I Had the Deepest, Soundest Sleep of My Life Thanks to This 20-Pound Blanket

Photo credits: Instagram/Lydia McLaughlin, Teresa Giudice, Instagram/Teddi Mellencamp

I’ve said it before — while there are many, many things we all want in this life, the only thing we desperately need is sleep. And not disrupted sleep, where we’re tossing and turning all night. I’m talking a deep, continuous REM sleep, where we’re having hallucination-level dreams. That’s the goal, amiright?

If you’ve got an actual sleep problem like apnea or restless leg syndrome, or you’re like me and have kids that feel the need to wake you with their every nightmare and tinkle accident, then you’re quite familiar with broken sleep. And despite my desperate longings for more, more, MORE zzz’s, I’ve found lately that when I do have the opportunity to catch a quick nap or get to bed before midnight … I just lay there. Thinking about sleep. Stressing about sleep. Waiting for sleep. And then I usually grab my phone and spend an hour mindlessly scrolling through my social media feeds, which many studies have shown is an activity that increase stress levels and fuels insomnia.

Ironically, it was during those late night social dives when my Instagram feed started bombarding me with ads for Blanquil, the weighted “therapeutic” blanket that promises, among other things, a deeper sleep. Real Housewives like Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave, Lydia McLaughlin, Teresa Giudice, and Tamra Judge have all given the blanket shout outs on IG Stories, too, which clearly piqued my interest. I had to try it.

My Blanquil arrived a week ago, and guess what? I’ve been sleeping 10+ hours a night every night since I placed it on my bed. My 4-year-old actually woke me up this morning at 7:30 a.m., which is crazy late for us considering school starts at 8:20 a.m. I was in a dead sleep, people! Not ideal, but hey, I’ve never felt so rested! I’ve also snuck in three naps in the past week — normally, attempting to nap would prove futile and I’d give up after 20 minutes. But with the Blanquil I’m legit asleep minutes after laying down and getting cozy under my soft-as-butter weighted blanket.

How does it work? Blanquil is comprised of a high density (and non toxic!) poly pellet that is evenly distributed throughout the 48-inch by 74-inch blanket, providing a dense overall weight that the brand likens to a baby swaddle. “Blanquil is designed to hug you back at night, closely mimicking how a parent swaddles their child while they sleep,” says co-founder Phoenix Mark. The 20-pound weight of the blanket also minimizes body movement throughout the night — Read: Less tossing! Less turning! — which enables that deeper REM cycle we all want so badly.

According to recent studies, weighted blankets are so successful at relaxing the user’s nervous system that the body then increases serotonin and melatonin levels and decreases cortisol levels — a health balance that one typically needs a prescription to achieve. For decades weighted blankets and vests have been used as calming devices for anxious dogs and cats — but not on humans ... until now! Which makes the blanket great for those times you just want to chill out (and not pass out!). Had a long day at work? Stressed about a looming deadline or brunch with your fiance’s family this weekend? Grab your Blanquil, hop on your couch and get zen. Or drape it over your shoulders during your daily meditation.

Here’s what else I like: The weight is evenly distributed throughout the Blanquil. Unlike a duvet cover and insert, you’re not constantly readjusting two pieces throughout the night. Also, it’s so freaking soft. Considering I discovered this product on Instagram, I expected it to be, well, cheap-looking in person. In actuality, it feels and looks way more expensive than it is. Lastly, it’s breathable! Given its bulk and my propensity to be a hot AF sleeper, I feared I was going to be sweating the night away. Alas, I have been cool, comfortable and most importantly calm every night I’ve used it. Oh, and one more reason to love it: The cover is removable and washer-and-dryer-friendly. Amen to that.

Let’s face it: This life we live is chaotic and stressful. Regular deep sleep is the best weapon we have in our arsenals to lead productive and happy lives. If sleep and the ability to truly relax currently evades you, I can attest that Blanquil will fix that real quick.