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December 26, 2021 8 min read
Discover the therapeutic benefits of weighted blankets for anxiety, sleep, PTSD, and more. Learn how to choose the right weighted blanket for your needs with our comprehensive guide.
From understanding the science behind weighted blankets to making an informed purchase decision, our comprehensive guide has everything you need to know.
If you haven't heard of aweighted blanket, you're not alone. Surging in popularity, these blankets were the top holiday gift of 2018. Despite their newfound fame, weighted blankets are far from a new invention—they have been used therapeutically for many years.
We put together this definitive weighted blanket guide so that no matter what stage you're at in the process, from initial research to purchasing, you'll have the information you need. Let’s first take a look back at the science and origin of the weighted blanket.
Depending on your familiarity with these specialty blankets, you might wonder:what are weighted blankets, how do they work, and what are their benefits? If you're skeptical, you may question their effectiveness. And if you're ready to buy, you may still wonder which one to choose.
We've created this definitive weighted blanket guide to ensure that you have all the information you need, whether you're just beginning your research or are ready to make a purchase. Let’s first explore the origins and science behind weighted blankets.
The History and Evolution of Weighted Blankets: From Sensory Integration to Modern Therapy
Weighted materials were initially introduced as therapeutic tools insensory integration therapy to assist individuals withAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Thedeep pressure stimulation (DTP) provided by weighted blankets helps create a calming effect, making individuals with Autism feel more secure and relaxed. This principle is akin to the approach used in Dr. Temple Grandin’s innovativeHug Machine, which was developed to offer stress relief through similar deep pressure techniques.
In the early days, weighted blankets were made using various materials such asrice, beans, popcorn, buckwheat, andpebbles. However, these materials had several limitations, including issues like sprouting, and being too heavy or difficult to manage. As the therapeutic benefits of weighted blankets became more recognized, advancements led to the design of larger and more effective blankets. Modern weighted blankets are engineered for optimal weight distribution, ensuring a consistent and therapeutic application of deep pressure. This evolution has resulted in the contemporary weighted blanket, which provides enhanced comfort and effectiveness for managing anxiety, stress, and sensory processing issues.
Since then, weighted blankets have been used by medical professionals to help with numerous issues, including:
Fun Fact: Some veterinarians use weighted blankets to calm stressed pets, similar to the concept behindThunder Shirts for dogs.
Deep Touch Pressure and Its Beneficial Results
Weighted blankets are designed using materials like plastic pellets or glass beads that typically weigh around 10% of a person's ideal body weight, usually ranging from 5 to 25 pounds. The unique construction of these blankets ensures the weight is evenly distributed, providing a therapeutic effect known as Deep Touch Pressure (DTP).
DTP works by gently applying pressure across the body, which helps stimulate the release of "feel-good" hormones such as serotonin and dopamine while reducing cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress. This process promotes relaxation, improves mood, and enhances overall well-being. Weighted blankets also encourage the production of melatonin, a natural sleep hormone, helping users achieve deeper, more restorative sleep. The combination of these effects makes weighted blankets an effective tool for managing stress, anxiety, and sleep-related issues.
Sleep deprivation affects a significant portion of the population, andweighted blankets have emerged as a popular natural sleep aid. A 2015 study from theJournal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders reported significant improvements in both sleep patterns and mood among individuals who used weighted blankets. The gentle, even pressure from these blankets promotes the production of serotonin and melatonin—hormones that regulate mood and sleep—creating a calming effect that can help achieve deeper, more restful sleep.
For those struggling withanxiety disorders, weighted blankets offer a non-pharmaceutical option to reduce symptoms. Studies, such as the 2006 group study by Dr. Tina Champagne, have demonstrated a significant decrease in anxiety levels among users. The deep pressure stimulation from weighted blankets helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting relaxation by lowering heart rate and reducing stress levels. This makes them an ideal solution for people looking to improve their sleep quality and manage anxiety without relying on medication.
Weighted blankets can help children and adults withADHD improve focus, especially in environments like classrooms. The deep pressure provided by these blankets helps calm the nervous system, which can reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, making it easier to concentrate on tasks. Studies have demonstrated reduced self-stimulatory behaviors and increased attention spans when using weighted blankets or vests. The calming effect can help children feel more grounded and secure, allowing them to better process sensory information and stay engaged in their activities. This can be especially useful during periods of transition or when sitting still for extended periods, such as during lessons or homework time.
