Can A Weighted Blanket Reduce Anxiety?

21 minutes read

Weighted blankets are often discussed in the context of their potential to reduce anxiety. These blankets are heavier than typical ones and are designed to provide deep touch pressure, a form of tactile sensory input thought to stimulate the release of serotonin and reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. The idea is that the weight of the blanket acts like a comforting hug, which can help to calm the nervous system, improve mood, and promote relaxation. Many individuals report feeling more secure, comfortable, and less anxious when using a weighted blanket. While anecdotal evidence is abundant, scientific research on the subject is still developing. Some studies suggest potential benefits, but more comprehensive research is needed to fully understand their efficacy in reducing anxiety. As with any therapy, it's important for individuals to consider personal preference and individual needs when deciding to use a weighted blanket.

Best Weighted Blankets of February 2025

1
Wemore Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket for Adult 15 lbs Dual Sided Cozy Fluffy Heavy Blanket,Ultra Fuzzy Throw Blanket with Soft Plush Flannel Top,60 x 80 inches Black on Both Sides

Rating is 5 out of 5

Wemore Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket for Adult 15 lbs Dual Sided Cozy Fluffy Heavy Blanket,Ultra Fuzzy Throw Blanket with Soft Plush Flannel Top,60 x 80 inches Black on Both Sides

  • Ideal Double Side: The Sherpa fleece weighted blanket features 220 GSM ultra-soft fleece top and 220 GSM fuzzy Sherpa reverse that are grey both ways. The uniformed color offers a fresh sensation of peace and gets tranquil and profound sleep
  • Intimate Sleep Companion: The weight from the blanket provides the right amount of pressure to make you feel sure and reliable, induce quiet sleep. The fluffy texture of fleece and Sherpa offers a velvety soft touch to comfort you through the night
  • The Size to Fit: Physiotherapists suggest choose a heavy blanket about 8% - 12% of your body weight. Start off with a lighter weight and pick the blanket appropriate to your own comfort range. It may take 3 - 5 days to get used the blanket’s weight and fully enjoy its benefit
2
Cottonblue Weighted Blanket 15 lbs Queen Size 60x80 inches, Flannel Shaggy Sherpa Weighted Blanket for Adults Comfortable Weighted Blankets for Calming and Relax, Bed Sofa Heavy Blankets, Grey

Rating is 4.9 out of 5

Cottonblue Weighted Blanket 15 lbs Queen Size 60x80 inches, Flannel Shaggy Sherpa Weighted Blanket for Adults Comfortable Weighted Blankets for Calming and Relax, Bed Sofa Heavy Blankets, Grey

  • Live in the Cloud: Feel what it is like to live in the cloud thanks to Sherpa fleece weighted blanket with 220 GSM smooth fleece on one side and 220 GSM fluffy Sherpa on the other. Enjoy luxurious softness while you are resting, watching TV, taking a nap or enjoying outdoor activities
  • Improve Your Sleep Quality: Sherpa weighted blanket gently cuddles you to make you relaxed and boost natural sleep. Stop tossing and turning in bed all night and start enjoying quality sleep that you deserve
  • Durable & Easy Maintenance: Sherpa fleece blanket with incredible fade and stain resistance remains as good as new even after several years of service. Spot clean or commercial machine wash if contaminated. It is recommended to hang to dry or tumble dry in low heat if necessary. It would be a perfect ideal for your family and friends
  • Industry-Leading Craftsmanship: Weighted blanket applies safe and natural ceramic beads filling in a 7-layer design. Wrapped with extra fabric layer and non-glue polyester fibers, these beads are securely locked in the smaller compartments for even distribution in case of any leakage or rustling
3
ZonLi Weighted Blanket (60"x80", 20lbs, Dark Grey) Queen Size Weighted Blanket for Adults, High Breathability Heavy Blanket, Soft Material with Premium Glass Beads

Rating is 4.8 out of 5

ZonLi Weighted Blanket (60"x80", 20lbs, Dark Grey) Queen Size Weighted Blanket for Adults, High Breathability Heavy Blanket, Soft Material with Premium Glass Beads

  • 【HOW TO CHOOSE WEIGHT】For a weighted blanket, the optimal weight is around 8%-10% of your body weight based on experiments and market research. The 20lb weighted blanket is suitable for adults weighing between 200lb and 220lb. Please allow your body 7-10 days to adjust to the weighted blankets when using it for the first time.
  • 【SLEEP BENEFITS】 ZONLI weighted blanket Queen provides a natural way to relax your body and achieve a restful sleep. When you use it, its weight provides you with a sense of comforting hug .
  • 【UPGRADED 2.0 VERSION】ZONLI queen size weighted blanket features 5"x5" small compartments. In the 2.0 version, we have upgraded the precision stitching technique, increasing the stitch count and adding two layers of protective lining for the beads. You don't need to worry about bead leakage or shifting. Moreover, the upgraded version uses glass beads that have better heat absorption, ensuring a comfortable temperature throughout the year.
4
Weighted Idea Weighted Blanket for Adults (Dark Grey,48"x72",15lbs) Cooling Breathable Heavy Blanket with Premium Glass Beads All-Season Soft Thick Blanket

