Does a weighted blanket work for me?

If you experience one of the symptoms below, you may benefit from using a weighted blanket to promote restful sleep:

1. ADHD/ADD
2. Anxiety disorders
3. Asthma
4. Autism
5. Depressive symptoms
6. Highly Sensitive Person (HSP)
7. Hypersomnia
8. Insomnia
9. Parasomnia
10. PDD-NOS
11. PTSD
12. Rheumatism
13. Restless legs
14. Sleep apnea
15. Asperger syndrome
16. Down syndrome
17. Pregnancy

Note: this does not mean that a weighted blanket is the solution for sleep problems for everyone with these symptoms. It is important to develop a healthy sleep pattern and seek professional help if necessary. Using a weighted blanket can support improving sleep quality, but it is not the only solution. ₁

ADHD and ADD are conditions characterized by hyperactivity, impulsivity, and difficulty concentrating. Using a weighted blanket can help create a calming environment and reduce overstimulation. Because people with ADHD and ADD often struggle to relax, a weighted blanket can help reduce hyperactivity and impulsivity, which can lead to better sleep quality.

One of the original uses of weighted blankets was to calm and soothe children with autism spectrum disorders, which they are still used for today. For children with sensory issues, autism spectrum disorders, and ADD/ADHD, a weighted blanket remains a popular, natural tool to calm the mind and relax the body. The world-renowned autism researcher Dr. Temple Grandin published a groundbreaking study in 1999 on the positive behavioral and physiological effects of deep pressure on children with autism. Weighted blankets provide the same deep pressure she describes.

Read more about sleep problems with ADHD/ADD in our article “What you need to know about ADHD/ADD and sleep problems”.

People with anxiety disorders often have trouble sleeping because their thoughts and feelings keep them awake. A weighted blanket can provide a sense of safety and security, which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and restlessness. Additionally, it can make it easier to relax and fall asleep. ₂

Read more in our article “Sleep problems due to anxiety disorders”.

People with asthma may experience shortness of breath and a feeling of tightness, making it difficult to sleep. A weighted blanket can help by calming the body and regulating breathing. The weight of the blanket can also help open the chest and facilitate breathing.

Read more in our article “Causes and tips for sleep problems with asthma”.

People with autism often become overstimulated and have difficulty processing stimuli. A weighted blanket can help create a sense of safety and calm, making it easier to relax and sleep. The weight of the blanket can also help calm the nerves and reduce anxiety. ₃

Read more in our article “Tips for better sleep with Autism” .

Depression can be accompanied by sleep problems, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep. A weighted blanket can help reduce anxiety and tension, making it easier to relax and fall asleep.

Read more in our article “The complex relationship between sleep deprivation and depression”.

People with high sensitivity often become overstimulated and have difficulty processing stimuli. A weighted blanket can help reduce overstimulation and create a calm environment. The weight of the blanket can also help calm the nerves and reduce anxiety.

Read more in our article “Tips for a good night's sleep if you are highly sensitive (HSP)”.

Hypersomnia is a sleep disorder where someone experiences excessive sleepiness and a need for sleep during the day. There is no scientific evidence that a weighted blanket can improve the symptoms of hypersomnia. However, a weighted blanket may help improve sleep by providing a feeling of comfort and security.

Read more in our article “Hypersomnia, Insomnia and Parasomnia, what are the differences between these sleep disorders and what should you know?”.

Insomnia is a sleep disorder where someone has difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. A weighted blanket can help reduce the symptoms of insomnia. The weight of the blanket can help relax the body and reduce feelings of anxiety. Additionally, the weight of the blanket can contribute to deeper sleep.

There is some scientific evidence that using a weighted blanket can help reduce the symptoms of insomnia. ₄

Read more in our article “Hypersomnia, Insomnia, and Parasomnia: what are the differences between these sleep disorders and what should you know?”.

Parasomnias are abnormal behaviors, sensations, or experiences during sleep. This can include nightmares, sleepwalking, talking in your sleep, or teeth grinding. This disorder can cause people to feel unrested after sleep and have difficulty functioning during the day. Research has shown that using a weighted blanket can help reduce parasomnias. This is because the blanket provides a feeling of pressure and security, calming the nervous system and promoting sleep. ₅

Read more in our article “Hypersomnia, Insomnia, and Parasomnia: what are the differences between these sleep disorders and what should you know?”.

