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
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:
Gravity Blanket
“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:
Luna Cooling Weighted Blanket
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:
Goalcast may receive a portion of revenue if you click a link in this article and buy a service or product. The links are independently placed by our Commerce team and do not influence editorial content.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.