A Weighted Blanket Is Supposed To Feel Like A Big Hug At Bedtime, So Buy One

Personally, I feel like I’m at my most powerful when wrapped in a blanket. You're basically in a cocoon, protected from the outside world. Even better if it weighs, say, 15 glorious pounds. Yup, weighted blankets are a ~thing~, and those hefty boys can not only help you feel swaddled like a baby, but are also said to calm you TF down and get more shuteye.

Like a lot of buzzy wellness practices, the blanket’s perks aren’t quite ironclad, but positive anecdotes carry the weight (heh) of the reputation. How do they work, you ask? You’ll hear the term "deep touch pressure" a lot when shopping around. Essentially, the all-over pressure tells your nervous system to take a chill pill.

"While there isn’t much research to verify, the theory is that a weighted blanket works much like a hug," says Leisha Cuddihy, PhD, a provider in the Spectrum Health Sleep Disorders Center in Grand Rapids. Hugging lowers blood pressure and stress hormones, which she says can help you snooze soundly. One study found that people relaxed quickly and slept longer with a weighted blanket than without, but again, it’s not definitive. "A weighted blanket may make someone who is antsy or restless at bedtime feel more comfortable, but that does not necessarily mean it will improve sleep,” Cuddihy notes.

As for the idea that weighted blankets help anxiety? It’s more of an "in-the-moment comfort," explains Martin Antony, PhD, professor of psychology at Ryerson University and coauthor of the Anti-Anxiety Workbook previously told Women’s Health. However, a small 32-person study did find that 63 percent of participants felt less anxious with a weighted blanket than without. So, if you're looking for some much-needed relief in the p.m., it's worth a try.

When choosing a weighted blanket, the first thing to take into consideration also happens to be the most obvious: the weight. Weighted blankets typically range from 5 to 30 pounds, and many experts suggest picking one that’s around 10 percent of your body weight. Any heavier and things can get uncomfy. On that note, if you're claustrophobic, you might want to steer clear entirely. Cuddihy advises against weighted blankets if feeling trapped might trigger a panic attack. "It can be more difficult to move under these types of blankets, and it may be difficult to remember that immediately upon waking," she explains.

Not you? Great! You'll want a blanket that offers uniform pressure to feel the calming effect, adds Cuddihy, so look for quality stitching, layers of material, and glass-bead fill. Weighted blankets come with a heftier price tag than your usual throw (I mean, understandable), but the self-care investment is definitely worth it. Check out these 13 best weighted blankets, and you're sure to feel as snug as a bug in a rug.