6 Best Weighted Blankets For Anxiety

Last Updated: October, 2024

Please Note: This Post Contains Affiliate Links

Weighted blankets are gradually becoming quite trendy in helping people with sleep disorders, especially anxiety, feel calm and get a good night's sleep. Before becoming mainstream for anyone seeking a comfy nighttime sleep, the occupational therapist first introduced these weighted blankets as a treatment option for behavioral disorders. 

According to sleep experts, these blankets apply deep pressure stimulation therapy technique, which promotes increased secretion of serotonin. That way, a person with sleep difficulties can fall asleep quickly. A 2012 research indicates that these cooling weighted blankets can also help individuals with Attention Deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), spectrum disorder, or autism feel relaxed and fall asleep faster. 

The blankets in this review article are primarily suitable for anxiety. So, individuals with the mentioned medical problems or any chronic health condition, including sleep apnea, should check with their doctors or occupational therapists to determine whether or not a weighted blanket is the best option. Once you agree that using a weighted blanket is a suitable option, feel free to explore our top five picks.

6 Best Weighted Blankets for Anxiety

ghotbed weighted blanket

GhostBed Weighted Blanket

If you want to ease your sensory stimulation by cuddling up to the ideal best weighted blanket, then a Ghostbed blanket is an excellent choice. Not only is the 100% Tencel cover material gentle on the skin but also eco-friendly, biodegradable, and toxic-free. So, if you're having sleep difficulties because of anxiety, then this blanket has got you covered.

Puffy Weighted Blanket

Compared to most weighted blankets fitted with tiny plastic pellets, the blanket is among the best weighted blankets with glass beads. Also, Puffy is not only ideal but best weighted blanket option for those seeking a snugly warm hug to cope with anxiety. 

Aricove Weighted Blanket

Aricove Weighted Blanket

This sleek and comfortable weighted mattress comes in five different weight options to suit your family's unique needs. Filled with non-toxic glass microbeads to stimulate melatonin and serotonin, the Aricove Weighted Blanket is sure to help teenagers with anxiety sleep better and stay calm throughout the night.

Arguably, the Nolah Bamboo weighted blankets have the softest material currently on the market. Moreover, it is double-sided, meaning that as you deal with anxiety, you can choose your comfort level to make your sleep experience worthwhile. 

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Anchor Weighted Blanket

The weighted blanket has undergone tests and been anxiety medically reviewed and found to be the best fit for those dealing with anxiety. Essentially the stylish super silky soft luxurious design is sure to throw you off balance once you set your eyes on it. So, if you're looking to improve your sleep experience as you cope with anxiety, why not use a weighted blanket such as an anchor. 

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Layla Weighted Blanket

The hexagon grid signature pattern is one of the things you'll notice on this blanket. Notably, Layla is no different from other weighted blankets for anxiety regarding its construction and the deep touch pressure it offers to make you feel calm. And it you're worried about care, the blanket is relatively easy to wash, i.e., it's machine washable. 

ghostbed

What We Like

  • It has the queen size option suitable for tall and large-bodied individuals
  • It promotes deep touch pressure therapy
  • It's 100% Tencel material is excellent for cooling—ideal for hot sleepers.

What We Don't Like

  • It's available in one weight and size option only

Overall Thoughts: 

Size and Weight Option

If you're a hot sleeper looking to relieve anxiety, then this deep pressure touch-enabled weighted blanket should be among your go-to options. Since the blanket only comes in one size option, it's suitable for specific people seeking the best cooling weighted blankets for anxiety.


The ghostbed weighted blanket not only suits individuals seeking to reduce anxiety but also for people who want to stay cool as they sleep. Plus, it can accommodate two sleepers—a suitable option for those who prefer snuggling next to loved ones whenever an opportunity arises. The ghostbed design teams decided to settle for 15lbs single-weight option—because it offers a perfectly balanced gentle pressure to reduce anxiety and make you feel relaxed.


Construction and Performance

According to the Ghostbed, the 15lbs weight is enjoyable, and rest assured it doesn't have the feeling of being crushed or compressed until you're sweaty. The pressure component of this cooling weighted blanket arises from the premium glass beads embedded in it. Moreover, the Tencel fiber is the primary material in this weighted blanket's construction. And its natural silky soft texture is a spectacular comfort enhancer for people with anxiety. Other unique properties of this material include;

  • Color retention
  • High flexibility
  • Breathability
  • Moisture absorption
  • It is biodegradable

Most importantly, the blanket's construction consists of premium double stitching, plus it is quilted to prevent the glass beads from bunching. Additionally, the glass beads ensure an even distribution of the blanket's weight. 


