“My mind often wanders right before sleep, but there’s something about the weight that signals it’s time to go to bed and shut my mind off. I’ve tried many weighted blankets because I usually end up overheating underneath, but this bamboo one keeps me cool and cozy.” —Kaitlyn R., 30
Highly Recommend
02.09.24
02.09.24
13 Weighted Blankets People Actually Swear By
“It’s like a warm hug for me.”
Wondermind
You’ve probably heard about the magic of a weighted blanket by now. The ads and Amazon reviews make them sound like anti-anxiety meds, your favorite candle, and a sleeping pill all wrapped in one glorious adult swaddle. So it makes sense if you’re intrigued—because same.
Actually, last fall, Nuzzie sent me a weighted blanket to try out. I was a little skeptical that a blanket could calm my anxiety, but the weight of it helped me doze off faster during naps and quieted my racing thoughts while working from home (WFH vibes can still be stressful vibes). Turns out, I too have become one of many weighted blanket stans.
While I can personally attest to the relaxing powers of the weighted blanket, the science makes sense too. These blankets replicate something called deep pressure stimulation (DPS for short), according to a systematic review of research. DPS is thought to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the part of your autonomic nervous system that keeps your body running smoothly when it’s safe and at rest, explains clinical neuropsychologist Jennifer Wolkin, PhD, author of Quick Calm. Think: bringing your heart rate and blood pressure down and just generally operating at a chill baseline. That likely explains why a weighted blanket soothes anxiety, she says.
That same system (the parasympathetic one) also helps your body feel safe enough to sleep, explains Dr. Wolkin. To be fair though, the research backing up the sleep benefits of weighted blankets is still a bit fuzzy. While some studies suggest these blankets can help people with depression, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, ADHD, and autism get better shut-eye, it’s not clear if anyone without those conditions can reap those sleep benefits.
Basically, the research, though promising, isn’t all there, but sometimes these things work anyway. That’s why some occupational therapists and mental health professionals use weighted blankets to soothe clients with anxiety.
If you’re a weighted blanket newbie, Dr. Wolkin says the goal is to find one that feels calming without being claustrophobic. That said, a lot of weighted blanket companies recommend choosing one that’s about 10% of your body weight. It’s not clear why, but it could have something to do with what Dr. Wolkin’s saying—you don’t want to overwhelm yourself! And, of course, if you’re unsure if these are a good fit for you, you can always contact your doctor.
Here, we asked licensed therapists and a few weighted blanket fans which ones they’d recommend and why. Maybe you’ll love them too.
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1.Luna -
“This weighted blanket has been great for me after a long day of sessions. The subtle, calming pressure is consistent across the blanket but isn’t overwhelming. Plus, it has a temperature-balancing feature and is visually appealing. During fireworks or other high-anxiety moments, the blanket is a comfort for my dog, Axil, too.” —Matthew Bell, LMFT, therapist
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“For years, I’ve kept one of these in my office and several at home because they serve as a visual anchor of comfort. They’re heavier than other throws I’ve had but not super heavy, and they withstand kids, pets, and outdoor spaces.” —Katherine Hatch, LCSW, grief and trauma therapist
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4.AmazonQuility Weighted Blanket
$75.98“In a world where we can’t always rely on others, it’s great to have go-to coping techniques that you can do solo. This weighted blanket helps me fall asleep and soothes my stress and worries! The weight feels calming and fills me with a sense of safety and reassurance—like I’m all snuggled up and everything will be OK.” —Cammie Terry, LPC, NCC, licensed therapist
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5.Luna“I like the Luna blankets because they are not as steep in price as others but are still comforting. For me, I like to use it in the evenings during my wind-down routine with a cup of tea while watching TV or reading.” —Jessica Stern, PhD, clinical psychologist
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6.Nuzzie“I like this Nuzzie weighted blanket because it doesn’t feel overbearing or claustrophobic and it looks great in my office. I use it in between sessions if I want to feel calm before seeing clients. It’s like a warm hug for me. Also, as someone with ADHD who gets overstimulated sometimes, just existing in a fast-paced, loud, and bright world can feel like a lot. This weighted blanket helps me calm my system.” —Jennifer Wolkin, PhD, clinical neuropsychologist
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7.AmazonTopcee Weighted Blanket
$79.99“I love this blanket because whenever I’m feeling particularly anxious, it helps to ground me. It makes me feel like I’m back in control of my body.” —Kristin G., 27
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8.Amazon“I use this blanket to help me fall asleep quickly and stay asleep for the whole night. That’s so important since I can easily get burned out without a full night’s rest.” —Danielle G., 36
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9.AmazonUttermara Weighted Blanket
$82.54“Using a weighted blanket has been a game changer for my overall mental well-being. The feeling of gentle pressure helps quiet my mind and provides a sense of grounding, making it easier to unwind and find a moment of tranquility during a hectic day. It’s become more than a sleep aid; it’s part of my routine for managing stress and finding a mental balance.” —Arielle Jordan LCPC, NCC, grief and trauma therapist
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10.Amazon“This weighted blanket helps melt any tightness or tension that surfaces in my body and helps foster a yogic sleep practice. It’s supported my mental health by helping me let go of what does not serve my body and promoting rest.” —Carmelle Ellison, LCSW, psychotherapist
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11.Luxome“My husband (fiancé at the time) bought this blanket for me when we were living apart during my doctoral internship. I was in Philadelphia and he was still in Chicago, and I was feeling overwhelmed and burnt out while studying for my licensing exam. Not only was the weighted blanket a sincere gesture from my partner, which added to the emotional comfort it gave me, but it also helped me feel physically comforted. I was able to get better rest.” —Cynthia Shaw, PhD, clinical psychologist and certified grief professional
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12.LaylaLayla Weighted Blanket
$109.50“My weighted blanket helps me fall asleep and stay asleep, which boosts my mood! I was first introduced to weighted blankets when someone gifted it to my sister after a difficult family loss. It’s like getting a tight hug on days when you just want to be left alone.” —Robin M. Johnson, PhD, LICSW, licensed psychotherapist
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13.Amazonmanimo Weighted Cat
$54.95“Before specializing in couples therapy, I used weighted animals to show kids and young adults with emotion dysregulation how holding something heavy can help ground them and feeling something soft can help soothe them. I love these animals so much because they can really bring you back to the moment mindfully, and by holding them, petting them, and playing with them, you can regulate and calm down.” —Brianna Brunner, LCSW, therapist
Wondermind does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a replacement for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health or mental health professional with any questions or concerns about your mental health.
