There are many factors that could be contributing to poor sleep—and small changes in your routine, like adding the best products for insomnia, could help. One remedy for sleeplessness that’s exploded in popularity in recent years is weighted blankets, especially for those suffering from stress and anxiety, who boast about their positive impact on sleep quality. As sleep expert and psychiatrist Nishi Bhopal, M.D., previously told mbg, “It’s thought that weighted blankets provide deep pressure stimulation, which activates the parasympathetic, or ‘rest and digest’ part of the nervous system.” When this system is activated, it reduces heart rate and relaxes muscles to restore calm. Below, we uncover the science behind this sleep accessory—and how to determine if it’s the right option for you. That said, there is evidence2 that weighted blankets can positively influence sleep among children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), helping them fall asleep more easily, stay asleep for the whole night, and relax throughout the day. And people who use weighted blankets say they’re sleeping well, which matters even if experts have yet to pinpoint a specific reason for their experience. “The subjective reports of better sleep using weighted blankets almost certainly reflect the placebo effect, at least in part,” Barwick said. “It can be an important effect to harness, so I personally don’t have a problem if parents and children are using weighted blankets and subjectively reporting better sleep.” Weighted blanket advocates often suggest that the products are a form of deep-pressure touch, mimicking the soothing anti-anxiety effects of a hug and resulting in a more restful night’s sleep. Though Barwick said the science behind this experience is flimsy, the self-reported relaxation is not. And, of course, you want to select a product that will fit into your lifestyle, whether you plan to use it on the bed or couch. Ultimately, because the science behind weighted blankets is less robust, the factors to consider when making a purchase have less to do with health and wellness and more to do with personal sleep preferences. What customers are saying: This weighted blanket is a great pick because it can be tailored specifically to your needs. It comes in three weight options: 10-pound, 15-pound, or 20-pounds, as well as four colors to match your decor. Designed after performance outerwear, it features a quilted exterior with a breathable cotton outer shell that’s keeps you cool by helping circulate air away from the body. What Customers Say: The Casper weighted blanket has over 4.5 out of 5 stars overall, with 64 reviews on the company’s website. Reviewers say it “feels like a hug” and has a pleasant cooling effect. One happy customer said the product has benefited their entire family: “I bought one for my son on the autism spectrum. He has a history of using a weighted vest at school to reduce his anxiety. It has been tried by everyone in the family. We will be getting one for everyone in the house! The positive pressure does so many things. It not only relieves stress, it soothes sore muscles, and provides comfort for snugglers.” When shopping for elders, it’s important to find a weighted blanket they can maneuver themselves. Designed as a throw, this lightweight pick weighs just 12 pounds and comes in four muted colorways. We love that it’s filled with glass beads rather than plastic, making it a better choice for those trying to limit their environmental footprint. It also features two different textured exteriors, allowing shopping to find the material that works best for them. What customers are saying: The Brooklinen pick has a 4.5 out of 5 stars rating aftear nearly 100 reviews. As one shopper raves, “This blanket makes me never want to get up again, and that is exactly what I was hoping for. Color: gorgeous. Weight: heavy without being repressive." Some customers say the limited weight and size options are a bit of a drawback, and the blanket is a bit warm. Ultimately, though, the reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many people describing the product as cozy and high quality. Unlike many other weighted blankets, this one features a removable cover that makes for easy washing at home. The machine-washable, jersey-knit exterior is soft to the touch with a 50/50 fill of glass beads and polyester; this breakdown ensures the beads fall evenly across the body, applying a deep pressure to help you feel more relaxed in no time. Although significantly less expensive than some other models, it still comes in multiple weight and colors. What customers are saying: This blanket earned 4.8 out of 5 stars from 49 reviewers on the Bed, Bath, and Beyond website (where it’s exclusively available). Customers—many of whom rated the product via a promotion—say that the blanket is easy to clean, and calming for people who typically struggle to stay asleep: “I have a daughter that has anxiety and trouble sleeping at night,” wrote one reviewer. “With the Therapedic 16-pound Weighted Blanket, it seems to have a calming effect on her and she sleeps soundly and throughout the night, without waking up.” The Gravity weighted blanket comes in three colors and sizes, and it can be personalized with your initials. According to SleepScore’s 2019 study, roughly 3 in 4 product users reported falling asleep more quickly after using the blanket. Further, more than half of users said they felt less anxious after using the Gravity product. As an added bonus, Gravity is transitioning all of its products to a zipper close—rather than button and tie one—for added security and easier cleaning. Though this version is pricier than competitors, the Gravity blanket is consistently lauded for its quality and calming effects. What customers are saying: The reviews for the Gravity weighted blanket are mostly positive, with an average of 4.5 out of 5 stars after more than 1,600 reviews on the company’s website. Ultimately, Gravity users report looking forward to sleeping with it and one person who described the product as a “new way to cuddle" say it “changed [their] sleeping habits completely. … It’s amazing how manipulating your physical world can change your psychological mind. Definitely has reduced anxiety.” It’s worth noting that a few reviews mention that this blanket runs warm. Made from fair-trade, sustainably-sourced organic cotton velvet, this is definitely a luxurious pick—and one that you can feel good about. Available in two sizes, it comes in multiple weights and sizes. The quilted surface is plush and cozy, and the glass beads on the interior create the weighted feeling that’s meant to help you slip into a more relaxed state. This is also one of the only options that comes in a Queen/King size. What customers are saying: No one has reviewed this product yet, but Saatva boasts an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. The brand has earned an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,408 reviewers of its other products. The Minky Weighted Blanket gives a true body-hugging feeling that makes it a great fit for kids. Available in a ton of weights, colors, and sizes—with one size specifically for kids—each pick is handmade in Austin, Texas with 100% BPA-free, hypoallergenic, and FDA-compliant plastic pellets. A perk of these tiny weighted pellets is that they better distribute the weight of the blanket, but it’s important to keep an eye out for any wear and tear to ensure the small beads don’t get into small hands. What customers are saying: With hundreds of reviews on the Mosaic website, this blanket has an astounding 4.9 out of 5 star rating overall. Reviewers mention the blanket’s incredible quality, lush fabric, and the brand’s amazing customer service. One writes, “Absolutely LOVE this blanket-Got the throw for my 9 year old daughter. It is so well made and super comfy, will be purchasing one for my husband as well! HIGHLY RECOMMEND for anyone who needs just a little more security while sleeping!”