Unique Features

The hypoallergenic feature is among this blanket's top-selling points, making it suitable for asthmatic and allergic people. Performance tests by the Ghostbed design team show that people who use a weighted blanket such as this one should experience lower than average to no allergic reactions. Moisture-wicking feature of the blanket prevents you from sweating; perfect for hot sleepers. The material ensures sweat evaporates, leaving a cooling effect on your skin. 


Related Content: Benefits of a weighted blanket

What We Like

  • It has hypoallergenic properties
  • Its cover has dual sides
  • It employs a deep touch pressure technique
  • The ceramic beads are odorless and non-toxic
  • It is machine-washable

What We Don't Like

  • It's not suitable for children 

Overall Thoughts: 

If you're seeking a good night's rest, then puffy should be among your best considerable choices. The weighted blanket is anxiety medically reviewed, and the results show that it's an effective solution for such health conditions. The puffy weighted blanket is lightweight, has a dual side design, and is exceptionally soft. The dual-side design includes a side that gently massages your body without irritating your skin. According to NIH studies, approximately 60% of men and 70% of women have sensitive skin. Suppose you fall under either category; it's crucial to avoid skin contact with rough bedding.


Design

Generally, the puffy weighted blanket employs a simplistic design. Its cotton cover has dual sides. One side is made of organic cotton fabric, and a blend of polyester that is soft on the touch and keeps you cool. The flip side construction consists of a soft mink-like fleece material that you can snuggle up with when trying to stay calm, snugly, and warm. 


A puffy weighted blanket can simulate deep pressure touch like most weighted blankets. Deep pressure stimulation is a therapeutic technique that uses hands-on pressure to reduce high anxiety and stress levels. It's imperative that you avoid too much or too little pressure as it might affect your sleep quality. 


Size and Weight

Full, queen and king size are the three sizes this blanket comes in. Moreover, the company also has 15 and 20-pound variants; however, the heavier variant is mainly suitable for king-size beds. Similar to the ghost bed weighted blanket, sleep experts also recommend the ideal blanket to be 10% of your own body weight. You can also use online guides to help you determine the perfect weighted blanket size by looking at other factors like your height and bed size. 


Performance

Apart from anxiety and other conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, this blanket is suitable for those with chronic health conditions like allergies and asthma. That's due to its hypoallergenic, toxic-free, and odorless properties. Suppose you have sensitive skin or allergies; there's no need to worry about using the blanket. Generally, it's important to opt for hypoallergenic beddings. That's because conditions such as hay fever affect up to 30% of people worldwide, and according to AAAI, synthetic materials are the primary triggers for its symptoms.


While most weighted blankets for anxiety contain plastic pellets or glass beads, the puffy blanket has ceramic beads. These beads are a bit warm to keep you comfortable as you sleep but less warm than other materials such as plastic pellets. For hot sleepers, this cooling weighted blanket will be an excellent choice. That's because, at night, your skin temperature rises, in turn raising your body temperature resulting in night sweats. But since this blanket has ceramic beads, it will help prevent you from having night sweats. 

Aricove Weighted Blanket

What We Like

  • Can lower stress and anxiety levels
  • Breathable cover for comfort and better air circulation
  • It uses a Deep Touch Pressure Technique
  • It's machine washable

What We Don't Like

  • It could feel too heavy for some sleepers

Overall Thoughts: 

Aricove Weighted Blanket is a game changer for anxiety sufferers. Better than your regular blanket, this blanket is specially designed to hug the sleeper's body for a calming and cozy feeling, while its breathable cover helps you stay comfortable. This construction works effectively at reducing the effects of anxiety and improving your sleep. It uses deep pressure stimulation therapy; a relaxing therapy commonly used to calm people. Wrap yourself in the soft and comfy embrace of your blanket and enjoy an entirely new level of relaxation that you haven't felt before.

