Many people in the world struggle with anxiety. Some of the most common symptoms are insomnia, restlessness, and agitation.
Luckily there are many things you can do to help reduce your anxiety level. One method that has been gaining popularity over recent years is weighted blankets for anxiety.
Do they work? That’s what we’ll be exploring in this article.
Why do heavy blankets help with anxiety?
There are a few reasons why weighted blankets may help people with anxiety. First, the weight of the blanket can be comforting and provide a sense of security.
Additionally, the pressure from the blanket may help to release serotonin, which is known to have calming effects.
Benefits of using a Weighted Blankets for Anxiety
There are many benefits to using a weighted blanket. Some of the most common include:
– improved sleep quality
– reduced anxiety levels
– decreased stress levels
– better moods
– increased focus
– deep pressure stimulation
Deep Pressure Stimulation
Weighted blankets work by providing deep pressure stimulation. This is a type of tactile input that has been shown to be calming and relaxing.
Studies have found that deep pressure stimulation can help with conditions such as autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, and anxiety.
How to Choose the Right Weighted Blanket for You or Your Kids?
When looking for a weighted blanket, it’s important to find one that is the right size and weight for you.
You want the weighted blanket to be large enough so that it covers your body, but not too heavy that it becomes uncomfortable.
Most weighted blankets weigh between five and fifteen pounds, but you can find ones that are heavier and lighter than this.
It’s also important to choose a blanket with breathable materials, such as cotton or flannel. This helps prevent the accumulation of heat and ensures that you stay comfortable during use.
If possible, it can be helpful to try out different types of weighted blankets in person before making your purchase.
Here are some of the best weighted blankets for anxiety available today:
9 Best Weighted Blankets to Ease Stress and Anxiety
Shop weighted blankets on Amazon
Best Weighted Blankets for Anxiety in Adults
Topblan Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket (12-20 lbs)
Topblan Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket is the perfect solution for anyone who has trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.
This weighted blanket simulates deep pressure touch/cuddles and offers an ideal weight to induce deep sleep. Snuggle up in this luxurious fleece / Sherpa blend and drift off into the most restful dreamland you ever had!
You can finally get a good night’s rest with our weighted blanket. It features 220GSM cloud-soft fleece top and 220GSM shaggy Sherpa reverse, which offer ultimate comfort and warmth.
The uniformed color brings on a tranquil, cozy, and simplistic presence to stimulate deep sleep while offering reliable design fitted with non-toxic ceramic beads – providing softness and quietness so it doesn’t disturb your partner when they are trying to sleep too!
Pros:
- The beads are equally divided across the blanket, which is stitched in each square pocket.
- Premium feel and touch stimulation with the Topblan lambwool-like luxurious fleece.
- Reliable design fitted with non-toxic ceramic beads – providing softness and quietness.
- Made from high quality materials that will last a lifetime so you don’t have to worry about replacing it anytime soon
- 30 risk free return policy & LIFETIME warranty.
Cons:
- Premium price tag, premium product.
- This blanket is too heavy for a household washing machine. It’s recommended to use commercial washing machines or spot cleaning.
Hypnoser Weighted Blankets Twin Size (10-20 lbs)
The Hypnoser Weighted Blanket is the perfect way to relax and de-stress. The Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation that it provides simulates the feeling of being held, helping you feel grounded, relaxed and secure.
This heavy blanket gives you all the benefits of a deep tissue massage. The gentle pressure applied to your body helps you relax and de-stress, while the soft, plush fabric keeps you comfortable all night long.
Pros:
- The greatest feature of this blanket is that it does not use pellets, and uses sand instead. This means that there will be no noise made when you move around or toss and turn in your sleep. Additionally, the sand inside is non-toxic and will not leak out over time.
- Budget friendly.
- Premium material – The Hypnoser Weighted Blanket is made of high-quality materials that will not peel, fade or shrink over time.
- The weight of the blanket is evenly distributed across the surface, providing consistent pressure all night long.
- Easy to clean. The blanket is machine washable on low setting, and you can hang it up to dry
- Three year warranty and amazing support team – If you have any problems with your blanket, the team at Hypnoser is available to help.
Cons:
- Some users will need a few nights to get used to the weight of the blanket, as it is heavier than a traditional duvet or quilt.
- Some customers experience sand spillage with their weighted blanket. That said, all of them reported that their refund or replacement was easy to acquire.
HAYI Weighted Blanket for Adults (15 lbs)
This weighted blanket has been designed with premium fabric and glass beads to ensure comfortability throughout the year for hot sleepers who tend to overheat at night or those who live in colder climates during winter months.
The breathable material also helps keep moisture away from your skin as well as minimize leakage from the glass beads within each pocket so there won’t be any mess left behind on your bedding after use!
