Study: Weighted Blankets Reduce Anxiety by 60%

heavy sleeper

I had never thought of myself as an anxious person. But in the last two years, I’ve suffered my first panic attacks and even had to wear a heart monitor for 21 consecutive days. I know I’m probably not alone.

Exercising has been a lifesaver for me when dealing with anxiety, but there was always one issue: I can’t exercise and fall asleep at the same time. In bed at night, with nothing to distract my thoughts, my mind was a warzone.

Then, I was introduced to two research studies that opened my eyes to the potential benefit of a weighted blanket. One from The Journal of Occupational Therapy and Mental Health found that 60% of participants who used a weighted blanket reported lower levels of anxiety. Another, from The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, found that weighted blankets can provide quick relief for a sudden anxiety attack.

That was enough for me, I bought one. And guess what? It worked. Here’s how:

  • As I wrapped myself in the blanket, the weight made me feel like I was being hugged, which was very calming
  • It made me move and fidget less at night, which made it easier to get to sleep
  • I was able to stay asleep longer, even when I did wake up in the middle of the night it was easy to fall back asleep right away
  • I love heavy comforters, and a weighted blanket took that feeling to the next level

If you’re struggling like I was, I recommend trying a weighted blanket.

On Free Online Therapy, we maintain a list of the top weighted blankets currently on Amazon. I recommend you check it out:

Heavy Sleeper

9.4
Comfort 9.7
Breathability 9.0
Design 8.8
Weight Distribution 9.9

Pros

  • Soft and silky fabric
  • Superior weight options
  • Perfectly balanced

Cons

  • Unwieldy to pick up

Rocabi Weighted Blanket & Washable Cover

8.8
Comfort 8.8
Breathability 9.0
Design 8.5
Weight Distribution 9.0

Pros

  • Very versatile
  • Feels luxurious

Cons

  • More expensive than other options

The Magic Blanket

8.6
Comfort 9.9
Breathability 8.0
Design 8.0
Weight Distribution 8.4

Pros

  • The original weighted blanket
  • Looks and feels like a robe

Cons

  • Lacks standard Queen size
  • Limited weight sizes

Quility Premium Kids Weighted Blanket & Removable Cover

8.2
Comfort 8.5
Breathability 9.0
Design 7.1
Weight Distribution 8.2

Pros

  • Cost-effective
  • Made for kids

Cons

  • A little small for adults

SensaCalm Therapeutic Adult Weighted Blanket

8.1
Comfort 9.0
Breathability 8.0
Design 6.0
Weight Distribution 9.5

Pros

  • Unique sense of comfort
  • Soft fabric

Cons

  • Ugly design
  • Not the most breathable