It comes with a twill-woven bamboo viscose to help regulate your body temperature and keep you cool all night long. The extra weight comes from glass beads, and the seven-layer construction includes comfort layers of hypoallergenic microfiber. The Aricove Blanket is free from harmful chemicals, meaning not only will you sleep cool, but also healthier. Machine-washable and tumble dry-safe, the Aricove Weighted Blankets come with duffel bags, so you can pack them and take them with you anywhere you go.

The weight of this Weighted Blanket on different body parts mimics the sensation of acupressure, touch, and massage. It increases oxytocin levels, which promotes relaxation and sleep by countering cortisol (stress hormone). 


Read full review: Aricove weighted blanket

What We Like

  • The quality of the material and construction is top-notch.
  • The bamboo fabric is silky soft and breathable
  • It has a magnificent white design

What We Don't Like

  • It's not machine washable

Overall Thoughts: 

While a gravity blanket may have the perks of a typical best weighted blanket, you can be sure that the Nolah blanket has as much to offer. That doesn't mean a gravity blanket is a bad option. But other individuals with, e.g., a chronic health condition like anxiety can gravitate towards Nolah weighted blanket, which is also a good selection when choosing a weighted blanket for autism. Essentially it's all a matter of personal preference.


Design

The bamboo cover of the blanket holds a soft,  silkier, and cool feel on touch—a bonus feature for anxiety and hot sleepers. The interior chambers of the blanket consist of tiny glass beads. These chambers are sealed to prevent the bunching of the beads and allow even weight distribution across the blanket.  


Performance

Like any best weighted blanket, the Nolah blanket can stimulate deep pressure touch, helping lower anxiety levels and making you feel relaxed. As mentioned previously, the deep pressure touch technology helps boost melatonin and serotonin levels, promoting sleep. Melatonin helps regulate your sleep cycle by letting your body know when to drift off. In comparison, serotonin handles the mood, anxiety, and stress levels department. So, if you want to fall asleep the moment you retire to bed, then this blanket should be among your top go-to choices. 


Size and Weight Options

Surprisingly, the Nolah Bamboo weighted blanket's weight is also suitable for claustrophobic people. Since it offers you a warm hug as you sleep, you won't feel its weight crushing you since it's lightweight. The Nolah Bamboo blanket's choice is purely out of personal preference. Note that there are only three distinct size and weight options, i.e.; 

  • The standard 15lbs, which measures 48” x 72”
  • The standard 20lbs, which measures 48” x 72”
  • The larger 25lbs, which measures 80” x 87”

The Nolah Bamboo company recommends the standard 15lbs option for healthy adults weighing 130 to 175 pounds. The 20lbs version is suitable for individuals weighing between 175 and 225 pounds. The larger option is best better suited for king-size beds.


Related Content: Best weighted blankets for teens

anchor-weighted-blanket-375899_1000x

What We Like

  • It has tiny glass beads that create gentle pressure for relaxation
  • It comes with a removal silky-soft hypoallergenic duvet cover
  • The inner blanket is 100% cotton with a 10-tier system for all-season comfort.

What We Don't Like

  • It might not suit taller or overweight individuals

Overall Thoughts: 

The first thing you'll notice about this blanket the moment you lay your eyes on it is the premium channel stitching on the outer cove of the entire blanket. The stitching gives the weighted blanket a world-class designer look plus, it is high quality making the blanket exceptionally durable. 


Design and Performance

Aside from external features, the inner blanket is 100% pure organic cotton. Additionally, this inner blanket features a 10-tier system that provides a secure fit, comfort, and relaxation for anxious people. The Anchor blanket uses gentle pressure to give you a soothing feel associated with easing stress and anxiety, promoting athletic recovery, and encouraging deep sleep.


As a best weighted blanket for health conditions such as anxiety and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, among others, it has glass beads sandwiched between the layers. Generally, these tiny glass beads help evenly distribute the entire blanket's weight. 


Size, Weight and Color

Since the weight offers the feeling of a warm hug, it's better suited for people with anxiety. The design of the blanket's outer cover is baffle box shapes, which means that the blanket has interior chambers of glass beads separated by stitches to prevent bunching. 


The removable microfiber duvet cover is not only silky soft, and hypoallergenic but also stain resistant. Notably, these features are very crucial to its selling points. The weighted blanket is available in two classic colors, i.e., driftwood and ash, and in 3 different weight options, i.e., 12lbs, 15lbs, and 20lbs.