Rating is 4.7 out of 5

Weighted Idea Weighted Blanket for Adults (Dark Grey,48"x72",15lbs) Cooling Breathable Heavy Blanket with Premium Glass Beads All-Season Soft Thick Blanket

  • 【DESIGNED WITH REAL SLEEP SCIENCE】 The Weighted Blanket 15lb mimicks a technique called Deep Pressure Stimulation (DPS) to reduces stress source while increase happy source and sleepy source. End result: you fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and feel more rested after.
  • 【CHOOSE RIGHT WEIGHT & SIZE】 For the weighted blanket, The optimal comfort weight is approximately7%-12% of your body weight. Our cooling weighted blanket is smaller than regular comforters, because it is designed to effectively cover your body, so the weighted blanket would not hang over the edge of your bed. Please don't mistake it as incorrect size when you get it.
  • 【GUARANTEED MATERIALS】 The weighted blanket 15 pounds is made of fabric certified by OEKO-Tex, which is comfortable touch, breathable, and provides a slight cooling sensation. The upgraded version is filled with RECYCLABLE glass beads, offering the appropriate weight with cooling in summer and warmth in winter.
  • 【UPGRADED 3.0 DESIGN】 The upgraded 5+2 layer lining design, combined with precise stitching craftsmanship, prevents bead leakage. The small enough 5”x5”compartments design ensures that the glass beads remain fixed in each compartment, ensuring even weight distribution of the twin weighted blanket.
5
Bare Home Weighted Blanket Twin or Full Size 10lb (40" x 60") - Minky Fleece - Premium Heavy Blanket Nontoxic Glass Beads (Grey, 40"x60")

Rating is 4.6 out of 5

Bare Home Weighted Blanket Twin or Full Size 10lb (40" x 60") - Minky Fleece - Premium Heavy Blanket Nontoxic Glass Beads (Grey, 40"x60")

  • SOOTHING COMFORT: A weighted blanket provides gentle, comforting pressure that can help to reduce tossing and turning, making it easier to fall and stay asleep. Made with all-natural materials such as cotton fabric and irritant-free filling, it is gentle on the skin and will not irritate those with sensitivities. And beyond its practical uses, a weighted blanket also works as a calming tool for toddlers and children, helping to soothe them like a gentle hug.
  • CARE INSTRUCTIONS: Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle. Hand wash or dry clean if needed. Hang dry or air dry. Pair with a Bare Home duvet cover or weighted blanket cover in the appropriate size to protect your weighted blanket and reduce cleaning time.
  • REST ASSURED: We take every measure to ensure that our products are of the highest quality. Sleep on them for 30 nights. If you are still not satisfied, contact our live customer service team and we'll make it right.
6
yescool Weighted Blanket for Adults (20 lbs, 60” x 80”, Grey) Cooling Heavy Blanket for Sleeping Perfect for 190-210 lbs, Queen Size Breathable Blanket with Premium Glass Bead, Machine Washable

Rating is 4.5 out of 5

yescool Weighted Blanket for Adults (20 lbs, 60” x 80”, Grey) Cooling Heavy Blanket for Sleeping Perfect for 190-210 lbs, Queen Size Breathable Blanket with Premium Glass Bead, Machine Washable

  • 🌙【CHOOSE RIGHT SIZE】: Weighted blanket which owns 10% of your body weight is recommended. 20 lb weighted blanket queen size is perfect for adult 190-210 lbs, also fit couple, you can use it in you queen size bed.
  • 🌙【TIGHTLY STITCHING&DURABILE】: Our weighted blanket for women&man composed of 5"x5" small enough compartments stitched by high-density 15000 stitches to tightly make glass beads stay put in the square all the time to bring you a more durable weighted blanket with no glass beads leakage.
  • 🌙【DECENT GIFT IDEA】: Receiving gifts is fun while finding gift ideas, errrr...not so much. What could beat a weighted blanket used for every sleep as gifts for men, women, couples, everyone,Mother's Day? Just handing out gifts and waiting for their surprise expression.
7
Topcee Weighted Blanket (20lbs 60"x80" Queen Size) for Adult All-Season Summer Fall Winter Cooling Breathable Heavy Microfiber Material with Glass Beads Big Blanket Soft Thick Comfort

