How Many Blankets Should I Sleep With?

Each night, as we prepare to sleep, a familiar question arises: how many blankets do I need? The age-old debate of how many blankets to sleep with is a common dilemma that many of us face as we tuck ourselves into bed each night.
 

Whether you're a solo sleeper or sharing a bed with a partner, the number of blankets on your bed can significantly impact the quality of your sleep. Should you load up on layers for extra warmth, or is simplicity the key to a good night's rest? Let's explore the cozy world of blankets and find out how many are just right for you.

How Many Blankets Should You Keep?

The question of how many blankets you need for a good night's sleep is a personal one, depending on various factors. These factors include the clothes you wear to bed, whether you keep your bedroom door open or closed, the outdoor temperatures, the quality of your bedding, and your unique sleeping preferences.

For starters, the clothes you wear to bed can affect the number of blankets you need. If you sleep in lightweight pajamas, you might feel the need for an extra blanket or two to stay warm during the night. On the other hand, if you prefer sleeping in heavier attire, one blanket might suffice.

The outdoor temperatures also play a vital role. In the heart of winter, when it's freezing outside, you may find that you need more than one blanket as part of your winter bedroom makeover. It's during these chilly nights that adding an extra blanket or two can make all the difference in keeping you snug and comfortable.

The quality of your bedding matters, too. High-quality blankets can insulate better, allowing you to get by with fewer of them. So, if you have top-notch bedding, one or two blankets might be sufficient for a cozy night's rest.

Your personal sleeping preferences are crucial in determining the right number of blankets. Some people naturally prefer the feeling of being bundled up under a few layers, creating a snug, cocoon-like effect. For them, two blankets may be just right.

For most people, one to two blankets on the bed will suffice. A single blanket can trap enough warm air close to your body while adding another layer, perhaps a decorative quilt, creates extra insulation for those colder nights during the winter.

Ultimately, it's about finding the right balance to ensure a comfortable and restful night's sleep. So, whether you're a one-blanket sleeper or prefer the extra warmth of two blankets, make sure you have enough blankets to keep you cozy during those chilly nights.

How Do Blankets Keep You Warm?

Let's dive into the science of how blankets keep you warm. Blankets don't generate heat on their own. You never touch a blanket and feel it emitting warmth (unless it's a heated one, of course). Instead, it's you who creates the warmth in the blanket.

Your body is constantly giving off heat, and this heat warms the air around you. When you have layers of fabric like a blanket wrapped around you, they capture that warm air, acting like a cozy shield that keeps you toasty. This is why, when it gets too warm, we've all probably stuck a leg out from under the blankets to let that extra heat escape.

So, the next time you snuggle up in your bed, shivering, remember that it's you and your body's heat that's making the blankets work their magic. How many blankets you need to fall asleep comfortably depends on your room temperature and whether you sleep with the door open or closed.

Sleeping Alone

When you sleep alone, you're in charge of your comfort and bedding. You have a world of luxurious choices. But where do you begin?

Should you pick a down duvet insert, a down or a down alternative comforter? What about a wool blanket, a cotton blanket, a coverlet, or a box quilt?

Or perhaps you want to go with a more modern weighted blanket for a relaxing night's sleep?

A down comforter is the classic way to stay warm at night. If you're allergic to feathers, down alternative comforters are a warm choice without the allergy concerns. For medium warmth, opt for comforters filled with polyester batting.

Quilts, coverlets, polyester, flannel or cotton sheets, and cotton blankets also keep you warm when layered, but they're best for summer nights when you need just a touch of warmth.

Don't forget that your choice of bedding, be it wool blankets, duvet, comforters or quilts, even throw pillows or a bunch of sheets, plays a significant role in keeping you comfortable during the night.

Sleeping with a Partner

When you sleep with a partner, it's simple to tailor your comfort in bed. How many blankets, duvet covers and inserts do you need for a good night's sleep together? One for each of you! This way, there's no more tugging at the duvet or blanket from one side to the other.

You can even choose duvet covers with different weights to ensure everyone remains comfortable. And for easy access, consider placing separate blankets for couples side by side on your bed or storing them on an end-of-bed bench.

Dealing with Hot Flashes

If you're experiencing hot flashes and night sweats in women, it's wise to invest in a combination of thick comforters for warmth and thinner quilts, coverlets, and blankets for flexibility. This way, you can easily remove layers during the night if you suddenly feel too warm.

Keep in mind that natural materials are more breathable than synthetics, which can help regulate your temperature when you layer up at night and avoid night sweats. If you find that you sleep hot on a memory foam mattress, make adjustments to stay cool.

Try opening a window slightly for a fresh breeze. Many mattresses, whether they're memory foam or pillowtop coil spring mattresses, now come with cooling features like cooling tops or embedded cooling gel beads to address the issue of sleeping hot.

