Weighted blankets are not your ordinary run-of-the-mill blanket. They are made with special materials (i.e., glass beads, plastic pellets, or sand) to make them heavier than regular blankets. These blankets have been used by mental health professionals to aid in many therapeutic and clinical benefits—including to reduce symptoms of depression, ADHD, autism, and insomnia. There are several benefits of using weighted blankets, including:

1. Reduces stress and PTSD
Everyone experiences stress. However, too much stress can put a significant strain on a person’s mind and prevent them from sleeping. In addition to regular daily stress, some people suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. Weighted blankets can help to ease some of the symptoms of stress that prevent people from feeling relaxed enough to sleep.

2. Manages autism
People with autism spectrum disorder can benefit from using weighted blankets. The deep pressure from the blankets gives a sense of comfort and helps them relax. Children, in particular, can benefit from sleeping with a weighted blanket. The weight of the blanket can help block outside stimuli and help them rest.

3. Lessens anxiety
People who suffer from anxiety often have difficulty sleeping. Weighted blankets can help naturally ease the symptoms of anxiety, helping people to relax and fall asleep. Weighted blankets achieve this by calming down the nervous system, which can lower a person’s levels of anxiety.

4. Lowers depression
Depression can cause problems with sleep on either end of the extreme. People suffering from depression often find that they can’t sleep or sleep too much. Both of these symptoms are harmful to a person’s health. A weighted blanket can help ease depression symptoms and help a person to get better quality sleep.

5. Improves sleep for insomnia or restless legs syndrome
Weighted blankets can improve your sleep. People with sensory issues or sleep disorders like insomnia are able to enjoy better quality sleep when they use them. A key reason behind this is the extra weight from the blanket can prevent excessive moving around in one’s sleep. Weighted blankets also use deep pressure stimulation to boost serotonin and melatonin while reducing cortisol, which can improve the quality of sleep.

Due to the extra weight on weighted blankets, it’s fair to wonder whether they’re safe. As long as you get one that’s appropriate for your body type and weight and have the ability to move the blanket off your body, they should be safe. If you are the type of sleeper who needs to have your head under the blanket, a weighted blanket may not be for you. Weighted blankets are available in weights ranging from 7 pounds to 25 pounds. They can be chosen in a variety of sizes depending on who’s using them and the type of bed on which they’re used. For example, if you need a weighted blanket for your child, you can choose one that’s more lightweight and smaller to fit a twin-sized bed. For adults, the heavier you are, the heavier your weighted blanket should be for your maximum benefit.