Do weighted blankets work?

Seniors citizens who wrestle with insomnia probably also wrestle with the bed covers. They probably have been tempted to try anything that promises a better night's sleep. One thing that might sound a bit different but has been known to work is adding a weighted blanket to those bed covers this fall.

About 32% of Americans, including members of the senior population, don’t get enough sleep, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Experts there recommend at least seven hours of shut-eye per night for the average adult. But as many as 35% of adults have trouble sleeping from time to time and 10% regularly have trouble falling and staying asleep.

What is a weighted blanket?

Weighted blankets are designed to apply gentle pressure to someone’s body when they are sleeping or curled up snugly. Sometimes called gravity blankets, they are sold in specific sizes and weights.

Most of these blankets are made with plastic pellets, glass beads, or ceramic beads to create the weight within the blanket. Others use alternative fabrics for filling, or they can be homemade.

Weighted blankets work in the same way to reduce anxiety and improve sleep for all users. They may have specific benefits for certain health conditions, but the research remains inconclusive.

Reduces stress and anxiety

The American Psychological Association (APA) surveys people in the United States about their stress each year. There are many reasons for experiencing stress or anxiety, and most people do. Weighted blankets may offer some relief from these symptoms.

Improves sleep

These blankets are known to induce sleep with their soothing effects and deep pressure. A recent study showed that prolonged use of weighted blankets was linked to better sleep quality and decreased insomnia and fatigue. This is because deep pressure from the weighted blankets activates sensors in different parts of the body, thus providing a sense of calmness and peace to the user.

Furthermore, weighted blankets are shown to minimize movement during sleep as the added weight provides minimal restraint. Hence, people who regularly use them have a more restful slumber and a refreshed disposition in the morning.

Reduces pain

The use of weighted blankets may be a strategy when treating other health conditions, including chronic pain and fibromyalgia. At least one study suggests there may be some benefit to this approach.

In that case, 94 adults with chronic pain from various causes used either 15-pound or 5-pound weighted blankets to see if their use improved their pain symptoms. The respondents then described their feelings of pain intensity, anxiety, and ability to sleep.

The use of heavier blankets was associated with improved perceptions of chronic pain, particularly among those with higher anxiety levels.

Creates a feeling of security

Weighted blankets are meant to provide a healing touch through their firm pressure. They're designed to mimic the sense of swaddling that brings comfort to newborns, or the comforting hug that helps people to feel safe and secure.

The blankets may be a welcome addition for anyone who prefers a sense of weight while sleeping and relaxing. As a general rule, they are safe for everyone. For healthy adults, weighted blankets are considered safe as long as the individual can lift the blanket off when necessary. Because sleep is such a subjective experience, the cost of a weighted blanket may be money well spent.