Use a lightweight down comforter and a flat top sheet to maintain an optimal sleeping temperature.

And don't forget that a cool bath before bed can also help when you're having a hard time getting comfortable and sleeping with hot flashes.

Feeling Chilly

If you tend to chill easily, you know that feeling cold can strike in a flash. You don't always have time to leave your cozy bed to add extra layers.

So, how many comforters should you have to combat the chill? Start with two. Combine a heavier comforter or a fluffy down duvet insert with a duvet cover, along with a lightweight comforter filled with polyester batting. This combination will keep you feeling warm and toasty during those chilly nights.

And remember, taking a piping hot shower before bed can help you stay cozy and enjoy a longer night's sleep.

Feeling Heavy

If you're the type of person who feels weighed down easily, that's perfectly fine. Some individuals are more sensitive to the weight of blankets and comforters.

However, there's a simple solution. When shopping for sheets, use the flat sheet that comes with the set. A flat sheet is lightweight enough to layer under a comforter or blanket, but it won't feel too weighty.

Choose a lightweight down comforter designed for sensitive sleepers who like to stay warm without feeling weighed down. With these choices, you can ensure a comfortable night's sleep without feeling like there's too much on top of you.

Having Many Guests

If you often have a lot of guests staying over, ensuring they have enough blankets to stay cozy is essential. Sometimes, one layer just isn't sufficient. For instance, if you have kids and are planning a sleepover in winter, you might need extra blankets.

Blankets and throws are more convenient to store than bulkier comforters and make it simple for guests to layer up.

You can keep them neatly organized in oversized baskets or under-bed baskets. To protect your bedding in between guest stays, consider doubling up on storage by placing them in large plastic bags before closing the lid.

With these practical tips and guest bedroom ideas, you'll have a range of blanket options and weights to make it easy for all your guests to stay comfortable and snug in beds of various sizes, from king size to queen size and twin size.

Using Blankets as Bedspreads

Making the bed can involve more than more than just arranging sheets and pillows. For many sleepers, blankets are essential for enhancing comfort and aesthetics.

After laying a fitted sheet and a flat sheet, choose a blanket that suits the season and coordinates with the bedroom decor. Spread it evenly over the bed, tucking it in for a neat appearance. Optionally, fold the top down for a polished look or drape it casually.

Once the bedspread is complete, you're free to arrange pillows on the bed as you wish. However, you needn't use a blanket to finish your bed if you don't want to.

For alternatives, quilts and coverlets offer varied options. Quilts, with their three-layer composition, provide warmth and intricate patterns. Coverlets, lightweight bed coverings, reach the top of the mattress for a polished appearance without excess warmth.

Even a duvet cover can be used as a bedspread, if you don't wish to simply store it away when the weather gets warmer.

You may also want to avoid a bedspread entirely if you're making the bed to avoid sweating at night.

Ready to Declutter Your Extra Blankets and Comforters?

Is your linen closet and storage space overflowing with extra blankets and comforters? It might be time to declutter and make space for a more organized and serene home.

Donate to Women's Shelters

Decluttering your home can be an empowering process, and one area often overlooked is the excess pile of blankets, towels, and comforters that have accumulated throughout the whole house. When you open that linen closet, you might be surprised to see how many extra blankets you have stashed away. Instead of letting them take up valuable space, consider a thoughtful and generous option – donating them to women's shelters.

These shelters provide safe and supportive environments for women and children who have experienced hardships. Blankets are a symbol of comfort and security, and they can make a world of difference to those who have slept on the shelter's other side. While it's tempting to keep half a dozen spares "just in case," the reality is that these extra blankets can be a lifeline for those who need them most.

So, as you embark on your decluttering journey, remember that by donating all the blankets that you no longer use to a women's shelter, you're not only tidying up your home but also providing warmth and comfort to those who truly need it. Your act of kindness can make a significant impact on their lives.

Donate Blankets to Animal Shelters

One area often overflowing with extra stuff is the pile of blankets that have accumulated throughout your room. Instead of letting them take up unnecessary space, consider a heartwarming and practical option – donating them to animal shelters.

Animal shelters provide a safe haven for dogs and cats in need. They depend on donations to make the animals as comfortable as possible.

Extra blankets can play a crucial role in this. They can keep the animals warm, cozy, and at ease, especially in colder seasons. Some animal shelters even turn these donated blankets into sleeping bags for newborn puppies and kittens, ensuring they stay snug and secure. Those extra blankets that are not being used can bring warmth and comfort to our furry friends in need.

After all, making room for more blankets in your closet is much easier when you know you're helping animals stay comfortable while they wait for their forever homes. Your act of kindness can truly make a significant difference in their lives. If you have other old bedding you have no further need for, ask the shelter if they will take them as well.