The weight of the blanket makes it easier to calm down so that you can focus on getting to sleep faster.
Pros:
- Breathable material makes it cooler to sleep under during summer. Great as a cooling blanket.
- Perfect for people who weigh between 90-180 lbs
- Made of 100% high-quality breathable cotton and non-toxic, non-harmful glass beads.
- Amazing quality for the price tag.
Cons:
- For new users, it may take 5-7 days to get used to the weight of this blanket.
- Product doesn’t come with wash instructions, but you can follow this YouTube tutorial to clean it.
Sagino Heavy Cooling Weighted Blankets (15-20 lbs)
**Comes with a free weighted eye mask**
Sagino Heavy Cooling Weighted Blankets are one of the best weighted blankets in the market right now.
They’re made with 7 layers of micro-glass beads that insulate your body heat and keep you cool all night long. The high-density sewing technology ensures that these beads will never leak out, so they won’t leave any mess behind when you take off your blanket.
This weighted blanket is perfect for anyone who wants to stay cool while sleeping or relaxing in their home. You can even use it as a throw while chilling on the couch taking a nap!
The pockets are smaller than other brands in order to secure the beads from leaking inside of the blanket and distribute glass beads inside the weighted blanket evenly, Which ensures the blanket will hug your entire body as you get a good night’s rest.
Note: Pregnant women and toddlers under the age of three shouldn’t be using weighted blankets. Avoid covering your face with a gravity blanket to prevent trouble with breathing when sleeping.
Pros:
- Smaller Pockets + high-density stitching to prevent leakage.
- 100% Oeko-Tex certified cotton weighted blanket
- Comes with a weighted eye mask for free!
- Great price
Cons:
- Too heavy for toddlers or pregnant women
- Blanket isn’t designed to go in the washing machine, the manufacturer recommends only to wash the outer layer.
Lofus Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blanket For Adults (15-20 lbs)
Are you looking for a weighted blanket that is both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing?
The Lofus Sherpa Fleece Weighted Blankets are an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-quality product that will last them years to come.
Sleep tight with this weighted blanket from Lofus! With its unique 7-layer construction, this fleece weight blanket ensures maximum comfort while keeping noise down to a minimum.
And with its fade resistant design, there’s no need to worry about stains ruining the look of your favorite bedding accessory ever again!
Pros:
- Durable and Easy Cleaning.
- Industry-Leading Craftsmanship – Unique 7-layer construction ensures sleepers to experience maximum softness.
- The material is suitable for winter nights as it is warm and cozy.
- Gentle pressure on the body with its plastic pellets evenly spread throughout the entire blanket
Cons:
- This is a warm blanket, and is not recommended for use in the summer months.
- A bit expensive compared to other weighted blankets on this list. However, it’s a high-quality product that will last you for years!
Coolplus Sherpa Weighted Blanket (12-15 lbs)
Are you looking for a weighted blanket that is both comfortable and stylish?
The Coolplus Sherpa Weighted Blanket is the perfect solution. It’s soft, warm, and provides just enough weight to help with anxiety or sleep issues without being too heavy.
Made with high standards, premium polyester, meticulous craftsmanship, and rigorous quality control all distinguish our weighted blanket. This lightweight yet heavy enough blanket will be your favorite go-to item in your house!
Plus it comes in a variety of colors so you can find one that matches your style!
Pros:
- Comes with lifetime warranty.
- Made with premium polyester, meticulous craftsmanship.
- Evenly dispersed weighted blanket.
- Varied texture with it’s reversible design.
- Odorless craftsmanship with non-glue paddling.
Cons:
- Fleece material is not suitable for tumble drying, can only be flat dried/hang dry.
- Some weighted blanket users have found this brand too heavy for their liking.
Quility Weighted Blanket for Adults (5-30 lbs)
Are you having trouble sleeping? If you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep, it might be time to try this gravity blanket.
Quility Weighted Blankets are the perfect solution for anyone who needs some extra help falling asleep or staying asleep throughout the night. Their weighted blankets are made with high-quality materials and micro glass beads that evenly distribute pressure across your body for better relaxation and more comfort than ever before!
It also regulates temperature so that it feels like a warm hug every time you snuggle up with it at bedtime.
Pros:
- Comes in 6 different colors.
- Best selling weighted blanket on Amazon.
- Made with 100% cotton and glass micro beads that disperse pressure evenly.
- Contains premium micro glass beads that evenly distribute pressure, ensuring the weighted blanket stays balanced for your comfort and tranquility.
Cons:
- Can only be hand washed or dry cleaned.
- (rare cases) Some users found that the beads tend to fall to the side, causing uneven weight distribution.
