7 of the Best Weighted Blankets for Anxiety

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A quick look at the 7 best weighted blankets for anxiety

• Best for relaxation: Casper Sleep Weighted Blanket | Skip to Review
• Best value: YnM 2.0 Weighted Blanket | Skip to Review
• Best for even weight distribution: Weighted Idea Cooling Weighted Blanket | Skip to Review
• Best for hot and cold sleepers: Degrees of Comfort Cooling Weighted Blanket | Skip to Review
• Most generously sized: Big Blanket Original Stretch Blanket | Skip to Review
• Best knitted weighted blanked: Bearaby Cotton Napper | Skip to Review
• Best for dual-sided options: Luxome Integrated Cover Weighted Blanket | Skip to Review

If you’re looking to add something new to manage your anxiety, weighted blankets could be a great complement to your other treatments.

The blanket’s weight, which typically ranges between 4 and 30 pounds, can help produce a deeply calming effect. In fact, older studies have shown that weighted blankets can be a safe and effective way to reduce anxiety in adults.

The blanket can act as a complementary therapy for insomnia or sleep or anxiety issues common in autistic people. They can also be appropriate for children.

Typically, you can use your body weight as a measure to help you find the right weighted blanket. Start with a blanket that’s between 5 and 10 percent of your body weight, or 10 percent for children, plus 1 to 2 pounds.

Before you get started, however, we suggest speaking with a doctor or occupational therapist to find out whether a weighted blanket is the best option for you. Once given the green light, consider using this list of weighted blankets to jump-start your search.

How we chose the best weighted blankets for anxiety

To make our recommendations of the best weighted blankets for anxiety, we considered a few factors.

We prioritized blankets in a variety of weights and sizes. We looked carefully at customer reviews for an idea of quality and customer service, and we also considered price point and material quality. Finally, we reviewed brand reputation to help build our list.

Pricing guide

• $ = under $70
• $$ = $70–$150
• $$$ = over $150

Healthline’s picks of the 7 best weighted blankets for anxiety

Best for relaxation

Casper Sleep Weighted Blanket

• Price: $$$
• Weight: 10–20 pounds (lbs.)
• Size: 70 x 50 inches (27.5 x 19.57 centimeters)
• Materials: polyester, cotton, glass microbeads

Casper weighted blankets are designed for relaxation. The blanket is made to hug your body for a cozy and calming feeling, while a breathable cotton cover helps you stay comfortable.

The company recommends choosing a blanket that’s 10 percent of your body weight for optimal effects. The blanket comes in four colors and three weights. Though it’s a pricey option, the company does offer sales and discounts. Plus, Casper offers a 30-night trial so you can test it out yourself.

Best value

YnM 2.0 Weighted Blanket

• Price: $–$$
• Weight: 5–30 lbs.
• Sizes: 41 x 60 in. (104 x 152.4 cm); 47 x 72 in. (119.4 x 182.9 cm); 48 x 72 in. (122 x 182.9 cm); 60 x 80 in. (152.4 x 203.2 cm); 80 in x 87 in. (203.2 x 221 cm)
• Materials: cotton, glass microbeads

A premium-grade, seven-layer weighted blanket, the YnM 2.0 Weighted Blanket features 100-percent lightweight cotton for breathability, a weighted insert secured with eight separate loops, glass bead technology, and small inner pockets for even distribution and adaptability to your body.

Plus, the blankets come in over 35 different colors and designs.

Best for even weight distribution

Weighted Idea Cooling Weighted Blanket

• Price: $–$$
• Weight: 5–30 lbs.
• Sizes: 41 x 60 in. (104 x 152.4 cm); 48 x 78 in. (122 x 198.1 cm); 60 x 80 in. (152.4 x 203.2 cm); 80 x 87 in. (203.2 x 221 cm)
• Materials: cotton, polyester, glass microbeads

This cooling weighted blanket from Weighted Idea uses a seven-layer design for pressure. The premium cotton cover is breathable and soft, while polyester layers prevent leakage of the hypoallergenic, nontoxic, odorless, and quiet beads inside.

Note that there’s no included duvet cover, which is recommended for easy cleaning and to prolong the blanket’s durability.