Choosing an Ideal Weight

Typically, a blanket's weight should be approximately 10-12% of your own weight within about two pounds. For example, the 15lbs weight option is excellent for someone weighing 150 pounds. That means the queen-size, i.e., 20lbs, can cover two people while the throw size can accommodate only one sleeper. 


Related Content: Best couples weighted blanket

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What We Like

  • It's filled with glass beads, one of the most premium materials available
  • It is machine washable
  • It has two sides
  • It's available in multiple sizes

What We Don't Like

  • It comes in a single design and color scheme

Overall Thoughts: 

Design

As one of the best weighted blankets, it's a guarantee that you'll fall in love with this blanket immediately you set eyes on it. Moreover, its high-quality premium material and relatively simpler exemplary design offer maximum value for your money. Generally, compared to most weighted blankets, Layla offers premium comfort that'll make your nighttime anxiety pretty manageable. Sandwiched between its polyfill layers are the glass beads, which add to the blanket's overall comfort. 


Naturally, beads are noisy, courtesy of their unique clinking sound. However, Layla company has made sure the glass beads sandwiched between the weighted blanket's layers provide you with a restful, calm and quiet night— courtesy of the polyfills, cotton, and fur surrounding the glass beads. While the fur is mint, the cotton is soft quilted. 


Performance

The quilting is hexagon to ensure even weight distribution across the weighted blanket. On top of that, it has an astonishing thread count of 300, made purely out of organic cotton fabric.

 

The blanket's weight holds you down on the bed just right, preventing too much tossing. As an added perk, you'll still be able to change your position whenever you want. Like most best weighted blankets, Layla employs deep pressure touch technology to help reduce your anxiety and stress. The blanket features two sides. And if you're an enthusiast for modern classic beddings who'd like to use a weighted blanket like Layla to add icing on the cake of their sleeping experience, the weighted blanket's plush-like side may feel a little off at first, mainly if you don't like the feel of fleece material. 


Care and Additional Unique Features

The cozy fleece may help relieve anxiety in some people. However, some may find it challenging to get used to the material. The other side consists of cotton (one of the best breathable fabrics)— a suitable option side for hot sleepers. But remember to add a duvet cover made of breathable cotton fabric. While its construction may seem complex and sophisticated, Layla's best weighted blanket for anxiety is relatively easy to clean. Generally, it's machine washable, plus you can also use your home dryer. Just remember not to use bleach or an iron box on the weighted blanket. 


Related Content: How to care for a weighted blanket

What To Consider When Buying a Weighted Blanket for Anxiety

Shopping blindly for the ideal weighted blanketed for anxiety blindly without a list of factors to consider might lead to purchasing something you may not like. The good thing is most of these blanket companies offer a randomized controlled trial to see if a particular blanket is a good fit. The Crucial factors include; 

Material Fabrics

Natural cotton fabric is suitable if you want to sleep hot. However, ensure you settle for the breathable options to avoid night sweats. Weighted blankets made of nubby plush polyester are ideal for cold sleepers. Aside from being affordable, blankets made of such material tend to last longer and are wrinkle-resistant. Generally, as much as these blankets may suit hot and cold sleepers, they're ideal for coping with anxiety.


Price

Weighted blankets aren't your typical blankets that go for under $100. These weighted blankets have superior construction and sophisticated design, making them expensive. Like any typical weighted blanket, say, a gravity blanket,  most of these premium weighted blankets' prices are over $100. Once you buy either of our top 5 picks, it will be worth the investment. 

Weight

Note that a heavier blanket isn't always better. Some researchers found 15lbs blanket suitable for people with anxiety. However, some folks may find this option to be way heavier depending on their body weight. Generally, a suitable blanket should be 10-12% of your body weight. If you are in doubt, then go lighter. Weighted blankets should help with pain reduction and not suffocate one in their sleep.

Closing Thoughts 

Weighted blankets come in various sizes, weights, prices, and fabrics. Moreover, the purpose of their superior design is to help improve your sleeping experience. So, if you're experiencing restless conditions with medical associations to stress and anxiety or anxiety itself, then a weighted blanket is your ticket to a magical dreamland. Remember to consult with your doctor about whether a weighted blanket is the best non-medical solution for your anxiety. Once you have the green light, you can choose the suitable option from our top picks above. 

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