5 Benefits Of A Weighted Blanket — From Anxiety To Skin

As something that's used during sleep, weighted blankets are best known for promoting sleep to begin with. And according to Brittany Ferri, PhD, OTR/L, CCTP, occupational therapist and founder of Simplicity of Health, LLC, this perk is due to a type of sensory input called proprioception1. Proprioception "helps us comprehend how our body interacts with its environment," she says. It also involves signals from sensory neurons in the skin, muscles, and joints that inform the body's movement.  

The pressure of weighted blankets provides this sensory input. "The information allows a person's brain to stop doing extra work to determine the body's location," explains Ferri. "Once the brain is no longer devoting energy to this task, it can focus on other vital functions—including sleep."

If your self-care routine needs a pick-me-up, consider adding a weighted blanket to your lineup. According to Stephanie Wijkstrom, M.S., LPC, NBCC, psychotherapist and founder of Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, the physical pressure prompts the release of oxytocin and serotonin, which have a highly calming effect. In fact, it's similar to the way deep pressure during a massage induces relaxation. A study also found that deep pressure choreographs the autonomic nervous system in a way that improves the stress response.

And though more research is necessary, it's also thought weighted blankets decrease anxiety by promoting better rest. Deep sleep, after all, calms the regions of the brain responsible for anxiety. Adequate sleep also strengthens our fear response2 to potentially taxing situations, which helps us handle life's stressors with ease. 

While weighted blankets have turned into a wellness trend, their history has roots in occupational therapy. Traditionally, they're used to help kids with autism feel calmer. "Children with autism typically demonstrate mild to severe sensory regulation concerns," explains Ferri. As a result, their proprioception may be dysregulated. "Weighted blankets provide [them] with the information their bodies need, which regulate their behaviors and improve their ability to function in daily activities."

For most people, the healthiest sleep position is on your back. Not only does it help prevent acid reflux, but it minimizes the risk of pain and aches. That's because it keeps your spine, neck, and head neutral—which eliminates excess pressure. And according to anecdotal claims, using a weighted blanket could make it easier to sleep in this position. The idea is that if you start the night on your back, the pressure of a weighted blanket helps you maintain the posture by limiting movement. 

The perks of weighted blankets may also extend to muscle recovery. However, this benefit is purely theoretical, as it stems from the blanket's effect on sleep. As Ferri notes, our muscles need rest in order to recover3 after a major workout, race, or illness. "Sleep also helps our bodies absorb the water that we took in during the day, which is used to power our cells for continued recovery," she adds. 

Like all tools in the wellness space, weighted blankets aren't for everyone. Some might find them to be uncomfortable, difficult to store, or costly. But if you're searching for ways to cope with sleep or anxiety—or if your little one has autism—investing in one might be worth considering.