Are Weighted Blankets Safe to Use?

What is a Weighted Blanket?

Weighted blankets are intentionally heavier blankets designed to improve your sleep quality. Weighted Blankets are best known to provide a therapeutic effect similar to giving a someone a hug, it will stimulate the release of oxytocin “a happiness hormone” in the brain. This hormone creates a sense of calm and well-being also helping to reduce levels of cortisol "a stress hormone".

Most commonly used by individuals suffering from sleep deprivation, stress, or anxiety, studies have shown that using a therapeutic weighted blanket can help with sleep deprivation and insomnia to improve your sleep quality.

Effects of a Weighted Blanket

The effects of using a weighted blanket have been researched and studied by experts all around the world, especially in recent years where there is an increase in demand. This study had found that adults who used a weighted blanket had reduced anxiety. This is an effective way of increasing the sleep quality of adults facing stress and anxiety. Out of the 32 adults who participated in the study, 63 percent reported lower levels of anxiety.

A separate study conducted on 12 individuals with complaints of sleep dysfunction, pain, and stress had found that they experienced a better sleep quality and symptoms were reduced or eliminated in nearly all subjects. The results of these individuals also showed a trend toward normalization after close monitoring of their sleeping patterns.

Research Studies on Weighted Blankets

According to this article published by SciMED, researchers found that “participants had a positive impact on sleep, both objectively and subjectively, where a number of physiological and behavioral measures were improved during weighted blanket use.” The article also concluded “When the participants used the weighted blanket, they had a calmer night’s sleep, with a decrease in movements.” and “believed that using the blanket provided them with a more comfortable, better quality, and more secure sleep.”

How to use a Weighted Blanket

A weighted blanket works exactly the same as a normal blanket. You may use it on its own, or together with your comforter. For the best results, you should cover your body from the neck down and ensure that it is fully covering your chest and legs. Your feet can be covered or not, depending on which you find the most comfortable. Ideally, you should lie on your back while sleeping under the cover to ensure the blanket’s weight will be evenly distributed across your entire body.