Mental Health What Is a Weighted Blanket? Pros and Cons About the Popular “Pressure Therapy” Device By Martta Kelly Martta Kelly has been writing about a variety of health and wellness topics for more than a decade. Learn about our editorial process Martta Kelly Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on December 03, 2020 Steven Gans, MD, is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital. Learn about our Medical Review Board Steven Gans, MD on December 03, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Uses Benefits Risks Safety Weighted blankets, also known as gravity blankets, have been used for years by mental health professionals as a form of pressure therapy. Today, they have gained mainstream popularity with those who believe that the pellet-filled blankets, which weigh anywhere from 5 to 30 pounds, can relieve stress, improve sleep, calm children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and aid in the treatment of anxiety disorders. Although many people report improvements in their health and well-being from these popular blankets, there remains considerable debate as to whether they offer the benefits that proponents claim. ljubaphoto / Getty Images Uses Many adults associate snuggling under a comfy blanket with a sense of security, which harkens back to “security blankets” they may have had as a child. Blankets are often referred to as “comfort objects” by child psychologists—that is, an item used to ease frustration or anxiety at times of stress. An older study by psychologist and security object expert Richard Passman, now retired from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee, found that approximately 60% of children are attached to a toy, blanket, or pacifier during the first three years of life. More recent studies have examined adult attachment to transitional objects, such as blankets and stuffed animals. In one study using a non-clinical community sample of 80 participants, researchers found that people who reported intense attachments to objects were significantly more likely to meet the criteria for borderline personality disorder than those who did not; they also reported more childhood trauma. Weighted blankets aim to evoke the same therapeutic effects of a security blanket by intensifying the sensation of being held, stroked, cuddled, or squeezed. The science behind using a weighted blanket is a well-known and proven relaxation therapy that is frequently used for people with stress and anxiety. Known by various names, it is commonly referred to as deep pressure stimulation (DPS). DPS, offered by trained practitioners who apply pressure to certain parts of the body, stimulates what is known as the parasympathetic nervous system. The nervous system reacts to stressful situations naturally, by inducing its sympathetic or “alert” state, which can produce anxiety and stress. The parasympathetic system counterbalances this sympathetic activation. DPS and weighted blankets can stimulate the parasympathetic response. When the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in, it can instill feelings of calm, slowing many of the body's autonomic functions. There are also psychological calming effects, akin to being cocooned in your favorite duvet on a cold winter night, knowing you are protected from the outside world. Weighted blankets may help adults and children with sensory processing disorder feel calmer and more relaxed. Persons with this disorder have difficulty processing sensory information such as textures, sounds, smells, tastes, brightness, and movement. These difficulties can make ordinary situations overwhelming, interfere with daily living, and even isolate individuals and their families. Sensory integration therapy uses activities in ways designed to change how the brain reacts to various stimuli. Applying deep pressure has also been shown to be beneficial for children with high levels of anxiety or arousal due to sensory overload. According to research, the application of deep pressure provided by a weighted vest or blanket can produce a calming or relaxing effect in children with certain clinical conditions who have sensory processing issues. Benefits Although more studies are needed, research has been conducted on the use of weighted blankets to treat the following conditions: General anxietyAnxiety during certain medical proceduresInsomniaInsomnia in children with autism spectrum disorderSleep problems in children with ADHD General Anxiety Some studies show that the use of weighted blankets may help reduce nighttime levels of cortisol, a stress hormone that can contribute to anxiety. Cortisol is best known for being involved in the “fight or flight” response, a reaction that evolved as a means of survival, enabling people to react to what could be a life-threatening situation. Over time, however, elevated cortisol levels can have a negative impact on a person's physical and mental health. By providing deep pressure, weighted blankets can promote relaxation and help break this cycle. For example, one study examined the use of a 30-pound weighted blanket in a sample of 32 adults; 63% reported lower anxiety after using the blanket. Anxiety During Certain Medical Procedures A 2016 study, believed to be the first one investigating the effect of deep pressure stimulation during wisdom tooth extraction, examined heart rate variability and anxiety in healthy adults using weighted blankets while undergoing the procedure. Researchers found that the weighted blanket group experienced lower anxiety symptoms than the control group. A similar follow-up