Do Weighted Blankets Work?

From chronic pain to insomnia and anxiety, weighted blankets help people overcome all kinds of barriers to sleep. They may come across as just another trendy wellness item, but research shows that they’re the real deal. In clinical studies and homes alike, these body-hugging comforters have proven time and time again to provide genuinely therapeutic sleep aid. But how, exactly, do weighted blankets work? Are weighted blankets hot? How heavy should the blanket be? This article will answer all your questions about the popular sleep accessory, spotlight some of the best weighted blankets on the market, and guide you through selecting weighted blankets for adults.

The Science of Deep Pressure Stimulation

Weighted blankets are therapeutic blankets with quilted pockets of heavy beads that deliver gentle, even pressure across the body. Simply put, these heavy blankets provide a sensation similar to a full-body hug. When explained like a hug, anyone can understand why a weighted blanket might be comforting, but there is science behind it too. Weighted blankets provide full-body sensory stimulation, otherwise known as deep pressure stimulation, a soothing technique long employed by occupational therapists. This even stimulation helps to regulate the nervous system in several crucial ways:

• Decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol
• Increases levels of “happy hormones,” like serotonin and endorphins
• Stimulates the digestive tract
• Slows high-energy body functions, including blood pressure and heart rate

Because of these calming effects, deep pressure stimulation has been used to soothe individuals with sensory processing disorders, autism, attention deficit disorder, and more.

Benefits of Sleeping with a Weighted Blanket

Outside of a clinical context, humans utilize deep pressure stimulation all the time. It is the reason why swaddling helps to calm restless babies or why a big hug can help you feel relaxed. Weighted blankets extend the use of deep pressure stimulation to sleep. One 2008 study found that when using a 30-lb weighted blanket, 63% of subjects reported lower anxiety levels, and 78% of subjects found it to be calming. By reproducing the sensation of deep pressure stimulation and its clinical benefits, weighted blankets help people overcome all kinds of sleep barricades, including:

• Chronic pain and arthritis
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• General anxiety
• Insomnia

Considering the anxiety and stress insomnia triggered by the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, it’s no surprise that weighted blankets have seen a spike in popularity in the last year. People all over the world have been struggling with anxiety-induced sleep troubles, and weighted blankets provide the security and soothing touch anxious sleepers need to peacefully doze off. Of course, you don’t have to suffer from any particular sleep problem to benefit from a weighted blanket. The body-hugging comfort of a weighted blanket can help maximize deep, restorative sleep for anyone who wants to improve or make the most of their slumber.

Choosing Weighted Blankets for Adults

Shopping for a weighted blanket is like shopping for any other kind of bedding. You should consider the different types of weighted blankets available and compare them to your needs as a sleeper. First, consider the weight of the blanket itself. Do you need a lighter blanket or a heavier one? Most weighted blankets weigh between 10 and 30 pounds. A good rule of thumb is to choose a blanket that weighs around 10% of your body weight. Next, choose your preferred batting. Weighted blankets come with a variety of batting materials, including plastic pellets, steel bearing balls, sand, or foam pellets, to name a few. However, most of the top weighted blankets, including those from luxury sleep brands Saatva and Dreamcloud, use all-natural glass balls for batting.

Finally, you need to consider the material of the blanket. If you are a warm sleeper, you may wonder, “are weighted blankets hot?” Thankfully, due to advancements in sleep technology, weighted blankets provide temperature-regulated comfort all year round. If you tend to sleep hot, we recommend trying out Nectar’s Serenity Sleep Weighted Blanket, which features dual temperature fabric. On one side, snuggle up with warm mink; on the other, stay fresh with breathable bamboo fabric and cooling Phase Change Material (PCM).

Shop Top Weighted Blankets Today

Whether you grapple with a condition that is keeping you up at night or you simply want to improve your slumber, a weighted blanket offers the soothing comfort you need. Browse the brand reviews on our site to discover the best weighted blankets on the market and be on your way to deeper, more rejuvenating sleep.