Weighted Blankets: The Science Behind Better Sleep and Calm Minds

If you’ve ever wrapped yourself in a big cosy doona and felt instantly calmer, you already know the magic of gentle pressure on the body. Weighted blankets take that feeling one step further - and science is now showing just how powerful they can be for improving sleep, reducing anxiety, and bringing a sense of calm.

A recent review of studies published in Frontiers in Psychiatry looked at how weighted blankets affect sleep and wellbeing in both adults and children. The results are exciting for anyone looking for a natural way to sleep better and manage stress. Let’s break it down in simple terms. “The Luminos Project: Co-Designing a Short-Stay Suicide Support Model for Young People” (IJERPH, 2025)

What is a weighted blanket?

A weighted blanket looks like a regular blanket, but it’s filled with small beads or pellets that give it extra weight. The idea is that the blanket applies gentle, even pressure across your body, much like a hug. Scientists call this deep pressure stimulation.

This pressure sends signals to the nervous system that help the body relax. Think of it as a way to tell your brain, “You’re safe, it’s time to rest.”

What does the research say?

The journal review gathered studies from around the world and found some very interesting facts:

Better sleep for adults with insomnia: People who used weighted blankets fell asleep faster, woke up less often during the night, and felt more rested in the morning. Some also reported less pain and stress.

Helpful for children with ADHD and autism: Parents noticed improvements in how quickly their kids settled at bedtime and how calmly they slept through the night.

Support for mental health: Weighted blankets have been used with people experiencing anxiety, depression, and other psychiatric conditions, with many reporting improved sleep quality and reduced feelings of restlessness.

Comfort for older adults: Studies in nursing homes found weighted blankets helped reduce night-time waking and improved overall wellbeing.

One fascinating point is that people often feel the benefits strongly, even when sleep tracking devices don’t show big changes. This suggests that part of the magic is in how secure and comforted the blanket makes us feel.

Why does it work?

The calming effect of a weighted blanket is linked to the body’s natural systems. Deep pressure can:

Lower levels of cortisol (the stress hormone).

Increase serotonin and melatonin, which are linked to happiness and sleep.

Reduce over-stimulation in the nervous system, which is especially helpful for people with sensory sensitivities.

It’s like giving your body a gentle nudge into “rest and recharge” mode.

Are weighted blankets safe?

For most people over the age of two, weighted blankets are safe and easy to use. The general guide is to choose a blanket that’s about 10% of your body weight. For example, a 70kg adult would usually choose a 7kg blanket.

That said, they might not be suitable for very young children, people with certain medical conditions, or those who find the sensation uncomfortable. The good news is most people adapt quickly and enjoy the snug, cosy feeling.

Why choose one of ours?

At Nana’s Weighted Blankets, we’ve been making high-quality weighted blankets in Australia since 2009. Our blankets are filled with non-toxic food-grade poly pellets (not glass microbeads, which can break down into dust) and are designed to be machine washable, durable, and long-lasting. With over 300 fabric options, you can choose a blanket that feels as good as it looks.

Because we hand-make each blanket, we can customise the weight and size to suit your needs — whether it’s for a child who struggles to settle at night, or an adult looking for natural relief from stress and sleeplessness.

The bottom line

Weighted blankets are more than just a cosy trend. Research is showing real benefits for sleep, mental health, and overall wellbeing. From calming anxious minds to helping people fall asleep faster, they are a simple, natural tool that can make a big difference.

If you’ve been struggling with restless nights or want a healthier way to manage stress, a weighted blanket might be just what you need.

Explore our full range today and discover how comforting better sleep can be.