In recent years, weighted blankets have surged in popularity as a tool for enhancing sleep and reducing stress. Unlike traditional blankets, these are filled with materials like glass beads or pellets to provide gentle, even pressure—a concept known as deep pressure stimulation. Imagine the comfort you’d feel from a hug.
Below, we explore the top 5 evidence-backed advantages of weighted blankets.
Weighted blankets apply deep pressure stimulation, which mimics the sensation of a therapeutic hug. This pressure activates the parasympathetic nervous system, slowing heart rate and promoting relaxation.
Key Findings:
A study on adults with insomnia found that using a weighted blanket (~10% of body weight) for 10 nights reduced the time it took to fall asleep and improved subjective sleep quality.
A 16-week sleep intervention showed that children with ADHD experienced fewer nighttime awakenings and longer sleep duration when using weighted blankets consistently.
How It Works: The pressure stimulates the release of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that converts to melatonin, the hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles.
The gentle pressure of a weighted blanket triggers a calming effect by lowering cortisol (the stress hormone) and increasing dopamine and serotonin levels.
Key Findings:
Research highlights weighted blankets as effective tools for reducing anxiety in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder and sensory processing challenges.
A study on hospitalized patients showed reduced anxiety during medical procedures when using weighted blankets.
Why It Matters: For those who constantly experience anxiety, the weighted blanket is another tool for them to try and lower their anxiety levels. Weighted blankets are also particularly beneficial for those with autism, ADHD, or chronic stress, offering a non-pharmacological way to manage symptoms.
Improved sleep and reduced anxiety naturally lead to better mood and cognitive performance.
Key Findings:
Users report heightened daytime alertness, improved concentration, and more stable emotional states.
By addressing sleep disruptions, weighted blankets help break the cycle of fatigue and irritability linked to poor rest.
Pro Tip: Pair our Weighted Blanket with a consistent bedtime routine to maximize mood-enhancing benefits.
The deep pressure sensation creates a “swaddling” effect, offering emotional grounding for those who feel overstimulated, such as children with sensory processing issues or those who feel overwhelmed or overstimulated.
The blanket’s weight can help regulate sensory input and promote a calm, grounded state
Key Findings:
Individuals with sensory processing disorders often seek tactile input, and weighted blankets provide a safe, controlled source of comfort.
The blanket’s weight can reduce feelings of overwhelm, making it easier to transition into restful states.
Emerging research suggests weighted blankets can complement treatment for specific health issues:
Condition |
Potential Benefit |
Restless Leg Syndrome |
Reduces discomfort and urge to move limbs during rest. |
Fibromyalgia |
Soothes muscle pain and improves sleep continuity. |
Chronic Pain Conditions |
Distracts from pain cycles through tactile focus. |
Weighted blankets are more than a trend. They’re a tool for improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and enhancing quality of life. Whether you struggle with insomnia or simply seek deeper relaxation, the Weighted Blanket offers a risk-free way to experience these benefits with our 30-night trial.
While weighted blankets offer numerous benefits, it’s important to introduce them gradually to ensure comfort and safety, especially if you’re new to the sensation of deep pressure stimulation.
Here are some step-by-step tips to help you ease into using a weighted blanket:
Start with Short Sessions: Begin by using the weighted blanket for 15 to 30 minutes at a time, such as during relaxation or reading, before using it overnight. This helps your body adjust to the pressure gradually.
Use It During Pre-Sleep Calm Activities: Increase your session to one hour and try the blanket while watching TV or meditating to get accustomed to the sensation in a low-stress setting.
Use It Only on Your Legs: When you’re ready to sleep with the weighted blanket, it’s not necessary to use it on your whole body immediately. You can first use it only on the lower half of your body (hips downwards) to ease your body into an all-night weighted blanket experience.
The Whole Weighted Blanket Experience: If and when you want to start sleeping with the full blanket, go for it! Remember you can still get the benefits of the weighted blanket at any of the steps above (or anywhere in between). This is all based on personal preference, so find the right one for you!
Choose the Right Weight: Select a blanket that is about 5% and 12% of your body weight.
Monitor Your Comfort: Pay attention to how your body responds. If you feel any discomfort, overheating, or restricted breathing, remove the blanket and try again later. Our weighted blanket is designed with a very cooling bamboo fabric that will snuggle you but do it without overheating your body!
Avoid Use in Certain Situations: Weighted blankets are not recommended for infants, people with respiratory or circulatory issues, or those who have trouble moving the blanket independently.
Weighted blankets are more than a trend. They’re an easy, accessible tool for improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and enhancing quality of life. Whether you struggle with insomnia or simply seek deeper relaxation, the Weighted Blanket offers a risk-free way to experience these benefits with our 30-night trial.