Weighted blankets are increasingly used inschools andhospitals to help children withautism,ADHD, and othersensory processing disorders manage transitions and emotional outbursts. The deep pressure from a weighted blanket provides a calming effect that helps reduce anxiety, creating a sense of safety and security for children who feel overwhelmed by sensory stimuli. This comforting pressure mimics the sensation of being hugged or held, soothing the nervous system and minimizing the fight-or-flight response that can trigger emotional eruptions.
In manyeducational and therapeutic settings, weighted blankets are a consistent, reliable tool to help children regulate their emotions, making transitions between activities or environments less stressful. They are also utilized in sensory rooms or quiet spaces where children can retreat to calm down, promoting self-soothing behaviors and enabling a smoother return to group activities with more focus and calmness. For parents and caregivers, weighted blankets offer a non-invasive, drug-free way to support children in managing their emotions and behavior.
Weighted Blankets for Chronic Pain Relief: Benefits for Fibromyalgia, Neuropathy, PTSD, and Restless Leg Syndrome
Weighted blankets are not only beneficial for improving sleep and managing anxiety but also offer significant relief from various chronic pain conditions. Here’s how they can help:
When buying a weighted blanket, consider the following:
We may be a little prejudiced here, but we suggest buying from a company that makes their weighted blankets in the USA. In addition to the obvious benefits of supporting the American economy, quality and materials are better regulated in the US and when you’re making a significant (and therapeutic) purchase, you’ll want to make sure you get a quality product.
When purchasing a weighted blanket, you may be considering whether you want a blanket made with glass beads or plastic pellets and which type is better.
Though glass beads do tend to be smaller, and a little less noticeable in the blanket, you should be aware that when buying a weighted blanket with glass beads, that unless the company you’re buying from guarantees otherwise, there is a strong possibility that the weighted blanket may contain lead from the glass beads, particularly with companies who are sourcing their materials from China, or having their weighted blankets made in China. If you’re not familiar with the dangers of lead, you can read this article from the World Health Organization on the dangers of lead.
Our weighted blankets are custom made in the USA at our commercial-grade facility, and are expertly crafted from non-toxic materials, 100% cotton and/or Minky fabrics. We use plastic pellets in our weighted blankets to avoid the possibility of lead contamination. The pellets we use are BPA-free and hypoallergenic.
One thing you'll want to consider when buying your blanket is if you're ok with dry cleaning or if you need a machine washable weighted blanket. Many weighted blankets on the market require dry cleaning, which will involve extra cost and care that you should be aware of prior to purchasing. We make machine washable weighted blankets.
Organic is important to many purchasers nowadays, and only a handful of weighted blanket companies make organic weighted blankets. For those looking for an organic solution, we offer a weighted blanket made from organic cotton fabric.
In making your purchase decision, choose a weighted blanket you love, whether that be a neutral or solid color blanket or one that has unique patterns and colors, or a Minky weighted blanket (Minky is a premium fabric with a soft, luxurious feel). Your blanket is something you'll have for a long time and it should be something that compliments your taste & style. We offer one of the largest selections of colors, patterns, weights & sizes, so you can find the right weighted blanket for you.
Depending on where you're purchasing your weighted blanket, you may come across blankets in a variety of sizes. For adults, the most popular size weighted blanket is 42x72. Children's sizes are typically smaller. That’s also the size of our twin size weighted blanket. In addition to that, we also offer larger sizes of weighted blankets for those wanting more room or looking to share with a partner. These include a 54x75 (full size weighted blanket), a 60x80 queen size weighted blanket, a 76x80 king size weighted blanket.
A quality weighted blanket will last you for years to come. Although all our weighted blankets are made to last and quality constructed, some of our customers prefer to purchase a weighted blanket duvet cover, along with their blanket, whether that’s to change up the look of their blanket from time to time, or to generally protect and prolong the life of their blanket even further.
When looking to buy a weighted blanket, you'll want to make sure the weighted blanket you're purchasing is made by a reputable manufacturer, with a history in the industry, as well as a good and researchable reputation.
Weighted blankets have proven to be a valuable tool for individuals with various conditions, offering benefits that range from improved sleep to reduced anxiety and pain relief. When buying a weighted blanket, make sure to choose a reputable manufacturer, consider your specific needs, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits it brings.
By following this guide, along with our weighted blanket sizing chart, you'll be well-equipped to choose the perfect weighted blanket that meets your needs, ensuring a better night’s sleep and a calmer, more focused mind.
