Best Weighted Blankets for Anxiety
- Best Overall: Brooklyn Bedding Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket
- Best Luxury: Saatva Weighted Blanket
- Best Minky: LUXOME Removable Cover Weighted Blanket
- Best Cooling: Nectar Serenity Weighted Blanket
- Best Eco-Friendly: Bearaby Tree Napper Weighted Blanket
- Best Dual-Sided: Layla Weighted Blanket
- Best for Sharing: Gravity Weighted Blanket
- Best Cotton: Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket
- Best Machine Washable: Puffy Weighted Blanket
Best Overall: Brooklyn Bedding Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket
Brooklyn Bedding Chunky Knit Weighted Blanket
The Brooklyn Bedding Chunky Knit weighted blanket is soft, breathable, and available in two different weights.
Sleepopolis Score
5.00 / 5
Best Luxury: Saatva Weighted Blanket
The Saatva weighted blanket features a cotton velvet cover and is filled with cotton and glass beads.
Saatva Weighted Blanket
Best Minky: LUXOME Removable Cover Weighted Blanket
LUXOME Removable Cover Weighted Blanket
Fuzzy and plush, this weighted blanket from LUXOME keeps you comfy without making you overheat.
Read Full ReviewBest Cooling: Nectar Serenity Weighted Blanket
Nectar Serenity Weighted Blanket
The Nectar Serenity weighted blanket has a Dual-Temperature design, meaning one side is cooling and one is warming. It’s filled with glass beads and also has a removable, washable duvet cover.
Sleepopolis Score
4.90 / 5
Best Eco-Friendly: Bearaby Tree Napper Weighted Blanket
Bearaby Tree Napper Weighted Blanket
The Bearaby Tree Napper is a great choice for those looking for an eco-friendly weighted blanket!
Sleepopolis Score
5.00 / 5
Best Dual-Sided: Layla Weighted Blanket
Layla Weighted Blanket
Like Layla’s mattresses, this weighted blanket has two sides with two different feels.
Sleepopolis Score
4.40 / 5
Best for Sharing: Gravity Weighted Blanket
Gravity Weighted Blanket
The Gravity weighted blanket is available in 15, 20 and 35 pound weight options and features a plush cover.
Sleepopolis Score
4.48 / 5
Best Cotton: Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket
Brooklinen Weighted Throw Blanket
The Brooklinen Weighted Throw blanket features a dual-sided cotton cover and is filled with glass beads. It’s available in four different colors.
Sleepopolis Score
4.50 / 5
Best Machine Washable: Puffy Weighted Blanket
Puffy Weighted Blanket
The Puffy weighted blanket features a minky cover and is filled with glass beads.
Sleepopolis Score
5.00 / 5
How Weighted Blankets Can Help With Anxiety
If you are shopping for a weighted blanket to help with anxiety, you might be wondering how exactly weighted blankets can be beneficial for alleviating anxiety. Weighted blankets utilize deep pressure therapy to calm the nervous system.Deep Pressure Therapy for Anxiety
Deep pressure therapy is a form of stimulation through firm pressure, commonly applied through hugging, holding hands, or cuddling that promotes production of serotonin and melatonin, while reducing production of cortisol. Essentially, the deep pressure therapy tells your body to physically calm down through regulating hormones. Weighted blankets can trigger this same effect, which is what makes them so popular among people with anxiety.
To learn more, check out our guide on deep pressure therapy.
Who Else Can Benefit from Weighted Blankets?
Weighted blankets were actually originally developed as a therapeutic tool and were used for years in therapy for kids with autism, ADHD, anxiety, and more. They have since become a popular, mass-market tool for anyone who struggles with anxiety, who needs help calming down for bed, and those who simply find the extra weight cozy.Are There Risks to Using Weighted Blankets?
While weighted blankets are generally considered to be safe, there are some risks to consider.Weighted Blankets and Children
One of the main concerns around weighted blankets is small children. Babies and toddlers should never be placed under a weighted blanket, as the blanket is likely too heavy for them to move out from underneath — this presents a risk of suffocation. If your child is older and you think they might benefit from a weighted blanket, talk to their doctor first to be sure it’s safe. You will also want to be sure to buy a lightweight blanket for your older child if you do end up purchasing one. The recommendation for adults is a blanket close to 10 percent of their body weight, but for a child 5 percent is a better rule of thumb. Another concern for children are the small plastic pellets or glass beads frequently used to make weighted blankets heavy. If the blanket ever tears, the small beads could spill out, presenting a choking hazard.Weighted Blanket Safety for Adults
For adults, weighted blankets are generally considered safe. However, if you have sleep apnea, breathing problems, or any chronic health conditions, it’s likely best to consult your doctor before using a weighted blanket. Additionally, if you are physically incapable of moving the blanket on your own, it’s likely best not to use a weighted blanket.How to Choose a Weighted Blanket
As you are deciding which weighted blanket is best for you, here are a few things to consider. We take all of these factors into consideration when we review weighted blankets here at Sleepopolis.Material
There are a variety of different materials used in weighted blankets’ construction. There are two main types to consider: what fabric the blanket is made of and what is used to make the blanket heavy.
For fabrics, there are many different types with different textures, levels of breathability, and different looks. Some common ones include:
- Polyester faux fur or minky fabrics
- Microfiber
- Cotton
- Bamboo viscose
- Tencel
- Glass beads
- Plastic pellets
- Sand
- Chains
Weight
As mentioned above, the recommendation for adults is to choose a weighted blanket close to 10 percent of your own body weight. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, then a 15-pound blanket would be ideal for you. If you plan to share the blanket with a partner, then you will want one that is close to 10 percent of your combined weights.Care Instructions
Because weighted blankets are a specialized product, many of them are not machine washable. There are definitely some out there (including some mentioned in this article!), but it is rare. However, many weighted blankets do feature duvet covers that can be washed separately. That can be a big help in keeping them clean.Aesthetics
Unlike a mattress or pillow, which will be covered by your other bedding, aesthetics are important when it comes to weighted blankets. Texture, color, design, and patterns can all play a role in whether a weighted blanket fits with your space and aligns with your vibe.Cost
As with any purchase, cost is an important factor to consider when choosing a weighted blanket. Weighted blankets do tend to be more expensive than a regular throw blanket, because of the added material and weight. Generally, weighted blankets range in price from $50 to $250.Weighted Blanket FAQs
Is it okay to use a weighted blanket every night?
It is generally considered safe to sleep with a weighted blanket every night. However, it may take some time to adjust to it.
Are weighted blankets good for people with anxiety?
Yes, they can be. If you struggle with anxiety, a weighted blanket might help you calm down before bed and get ready for sleep. However, a weighted blanket is no replacement for seeking treatment for an anxiety disorder. A weighted blanket is a good tool to have in your toolbelt to deal with anxiety, but be sure to talk to your doctor about anxiety if you find it impacting your day-to-day life.
Who should not sleep with a weighted blanket?
Small children, like babies and toddlers, should not sleep with a weighted blanket, as they might be trapped and suffocate under the heavy blanket, since they are not strong enough to lift it off themselves. For older children, consult a doctor before giving them a weighted blanket. Adults with sleep apnea, breathing problems, or chronic health conditions should also consult their doctor before using a weighted blanket.
What is the rule for weighted blankets?
For adults, a weighted blanket should be close to 10 percent of your own body weight.