Best Weighted Blanket for Anxiety in Kids
YnM Flannel Weighted Blanket (15-25 lbs)
If your older children struggle with insomnia or other sleep disorders/health conditions, the YnM Flannel Weighted Blankets can help! It provides deep pressure touch stimulation (or DPTS), which has been shown in research studies to reduce stress and anxiety while promoting relaxation and better sleep quality.
The flannel fabric feels soft against your skin and helps lull you into a state of calmness so that your child can fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and wake up feeling refreshed every day!
And because it weighs 10% of your body weight – just like a hug from someone who loves you – it also reduces feelings of loneliness during those long nights when everyone else is fast asleep.
Pros:
- Weighted blanket comes with a free duvet cover included.
- Has the soothing and relaxing qualities of a regular weighted blanket, as well as the extra sensory stimulation of the dotted fluffy mink fabric. Ideal for sensory seekers.
- It has 8 loops to tie with a matching cover from YnM, keeping the weighted blanket extra secure.
- The cotton layer is removable and washable for easy care.
- Extra layer of breathable cotton fabric between the mink layer to ensure the internal beads don’t spill out.
- Comes with a three year YnM weighted blankets warranty.
Cons:
- You’ll need a heavy duty washing machine to clean the weighted blankets. Some users reported needing to visit a local dry cleaners to get their weighted blankets properly cleaned.
- The weighted blanket retains heat very well, unfortunately this means that it can get very hot during summer months.
Sivio Weighted Blanket for Kids (2-7 lbs)
Do you have a child that struggles to fall asleep?
The Sivio weighted blankets are the perfect solution for your child. It’s made of 100% breathable organic cotton fabric, which would make it cooler and more durable than a normal blanket. The filling is environmental non-glue polyester padding and Hypo-allergenic, odorless Glass Beads.
The quilt evenly fits the body back to the kid’s sense of security to help quickly fall deep asleep. This will help calm down your children naturally and promote a deeper sleep routine by simulating the feeling of being hugged.
Pros:
- 10 Colorful patterns to choose from.
- Value for money. Great for shopping on a budget.
- Machine washable blanket, easy care and easy dry.
- Environmentally friendly and non-toxic glass beads inners.
Cons:
- Some users reported that the blanket isn’t heavy enough. Make sure to select a blanket that’s 7%-12% of your children’s weight.
Who is best suited for a weighted blanket?
Anyone who suffers from anxiety, stress, or insomnia can benefit from most weighted blankets. The deep pressure touch stimulation provided by the weight of the blanket helps to calm and relax the body, leading to improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety levels.
However, weighted blankets are particularly beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorders or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as they provide an extra sense of security and comfort.
How to choose a Weighted Blanket?
When choosing a weighted blanket, it’s important to select one that is the correct weight for you.
How heavy should a weighted blanket be?
A blanket that is too light will not provide the desired effect, while a blanket that is too heavy will be uncomfortable and may lead to problems such as heat exhaustion.
It depends on your body weight.
The best weighted blanket should be between five and 12 percent of the user’s body weight. For example, if you weigh 200 pounds (91kg), your ideal blanket would need to weigh at least 18lbs (11kg).
It’s also important to consider the size of the weighted blanket, as it should be large enough to cover your entire body.
Material
Choose weighted blankets that are made of high-quality materials that are machine washable and durable. The weighted blanket should also be hypoallergenic and non-toxic to ensure that it is safe for use.
Warranty
Good weighted blankets will come with a warranty. In some cases, some companies offer lifetime warranty on their products. So rest assured that your investment is protected.
Price
Weighted blankets vary in price, but you should expect to pay around $60 to $150 for a quality blanket.
Final Thoughts
Weighted blankets can be a great investment for anyone who suffers from anxiety, stress, or insomnia. They provide deep pressure touch stimulation which helps to calm and relax the body, leading to improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety levels.
When choosing a weighted blanket, it’s important to select one that is the correct weight for you and made of high-quality materials. It’s also important to consider the size of your blanket, as it should cover your entire body.
FAQ
Why Do I Need A Heavy Blanket To Sleep?
The heavy blanket gives a feeling of being hugged, which many people find comforting and helps them to relax and fall asleep. It’s important to select the correct weight for your body, as a blanket that is too light will not be effective, while a blanket that is too heavy may be uncomfortable.
Is It Ok To Use A Weighted Blanket Every Night?
It is safe to use a weighted blanket every night, but you should make sure to select the correct weight for your body. If the blanket is too heavy, it may cause problems such as heat exhaustion. In general, there are very few risks to using weighted blankets.
Can weighted blankets make anxiety worse?
A weighted blanket should never cause anxiety, stress or fear. If you find that your anxiety levels are increased when using a weighted blanket, it is likely because the gravity blanket is too heavy and needs to be lighter.