Best for hot and cold sleepers

Degrees of Comfort Cooling Weighted Blanket

• Price: $–$$
• Weight: 5–30 lbs.
• Sizes: 36 x 48 in. (91.5 x 122 cm); 41 x 60 in. (104 x 152.4 cm); 60 x 80 in. (152.4 x 203.2 cm); 80 x 87 in. (203.2 x 221 cm)
• Materials: fleece, microfiber, ceramic beads

With two duvet covers to suit hot and cold sleepers plus advanced nano-ceramic beads, this weighted blanket offers a cozy hugging effect for just about anyone.

Choose from different weight and color options and enjoy the calming effects of deep pressure stimulation thanks to a patented filling that claims to be both comfortable and evenly distributed.

Most generously sized

Big Blanket Original Stretch Blanket

• Price: $$$
• Weight: 11 lbs.
• Size: 120 x 120 in. (304.8 x 304.8 cm)
• Materials: polyester, spandex

The Original Stretch is Big Blanket’s bestseller. The 10 x 10 ft. throw blanket is made with a stretchy polyester/spandex that’s designed for temperature regulation, so you don’t get too hot or too cold. The size and material contribute to its weight of 11 pounds. Plus, it’s machine washable.

There are over 6,600 reviews, with customers raving about its generous size and perfect weight. Big Blanket offers a 100-night guarantee, with free shipping and free returns.

Best knitted

Bearaby Cotton Napper

• Price: $$$
• Weight: 10–25 lbs.
• Sizes: 40 x 64 in. (101.6 x 163 cm); 40 x 72 in. (102 x 183 cm); 45 x 72 in. (122 x 183 cm); 48 x 72 in. (122 x 183 cm)
• Materials: organic cotton, spandex

The Cotton Napper from Bearaby is a knitted weighted blanket. It comes in six colors and three weight/size options. Like the Big Blanket, this weighted blanket doesn’t use fillers. Instead, its weight comes from the organic cotton and spandex used to make it.

Each blanket is hand-knit, so size and weight may vary slightly between blankets. Because it’s a knitted blanket, it offers breathability and airflow. Plus, it’s machine washable.

The Cotton Napper is expensive, but Bearaby offers a 30-day return window so you can decide if it’s worth the money.

Best for dual-sided options

Luxome Integrated Cover Weighted Blanket

• Price: $$-$$$
• Weight: 8–18 lbs.
• Sizes: 42 x 56 in. (107 x 142.2 cm); 54 x 72 in. (137 x 183 cm); 60 x 80 in. (152.4 x 203.2 cm)
• Materials: bamboo lyocell, minky, glass microbeads

With its integrated cover, the Luxome weighted blanket is like two blankets in one. One side is made with minky, a soft, plush material similar to fleece or microfiber. The other side is made with bamboo lyocell for a soft, silky feel.

While Luxome only offers three weights in three specific sizes, the company says it completed extensive user testing to optimize the blankets to an ideal weight per square foot. That way, Luxome believes shoppers can pick a size and be satisfied with the blanket’s weight.

Comparison chart of the best weighted blankets for anxiety

Benefits of using a weighted blanket

Weighted blankets may help promote relaxation, lower stress and anxiety levels, and potentially help you sleep better. A weighted blanket can almost mimic the feeling of a hug.

Researchers are still looking into the benefits, but many people report that weighted blankets help to:

• lower anxiety and stress
• provide feelings of comfort, security, and relaxation
• improve sleep quality and duration
• improve symptoms of some conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, and depression

Do weighted blankets work?

The jury is still out on whether weighted blankets actually work, but the results have been promising so far. While there’s plenty of anecdotal evidence from people who swear by them, the scientific research is a bit limited.

One 2020 review suggests weighted blankets may help to reduce anxiety levels, but says there isn’t enough evidence to support any benefits for insomnia.

But another study monitored insomnia in people with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). It found that using a weighted blanket could help with sleep maintenance and reduce daytime symptoms of fatigue, depression, and anxiety. This also helped increase daytime activity level.

One more study looked at how weighted blankets affected children and adults with ADHD or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The researchers found that the weighted blanket helped with falling asleep, staying asleep, and relaxing throughout the day.

Researchers from a more recent study monitored how the use of a weighted blanket could affect sleep and quality of life of older adults in nursing homes. They found that using a weighted blanket led to better sleep and increased overall quality of life in study participants.