Rating is 4.4 out of 5

Topcee Weighted Blanket (20lbs 60"x80" Queen Size) for Adult All-Season Summer Fall Winter Cooling Breathable Heavy Microfiber Material with Glass Beads Big Blanket Soft Thick Comfort

  • 【PREMIUM MATERIAL】 - Topcee weighted blanket is made of soft breathable microfiber material and filled with 0.8-1 mm non-toxic hypo-allergenic glass beads. This blanket could providing a cooling sensation in the summer & a breathable warmth in the winter.
  • 【RECOMMENDED WEIGHT/SIZE】 - Please choose 8%-12% of your body weight, which would help you sleep better and faster. We recommend 48''x72'' for twin bed, 60''x80'' for queen bed. This weighted throw blanket not only can be used at sleep, but also can be used while reading, relaxing, or meditating.
  • 【Precise positioning technology of glass beads】- We have observed that for weighted blankets, the biggest problem is that as the beads move in the blanket, the weight becomes more and more uneven. To solve this problem, we designed a professional tool to fill glass beads. This tool makes the beads evenly distributed in the blanket. At the same time, we use high-strength sewing thread, which is very strong to ensure that the beads will not enter another area from one area during use of blanket.
8
Weighted Blanket for Adults (12lbs, 48"x72" Twin Size) - Cooling and Breathable Heavy Blanket for 110-130lbs with Premium Glass Beads - Soft Thick Blanket for All-Season Sleeping Comfort - Grey

Rating is 4.3 out of 5

Weighted Blanket for Adults (12lbs, 48"x72" Twin Size) - Cooling and Breathable Heavy Blanket for 110-130lbs with Premium Glass Beads - Soft Thick Blanket for All-Season Sleeping Comfort - Grey

  • MAGICAL SLEEPING: A weighted blanket molds to your body like a warm hug, provides you with a comfortable and warm sleeping atmosphere, Make sure that every morning makes you full of energy and feeling relaxed. Our kids weighted blanket 7 lbs wraps and calm your body with enough weight to bring you the feeling of embrace and safety to make you sleep until morning.
  • MATERIAL FABRIC: The material of weighted blanket is microfiber polyester, which is stronger, more elastic & comfortable. The heavy blanket contains environmentally friendly glass beads, which are breathable & tasteless.
  • UNIQUE CRAFTSMANSHIP: When sewing our weighted blankets, we use double-wrapped threads to make the sewing around the heavy blanket firmer. Needle pitch 1"/9 stitches (including quilting stitch length, to ensure that the glass beads inside the heavy blanket do not run away move). One loop on each of the four corners and one loop on each of the four sides (1cm wide*6cm long, fixed by turning back stitch), a total of 8 loops, easy to install the duvet cover.
9
Weighted Blanket (Dark Grey,48"x72"-15lbs) Cooling Breathable Heavy Blanket Microfiber Material with Glass Beads Big Blanket for Adult All-Season Summer Fall Winter Soft Thick Comfort Blanket

Rating is 4.2 out of 5

Weighted Blanket (Dark Grey,48"x72"-15lbs) Cooling Breathable Heavy Blanket Microfiber Material with Glass Beads Big Blanket for Adult All-Season Summer Fall Winter Soft Thick Comfort Blanket

  • Premuim Material: The weighted blanket is made of soft breathable microfiber material and filled with 0.8-1 mm non-toxic hypo-allergenic glass beads. This blanket could providing a cooling sensation in the summer and a breathable warmth in the winter
  • Recommended Weight Size: Please choose 7%-12% of your body weight which would help you sleep better. We recommend 48''x72'' for twin bed, 60''x80'' for queen bed. This weighted throw blanket can be used while sleeping, reading, relaxing, or meditating
  • About Size: Weighted blanket is much smaller than ordinary blanket, because it is supposed to concentrate the weight on human body so the weighted blanket would not hang over the edge of your bed. Please don't mistake it as incorrect size when you get it
  • Pleasant Shopping Experience: If it is the first time to use a weighted blanket, it usually takes about a week to adjust to the weight of the blanket. If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, We are always happy to hear from you


What is the best weighted blanket for anxiety?

Choosing the best weighted blanket for anxiety can depend on individual preferences and needs, such as weight, fabric, and budget. However, several options are highly recommended based on expert reviews and user feedback:

  1. YnM Weighted Blanket: Known for its extensive range of sizes, weights, and colors, it uses a 7-layer system designed to contour to your body for a more restful sleep.
  2. Gravity Blanket: Often credited with popularizing weighted blankets, its quality materials and thoughtful design make it a top choice. It offers luxurious touches like a micro-plush, removable duvet cover.
  3. Bearaby Cotton Napper: This is a knitted weighted blanket that is both breathable and aesthetically pleasing, handcrafted from organic cotton, which is great for those who want natural materials.
  4. Brooklinen Weighted Comforter: It combines the benefits of a weighted blanket with the look and feel of a duvet, using glass beads for weight and offering a very plush experience.
  5. Baloo Weighted Blanket: This blanket stands out for its eco-friendly approach, using lead-free glass microbeads and cotton. It's also machine washable, which adds to convenience.


