Do Weighted Blankets Really Help Reduce Anxiety?

Do weighted blankets truly reduce anxiety? Discover the science behind deep touch pressure and anxiety reduction.

Do Weighted Blankets Really Help Reduce Anxiety?
Photo by National Cancer Institute / Unsplash

Weighted blankets have become a popular tool for reducing anxiety and improving sleep quality.

But how do these heavy blankets actually alleviate anxiety?

Weighted blankets are designed to provide deep touch pressure, a form of tactile sensory input linked to calming the nervous system.

The gentle pressure from the blanket is believed to simulate the feeling of being held or hugged, triggering the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, associated with relaxation and well-being.

Research has shown that deep touch pressure can help reduce physiological arousal, slowing down the heart rate and decreasing activity in the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's stress response.