Women's Health September 9, 2026 0 Comments

Unlock the Unexpected Bedtime Trick That’s Crushing Anxiety Faster Than Any Pill Out There!

Ever wondered if wrapping yourself up in a weighted blanket is just a cozy luxury or an actual anxiety buster? I’ve gotta say, as someone who’s sifted through endless health trends and digital fads, this one genuinely caught my eye. There’s been a lot of buzz about weighted blankets being a simple fix for sleepless nights and stormy minds—but new research dives deeper, revealing how these snug bundles of calm actually help hospital patients dial down their anxiety. It’s like a scientific hug you didn’t know you needed, but is it worth that extra investment? And how do you actually make it work for you, beyond just feeling like a human burrito? Let’s unpack the cozy science and expert tips behind this trend so you can decide if hugging heavy is your next mental health move. Ready to feel the weight of calm? LEARN MORE

4 min read

New research explores the impact of weighted blankets on anxiety in patients in the hospital.
Researchers found that weighted blankets were linked to a large drop in anxious feelings.
There are a few ways to make weighted blankets work for you, according to psychologists.

Weighted blankets have been a go-to for years for people who struggle with sleep or just want a cozy way to wind down. But while you may feel more calm when you’re snuggled under your weighted blanket, new research confirms that this trendy home decor item is worth the added cost.

A new small study suggests that weighted blankets can, in fact, make you feel less anxious. The study focused on patients in the hospital who were understandably stressed about being there. But the results imply that there really is something to that calmer feeling you get after wrapping yourself up in a weighted blanket.

Weighted blankets don’t “work” for everyone, but psychologists say they can be a helpful tool to support your other mental health efforts. Here’s what they want you to know.

Meet the experts: Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinical associate professor at NYU Langone Health and cohost of the Mind in View podcast; Hillary Ammon, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Center for Anxiety & Women’s Emotional Wellness

What did the study find?

The study, which was published in the American Journal of Critical Care, recruited 54 hospitalized patients and randomly assigned them to one of two groups. Each patient was given a baseline anxiety assessment that gave them a score between zero and 10. That was followed by three assessments every 20 minutes during the hour-long intervention.

The first group was given a 15-pound weighted blanket during the first 20 minutes of the study period, followed by standard of care with no specific treatment for another 20 minutes. The second group received the standard of care for the first 20 minutes, followed by 20 minutes with the weighted blanket. Both groups had a third period of standard of care to see if there were any lingering effects of the weighted blanket.

The researchers found that people in both groups had the biggest change in their reported anxiety levels right after they used the weighted blanket. Specifically, their anxiety scores dropped by 3.6 points with the weighted blankets compared to the usual care. The final 20-minute period also suggested that there was a carry-over effect of using the weighted blanket.

All of the participants were then given a short exit survey. More than 80 percent of people in both groups said the blanket was calming, but not everyone loved it. More than 25 percent said that the blanket felt too hot and 33 percent said that the weight was too heavy.

Overall, the researchers said that the use of a weighted blanket is “an effective non-pharmacologic therapeutic intervention” for people in the hospital who are anxious.

Why might a weighted blanket reduce anxiety?

There are likely a few things behind this. “It can disrupt physical symptoms of anxiety,” says Hillary Ammon, PsyD, a clinical psychologist at the Center for Anxiety & Women’s Emotional Wellness. “If someone is fidgeting or restless from anxiety, a weighted blanket can disrupt that cycle through [the] added pressure.”

Weighted blankets can mimic the feel of a hug as well, says Thea Gallagher, PsyD, clinical associate professor at NYU Langone Health and cohost of the Mind in View podcast. “A weighted blanket is obviously not the same thing as human touch, but it may create some of that same sense of physical grounding or containment,” she says.

The pressure that comes from being under a weighted blanket can help to shift your focus away from anxiety, Ammon says. “The weight of the blanket may help people feel contained, which in turn, could make them feel more secure and relaxed,” she adds.

What else can help you mimic this feeling?

Weighted blankets aren’t cheap. If you don’t want to shell out for one, or simply don’t have your weighted blanket handy, there are a few ways to mimic the sensation.

Gallagher suggests experimenting with other forms of gentle, sustained pressure. “That could mean wrapping yourself in a regular blanket, hugging a pillow or stuffed animal against your chest, or even crossing your arms and giving yourself a firm hug,” she says.

You can also use a heavy quilt or layer several blankets to create weight, Ammon says. Snuggling into a sleeping bag or wearing compression clothing may offer a similar feel too.

How to reduce stress and make these findings work for you.

Weighted blankets come in different weights, making it important to choose the right one for you. It’s generally recommended that you choose one that’s about 10 percent of your body weight. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, opt for a 15-pound blanket.

“If you’re curious, you may want to start with a lower weight to ensure you like this sensation,” Ammon says. “Some note that weighted blankets make them too warm, so something else to consider when searching for the perfect blanket for you.” And, if a blanket isn’t your thing, Ammon points out that a weighted stuffy may be helpful, too. “These smaller items can still provide the needed pressure that aids the body in calming down,” she says.

But Gallagher says that the takeaway is that engaging your body can be helpful when you’re anxious. “Slow breathing, particularly making the exhale a little longer than the inhale, can help reduce physiological arousal,” she says. “Grounding yourself in physical sensations, like noticing your feet on the floor or where your body is supported by a chair, can also help bring your attention out of an anxious thought loop and back into the present moment.”