Sleeping with Weight: Do Heavy Blankets Help?

Ever wondered if those heavy blankets people rave about can actually help you sleep better? Let's find out. When Rhonda from Charleston first tried her husband's weighted blanket, she was amazed at how quickly she dozed off. "It feels like a giant hug, " she said. These blankets can be super cozy, especially as temperatures drop. Some people claim the extra weight helps them relax and fall asleep faster. Scientists think this might trigger the brain to release oxytocin, a hormone that can lower anxiety. But remember, research on these blankets is still in the early stages. So, what are weighted blankets, exactly? They're like regular blankets but with extra stuffing, such as glass beads or pellets. The idea is that the even pressure might calm your brain's "fight or flight" response. Dr. Neal Walia from UCLA Health explains, "The weight tells your body you're safe. " Using one is easy. Most adults should choose a blanket that's about 10% of their body weight. For instance, if you weigh 150 pounds, look for a 15-pound blanket. But remember, these aren't suitable for babies or people with breathing issues. Talk to a doctor first if you have sleep apnea or other breathing problems. Lucy from Wales likes to use her weighted blanket when her anxiety is high during winter. "If my body relaxes, my mind does too, " she says. But are they worth the price? Good ones can cost from $50 to over $300. And they might be too warm for summer. Can they really improve sleep? Well, studies are limited and often focus on people with specific sleep issues, like insomnia or autism. A study with 120 insomnia patients found that weighted blankets helped them sleep better. But another study with kids with autism showed no change in sleep, even though they preferred the weighted blankets. The bottom line is, there's no harm in trying if you're interested. Dr. Daniel Barone from Weill Cornell Medicine suggests them to his patients if other treatments haven't worked. "If it won't hurt and might help, why not give it a try? " he says.