PDD-NOS stands for Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified and is a developmental disorder often associated with autism. People with PDD-NOS have difficulty with communication and social interaction and often suffer from sleep problems. Research has shown that using a weighted blanket can help improve the sleep of people with PDD-NOS. The deep pressure of the blanket can calm the nervous system and provide a sense of safety and comfort, which can lead to better sleep. ₆

Read more in our article “Poor sleep with PDD-NOS: causes, consequences, and tips”.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that can develop after a traumatic event, such as war, violence, or sexual abuse. People with PTSD often suffer from nightmares, flashbacks, and sleep problems. Research shows that using a weighted blanket can help reduce the symptoms of PTSD and improve sleep. The blanket provides a sense of safety and comfort and can help calm the nervous system, reducing nightmares and other symptoms. ₇

Read more in our article “Sleep problems with PTSD: tips for a better night's rest”.

Rheumatism is a condition characterized by inflammation and pain in the joints and connective tissue. People with rheumatism often suffer from sleep problems due to the pain and discomfort caused by the condition. Research shows that using a weighted blanket can help reduce pain and improve sleep in people with rheumatism. The blanket can help relax muscles and joints, which may lead to less pain and a better night's rest. ₈

Read more in our article “Sleep problems with Rheumatism: How to get a good night's rest”.

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) can lead to sleep problems and reduced sleep quality. Some people with RLS experience improved sleep quality and duration when using a weighted blanket. The constant pressure and weight of the blanket can help calm the nerves and reduce the urge to move the legs. This can lessen the symptoms of RLS and contribute to better sleep.

Read more in our article “Sleeping with restless legs; is it possible?”.

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. People with sleep apnea often have trouble getting enough deep sleep. There is no scientific evidence that a weighted blanket can cure sleep apnea, but some people with sleep apnea do experience an improvement in their sleep quality when using a weighted blanket. The blanket can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress, which may contribute to better sleep.

Read more in our article “Sleep Apnea: what you need to know and do for a better night's rest”.

People with Asperger's syndrome may have difficulty getting enough sleep and maintaining a normal sleep rhythm. There is no scientific evidence that a weighted blanket is the solution for sleep problems in people with Asperger's syndrome, but some people with Asperger's do experience improved sleep quality when using a weighted blanket. The blanket can help create a calming and safe environment, which may contribute to better sleep. ₉

Read more in our article Understanding and managing: Sleep problems in Asperger syndrome.

People with Down syndrome can have various sleep problems, including difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, snoring, and sleep apnea. Some people with Down syndrome benefit from using a weighted blanket. The blanket can help create a safe and calming environment, which can contribute to better sleep.

Read more here in our article “Understanding and managing: Sleep problems in Down syndrome”.

Using a weighted blanket during pregnancy can carry risks, especially in the last trimester. The extra weight can press on the uterus and restrict blood flow to the fetus. However, in the first trimester, it can provide various benefits. ₁₀

Read all about insomnia during pregnancy and the advantages (and disadvantages) of a weighted blanket during pregnancy in our new blog article: “Why do you sleep poorly when you are pregnant?”

We hope this article has given you more insight into the health benefits that a weighted blanket can bring. Do you have any questions about using a weighted blanket for a specific condition, or is your condition not listed and you want to know what the benefits could be for you? Please feel free to contact us. We are here for you!

• ₁ The Science Behind Weighted Blankets: Can They Really Help You Sleep Better?
• ₂ Weighted blankets for anxiety: Uses and benefits
• ₃ A Systematic Review of the Efficacy of Weighted Vests and Blankets on People with ASD and ADHD
• ₄ Positive Effects of a Weighted Blanket on Insomnia
• ₅ an, X., Campbell, S. S., & Riedy, S. M. (2011). Improved sleep with a weighted blanket: A randomized, crossover study.
• ₆ Grandin, T., & Scariano, S. M. (1986). The effectiveness of a squeeze machine for insomnia in autistic children.
• ₇ O'Donovan, A., Carmody, J., & Lydon, S. (2021). Evaluation of the impact of a weighted blanket on sleep quality and post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms in veterans.
• ₈ Bakhshi, S., Raju, G., & Thatcher, G. (2021). Effects of weighted blanket use on sleep, pain, and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
• ₉ Scholey, A. (2021). Sensory Processing and Autism: Understanding the Sensory World of the Person with Autism.
• ₁₀ Johnson, K. (2018). How a weighted blanket can help you sleep better during pregnancy