The bottom line is that there’s promising research to support the positive effects of weighted blankets. And because none of the studies showed negative side effects of using one, it doesn’t hurt to add one to your routine to see if it works for you.

How to choose the best weighted blanket for anxiety

Weighted blankets come in a variety of materials, fillings, and prices. When looking through the different blankets on the market, factors to consider can include:

• Weight. For most people, a blanket that weighs between 5 to 12 percent of their body weight feels comfortable. The general recommendation is to aim for a blanket that’s around 10 percent of your body weight. You may have to try a few different weights to find a blanket that feels the best for you.
• Cover material. The cover of the weighted blanket can be made from a variety of materials, like cotton, fleece, microfiber, flannel, rayon, and linen.
• Breathability. Weighted blankets may be constructed to keep you cool or to trap heat. For people who tend to be cold, warmer materials and interior materials can absorb and trap body heat to help you stay warmer. If you tend to be hot, look for a more breathable blanket to prevent overheating.
• Washability. Some blankets are made so the whole blanket can be washed in a washing machine, while others have a removable, machine-washable cover. Be sure to check how easy the blanket will be to clean before purchasing. Some blankets may require dry cleaning to prevent early wear.
• Price. Weighted blankets could cost between $50 and $300, depending on the size and quality of materials. There are options to fit most budgets. Blankets made with better quality material, of both the cover and weighted inner components, may last longer.

There isn’t always one best blanket. It all depends on your preferences.

When to see a doctor for anxiety

If you’re looking for ways to manage anxiety, it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor. That’s especially true if you’ve noticed that your anxiety doesn’t seem to be going away or you’ve noticed it seems to be worsening over time.

You should see your doctor if you:

• feel like anxiety is interfering with your day-to-day activities or your ability to get quality sleep
• wonder whether your anxiety could be stemming from a mental health issue
• are not sure how best to manage your feelings of anxiety

Your doctor is an important first step in learning how to best manage your anxiety.

Frequently asked questions about weighted blankets and anxiety

Do weighted blankets help with anxiety?

Yes, weighted blankets may help reduce anxiety and stress. Still, more research is needed to fully understand the benefits of weight blankets.

Is it OK to sleep with a weighted blanket every night?

For most people, it’s safe to sleep with weighted blankets every night. Weighted blankets at the right weight can offer a relaxing effect without negatively impacting heart rate or breathing for most people.

Do weighted blankets make you hot?

Some weighted blankets may trap body heat and help you feel warmer. If you feel too hot while using a weighted blanket, you may want to look for one designed to be more breathable to release body heat and prevent overheating.

What are the benefits of a cooling weighted blanket?

Cooling weighted blankets are designed for breathability and airflow. If you like the idea of a weighted blanket but worry you’ll find it too hot or stuffy, look for one made with breathable or temperature-regulating materials.

Should I invest in a weighted Gravity blanket?

Gravity points to a 2021 study that shared the effectiveness and overall safe nature of using weighted blankets as a treatment for anxiety. Additionally, the company claims that 54.7 percent of people using the blanket reported feeling less anxiety, though this is only based on one study.

Still, if you find that information reassuring, it may be worth investing in a Gravity blanket. The company is now offering a Basics line that’s much more affordable than its flagship blanket.

Can only those with anxiety use a weighted blanket?

No. A weighted blanket can give you a cozy, “hugged” sensation, and many people find it relaxing. Feeling relaxed and comfortable in bed could make it easier to fall asleep, and that’s something most people could benefit from.

Takeaway

If you’re looking to help manage your anxiety, weighted blankets could be a great option. Available in a variety of different weights and fabrics, weighted blankets may act as an alternative to other types of medical treatments or even to complement preexisting ones.

Once you’ve talked with a healthcare provider about whether a weighted blanket is right for you, consider opting for one on this list.

Jessica Timmons has been working as a freelance writer since 2007, covering everything from pregnancy and parenting to cannabis, chiropractic, stand-up paddling, fitness, martial arts, home decor, and much more. Her work has appeared in mindbodygreen, Pregnancy & Newborn, Modern Parents Messy Kids, and Coffee + Crumbs. See what she’s up to now at jessicatimmons.com.