The weighted blanket is in our opinion one of the best-kept secrets. Many describe it as receiving a long, comforting hug, having a nurturing and calming effect, and helping one to settle down faster at bedtime. But what does the research say?

When it comes to sleep disorders (insomnia), the primary treatment methods have traditionally included cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication (e.g., sleeping pills). A significant portion of patients has not experienced positive effects from these methods, necessitating alternative forms of treatment for sleep disorders (source).

In the field of psychiatry, weighted blankets have been used for a long time to address sleep problems and anxiety. One possible explanation for the positive effects is the pressure that the blanket applies to the body, which stimulates the sense of touch, similar to massage and acupuncture. Studies have shown that deep pressure stimulation helps calm the nervous system (source).

Over the past few years, several studies have examined the effect of weighted blankets on sleep:

2022: A Swedish study aimed to investigate the effect of weighted blankets on the body's production of melatonin (the sleep hormone) and other hormones. Twenty-six participants with an average age of 24, who were generally healthy, took part. The study found that the production of melatonin was 32% higher in the first hour among participants who slept with the weighted blanket compared to those who only used a regular blanket (source).

2020: Three Swedish researchers conducted a large four-week study in Stockholm with 120 patients. They examined the effect of a weighted blanket on sleep problems and daytime activity levels in patients with various diagnoses. The results showed that weighted blankets are both an effective and safe way to address patients' sleep problems, as they experienced better sleep and felt more refreshed during the day. When researchers followed up with the patients 12 months later, they found that the positive effects were enhanced in those who used the weighted blanket (source).

2020: Four researchers conducted a six-week study with 30 participants, all of whom experienced varying degrees of sleep problems. They investigated the effect of a weighted blanket and concluded that the patients experienced better sleep and relaxation: a reduction in stress, increased relaxation, improved sleep, and reduced wake time during the night. Participants reported falling asleep 13% faster, experiencing 14% better sleep, feeling 17% more rested in the morning, and a 36% improvement in sleeping through the night (source).

2015: Three Swedish researchers conducted a four-week study with 33 participants, all of whom suffered from chronic insomnia. They found that the weighted blanket had a positive effect on sleep, both objectively (using a tracker) and subjectively (self-reporting). The objective (measured) results showed that participants had a more peaceful sleep with fewer movements. Additionally, participants reported that the blanket made them feel more relaxed, and sleep quality improved (source).

If you also struggle with sleep problems or simply want to improve your sleep, a weighted blanket may be the solution for you.