If you're looking to add something new to manage your anxiety, weighted blankets could be a great addition to complement 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 also act as another type of therapy for people who have insomnia or autism, and can 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 jumpstart your search.
Dakik Weighted Blanket
- Weight: 20 pounds
- Price: $
The Dakik cotton weighted blanket features gridded stitching to ensure the microbeads stay distributed evenly. Its super-soft microfiber duvet has hidden interior clasps to minimize shifting, and the blanket is machine washable. You can buy this blanket for about $88 here.
YnM 2.0 Weighted Blanket
- Weight: 5–30 pounds
- Price: $
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 five different colors and multiple weights. This blanket starts at about $60 for a 15-pound version. Buy it here.
Weighted Idea
- Weight: 5–30 pounds
- Price: $
This cooling weighted blanket from Weighted Idea uses a seven-layer design for cozy 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. A 15-pound blanket is priced at about $70.
Luna Weighted Blanket
- Weight: 15–20 pounds
- Price: $$
Advanced cooling technology wicks heat, while double-stitched seams make the Luna weighted blanket soft, comfortable, and durable. The blanket is made with 100 percent organic cotton with a 400-thread count outer shell for breathability. Smaller pockets mean a more even distribution of the odorless, hypoallergenic, nontoxic, medical-grade glass beads woven into the fibers. This blanket starts at about $96 for a 15-pound version. You can purchase it here.
Degrees of Comfort
- Weight: 5–25 pounds
- Price: $$$
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 several different weights 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. You can purchase a 15-pound version for about $110 here.
Quility Weighted Blanket
- Weight: 5–30 pounds
- Price: $$$
The Quility weighted blanket is designed to mimic the feeling of a comforting hug. Gentle pressure is also wonderful thanks to this innovative seven-layer blanket, which comes in solid colors and multiple weights and sizes. A removable Minky duvet cover is also included for easy care. A 15-pound version of this blanket will cost about $120. You can get it here.
The bottom line
If you're looking to help treat your anxiety, weighted blankets could be a great option. Available in a variety of different weights and fabrics, weighted blankets may act as a safe alternative to other types of medical treatments or even to complement preexisting ones.
Once you've talked with a healthcare provider if a weighted blanket is right for you, consider opting for one of these options.
Jessica Timmons has been a writer and editor for more than 10 years. She writes, edits, and consults for a great group of steady and growing clients as a work-at-home mom of four, squeezing in a side gig as a fitness co-director for a martial arts academy.