Weighted blankets have elements added to them to increase their weight anywhere from five to thirty pounds. Weighted blankets are used by people mainly to help with stress relief and to achieve a good night’s sleep. Some research suggests that they can benefit people suffering from insomnia, autism, anxiety and other conditions.

The benefits of sleeping with a weighted blanket are based on a technique called deep pressure stimulation. Pressure is used against the body (typically applied by the therapist using their hands) to cause the nervous system to relax and has been shown to relieve pain, manage anxiety and improve a person’s mood.

Deep pressure stimulation does not necessarily need to come from a person and weighted blankets allow the pressure to come from a heavy blanket when it is wrapped around a person’s body. This technique is also used in conjunction with other therapies such as massage therapy and the use of support animals.