the Gravity Blanket was top of mind (thanks to Instagram and its algorithm), but way out of my price range. So I went to The Strategist — this was before I started working for it — to find a more affordable option and settled on the 15-pound version of the YnM Cooling Weighted Blanket, which came recommended by experts and is one of the best-rated options on Amazon.
I now define my life as pre–YnM blanket and post–YnM blanket. Pre-YnM, it took me what felt like forever to fall asleep. And I didn’t just have trouble falling asleep, I couldn’t stay asleep either. Even if I had the time to get a full eight hours in (which was rare), I’d still wake up around the five-hour mark — and always stayed awake once I did. My post-YnM sleep life, though, is very different.
Using the blanket, I couldn’t tell you how long it takes me to fall asleep, because I’m actually sleeping instead of having nightly staring contests with my ceiling. I just get in bed, shimmy around a little to make sure the blanket’s glass beads are hugging me in all the right places, close my eyes — and without fail I conk out in what seems like no time at all. Aside from helping me get to sleep, I find the blanket helps me sleep deeper, too. Like some weighted blankets (including the newest Gravity Blankets), this promises a “cooling” aspect; lying under it doesn’t feel like an ice bath, but as someone who sleeps hot, I will say using the blanket doesn’t make me any hotter, even on warmer nights. Sometimes I’ll still wake up earlier than I need (or should), but when I do, I feel energized in the same way I would after a full eight hours. I’m refreshed and ready to get moving.
I should note that it took a few nights of getting used to the blanket before I fell into my new blissful bedtime routine. Its added pressure can be awkward at first, and pulling the blanket all the way up to my neck can still feel suffocating. Also, my specific blanket is bamboo — but since I sleep with it on top of my duvet, I don’t really notice the fabric and suspect its cotton sister (which weighs the same and is even better rated) will function very similarly. Long term, I still hope to find a real partner who can also hug me at night. I just hope he’s okay with group hugs, because I don’t plan on getting rid of my blanket.
More weighted blankets we like on sale for Prime Day
My bamboo version of the blanket, which is a bit more expensive, but also on sale.
And if you want the real thing, the Gravity Blanket is still on sale for Prime Day.
The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
