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3 Surprising Ways a Weighted Blanket Can Ease Anxiety Symptoms
Sleeping with a weighted blanket
Mental Health

3 Surprising Ways a Weighted Blanket Can Ease Anxiety Symptoms

Weighted blankets have proven benefits when it comes to managing anxiety.

If you suffer from anxiety, you’re not alone. Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the U.S. daily, according to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America. Seeking professional help for mental health struggles is always a good idea. That being said, a weighted blanket can help alleviate your anxiety symptoms while providing you with a great night of sleep. 

Weighted blankets tend to weigh between five and 30 pounds. Some offer cooling or heating features, depending on your sleeping preferences. They feel good – like a cozy hug. But their benefits go beyond that feel-good factor. For example, a study had 30 people who had been hospitalized for a mental health crisis use a weighted blanket, and 60% of them reported lower anxiety after using the blanket. 


Here are three surprising ways a weighted blanket can ease anxiety symptoms

Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation 

A study revealed that using a weighted blanket during dental treatments helped keep patients calmer. That’s because of Deep Touch Pressure Stimulation (DPTS). It refers to a technique that has been used to support individuals with autism spectrum disorders, but getting a massage or using a weighted blanket is also a form of DPTS. 

If you have anxiety, your nervous system often goes into high alert even if there is no actual threat in your environment. DPTS works by stimulating the body’s parasympathetic nervous system, which is the opposite state of being in fight-or-flight mode. 

Chronic Pain Relief 

Research published in “The Journal of Pain” showed that using a 15-pound weighted blanket reduced the severity of chronic pain. Since chronic pain is also associated with anxiety, a weighted blanket can help manage your pain and reduce the anxiety symptoms that come with it. 

Improved Sleep Quality 

Even if you don’t suffer from an anxiety disorder, a lack of sleep can keep you on edge during the day. Weighted blankets help prevent the anxiety symptoms caused by poor sleep. According to The Sleep Foundation, they stimulate the production of serotonin, a mood-boosting hormone, while reducing cortisol levels (the stress hormone). This may improve overall sleep quality. 

Weighted blankets for anxiety 

Ready to try a weighted blanket to manage your anxiety? They’re not all created equal. Here are a few top-rated options to consider. 

Casper Sleep Weighted Blanket 

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The Casper Sleep Weighted Blanket is inspired by the design of down jackets: quilted channels distribute the micro bead fill evenly to hug your body. In other words, it’s extra cozy. Thanks to a breathable cover that lets air circulate, it won’t feel oppressive. The blanket comes in three weight options, too: 10, 15 and 20 pounds. Go with 10% of your body weight for ultimate comfort. 

SEE IT: $74.25 at Amazon.com 

Gravity Blanket 

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“I’m thrilled a friend recommended this item to me as I suffer from severe anxiety and panic disorder along with insomnia and this blanket truly helps with these conditions. I was in doubt when purchasing the Gravity Blanket due to the price, but I have to admit it’s well worth the money spent. I’m glad I made this purchase and it’s super soft as well,” wrote an Amazon reviewer. 

The Gravity Blanket is on the pricey side, but it gets consistent rave reviews for its high-quality design. The exterior is made of super-soft micro fleece, and it looks as good as a throw on your living couch as a blanket in your bedroom. 

SEE IT: $212.49 at Amazon.com 

Luna Cooling Weighted Blanket 

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If you’re a hot sleeper, you can still reap the benefits of a weighted blanket. The Luna Cooling Weighted Blanket keeps you cool and comfortable while you sleep. It is made of breathable 100% cotton and a micro glass bead filling. The design features layered air channels for optimal temperature-control and air circulation. 

“Absolutely life changing! For as long as I can remember, I have always laid awake in bed for an hour or so before finally going to sleep. I would wake up several times in the night, experience night sweats and always feel tired during the day. Since using Luna, I am now going to sleep within 15 minutes and sleep the whole way through the night without any night sweats,” said a reviewer. 

SEE IT: $84.97 at Amazon.com


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