study was performed a few years later on healthy adolescents using a weighted blanket during a molar extraction. Those results also found less anxiety in those using a weighted blanket. Since medical procedures tend to cause anxiety symptoms, such as increased heart rate, researchers concluded that weighted blankets may be beneficial in calming those symptoms. Insomnia Most research on weighted blankets and insomnia has focused on their use in children with clinical disorders, such as ASD, as discussed below. However, the majority of these studies do not examine sleep objectively. A Swedish study published in the Journal of Sleep Medicine & Disorders concluded that the use of weighted blankets had a positive impact on sleep, both objectively and subjectively, where a number of physiological and behavioral measures were improved in a cohort of 31 adults. However, the study was biased in that it was conducted by a blanket manufacturer and had design limitations, such as the lack of a control group. A systematic literature review, which evaluated eight studies, concluded that while weighted blankets have the potential to be beneficial in limited settings and populations and may be an appropriate therapeutic tool in reducing anxiety, there is not enough evidence to suggest that they are beneficial in alleviating insomnia. Insomnia in Children with ASD Children with ASD sleep poorly compared with their peers. A study published in Pediatrics involving 67 children with ASD found that the use of a weighted blanket did not help them fall asleep significantly faster, sleep for a longer period of time, or awaken less often. Sleep Problems in Children with ADHD Similarly to children with ASD, many children with ADHD have sleep disturbances, such as trouble falling asleep and waking up several times throughout the night. Unlike children with ASD, however, weighted blankets proved useful in some instances in children with ADHD who had difficulty sleeping. A study involving 21 children ages 8 to 13 years with ADHD and 21 healthy controls found that the use of a weighted blanket improved the time it took to fall asleep and the number of awakenings. A more recent study examined 120 patients who were randomized (1-to-1) to either a weighted metal chain blanket or a light plastic chain blanket for four weeks. Researchers found that weighted chain blankets are an effective and safe intervention for insomnia in patients with ADHD and other psychiatric disorders. It is important to note that, despite positive findings in several of these studies, they are limited by their small size, short duration, and/or lack of diverse subjects. Further research on the benefits of weighted blankets is needed in all of these therapeutic areas. Other Conditions Although there have been studies on the benefits of massage therapy for osteoarthritis and chronic pain, there is currently no evidence that weighted blankets are effective in the treatment of these conditions. Some manufacturers make unsubstantiated claims about weighted blankets benefiting certain health and psychological conditions, but, ultimately, it’s up to the consumer to do their own research and make an educated decision. Risks As a general rule, weighted blankets are safe for healthy adults, older children, and teenagers. Weighted blankets, however, should not be used for toddlers under age 2, as they may pose a suffocation risk. Even older children with developmental disabilities or delays may be at risk of suffocation. There have been at least two reports of deaths in children due to weighted blankets, one in a 7-month-old baby and one in a 9-year-old boy who had autism. Parents should consult their pediatrician before using a weighted blanket for children of any age. People with certain health conditions should also avoid weighted blankets. These include chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and obstructive sleep apnea. In addition, a weighted blanket may also be unsuitable for those people who are claustrophobic, as it may cause anxiety rather than ease it. Safety As a general rule, a weighted blanket should be 10% of an adult person’s body weight, according to most manufacturers’ websites. Other guidelines include: Adults can use medium-to-large weighted blankets ranging from 12 to 30 pounds.For a 30- to 70-pound child, a small weighted blanket should weigh from 5 to 8 pounds.For a 30- to 130-pound child, a medium-weighted blanket should weigh from 5 to 15 pounds. Young children should never be left unsupervised with a weighted blanket, particularly those made for an adult. A Word From Verywell While there is no conclusive evidence that weighted blankets are effective for the treatment of any health condition, they are popular with many people due to the comfort they provide. Some studies have shown positive results in reducing anxiety and helping children with ADHD get a good night's sleep. If you are a healthy adult, there is little risk of trying one—other than to your wallet, as they start around $100. The 8 Best Weighted Blankets of 2021 Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Pappas S. Even grown-ups need security blankets. LiveScience. October 10, 2010 Passman RH, Halonen JS. A developmental survey of young children's attachments to inanimate objects. J Genet Psychol. 1979;134:165-178. doi:10.1080/00221325.1979.10534051 Hooley JM, Wilson-Murphy M. Adult attachment to transitional objects and borderline personality disorder. J Pers Disord. 2012;26(2):179-91. doi:10.1521/pedi.2012.26.2.179 Bradfield H. 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