When selecting a weighted blanket for anxiety, consider factors such as the appropriate weight (usually about 10% of your body weight), the climate (some blankets are more breathable than others), and whether you prefer eco-friendly materials. Always check customer reviews and potential return policies to ensure satisfaction with your purchase.


How does a weighted blanket compare to other anxiety solutions?

Weighted blankets have gained popularity as a tool for managing anxiety, offering a unique and tactile form of comfort. Here's how they compare to other anxiety solutions:

  1. Mechanism: Weighted blankets provide deep pressure stimulation (DPS), which can promote relaxation and a sense of security, similar to the feeling of being hugged. This is different from other solutions like medication or therapy that might focus on altering brain chemistry or thought patterns.
  2. Non-Invasive: Unlike medication, which can have side effects and requires a prescription, weighted blankets are non-invasive and can be used at home without the need for medical oversight.
  3. Complementary: Weighted blankets can easily be used alongside other anxiety treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), meditation, or medication, to enhance overall effectiveness.
  4. Cost: A one-time purchase of a weighted blanket might be more affordable in the long run compared to ongoing therapy sessions or prescription medications, though the initial cost can be higher than some other non-medical interventions like meditation apps.
  5. Accessibility: Weighted blankets are accessible without a prescription and can be used by anyone, making them an appealing option for immediate relief. However, they may not be suitable for everyone, such as individuals with certain medical conditions like respiratory or circulatory problems.
  6. Limited Scope: While they can help with symptoms of anxiety, weighted blankets do not address the underlying causes or psychological components of anxiety, which therapies like CBT aim to do.
  7. Personal Preference: Some individuals may find weighted blankets comforting and effective, while others may not enjoy the sensation or may find it insufficient alone for managing anxiety.


In summary, while weighted blankets can be a valuable tool for anxiety relief, they are most effective when used as part of a broader anxiety management strategy that may include other treatments.


How to determine the correct weight for a child's weighted blanket?

Determining the correct weight for a child's weighted blanket involves considering their body weight and ensuring safety and comfort. A common guideline is to select a blanket that is approximately 10% of the child's body weight. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you:

  1. Calculate the Weight: Measure the child’s weight and calculate 10% of that number. For instance, if a child weighs 50 pounds, the blanket should ideally weigh around 5 pounds.
  2. Add a Small Buffer (+1-2 pounds): Some practitioners recommend adding a small amount to the 10% guideline, such as 1-2 extra pounds, to ensure the blanket is effective. For a 50-pound child, this could mean a 6-7 pound blanket.
  3. Consider Blanket Size: Choose an appropriate size for the blanket that matches the size of the child’s bed. The blanket should cover the child from the neck down but not hang over the sides of the bed.
  4. Consult with Professionals: If your child has specific health needs or conditions, consult with an occupational therapist or pediatrician for personalized advice.
  5. Safety Precautions: Ensure the child can remove the blanket on their own to avoid any risk of suffocation. Do not use weighted blankets for children under 2 years old due to safety concerns.
  6. Monitor Usage: Start by using the blanket for short periods and observe how the child responds to it. Adjust the weight or type of blanket if needed.


By following these steps, you can help ensure that the weighted blanket provides comfort and relaxation without compromising on safety.


How can weighted blankets help with insomnia?

Weighted blankets can be beneficial for people with insomnia by providing several therapeutic effects. Here’s how they might help:

  1. Deep Pressure Stimulation: Weighted blankets apply gentle, even pressure across the body, which is similar to the sensation of being held or hugged. This deep pressure stimulation has been shown to increase the release of serotonin, a chemical in the body that helps regulate mood and promote relaxation.
  2. Reduction in Anxiety: Many people with insomnia also struggle with anxiety. The calming effects of a weighted blanket can help reduce anxiety levels, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night.
  3. Increased Melatonin Production: The pressure from the blanket can also encourage the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep-wake cycles.
  4. Improved Sleep Quality: By promoting relaxation and reducing stress, weighted blankets can help improve overall sleep quality, leading to deeper, more restful sleep.
  5. Decreased Movement: The added weight can make people feel more settled and less likely to toss and turn, which can help reduce disruptions during sleep.


It's important for individuals considering a weighted blanket to choose the right weight and size for their body to maximize benefits and ensure comfort. Usually, a blanket that is about 10% of your body weight is recommended. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns or medical conditions that might be affected by the use of a weighted blanket.

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