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Exhibit A:weighted blankets, which have surged in popularity in recent years.
Henrique Silva Pedroso / EyeEm / Getty Images
We spoke to experts and dug through the research to find out.
What weighted blankets are
Weighted blankets tend to look a lot like other cozy throws.
The recent explosion in mainstream weighted blanket popularity, however, appears tied to a constellation of factors.
So, yes, weighted blankets are having a moment.
But can they actually do anything for anxiety issues?
How weighted blankets might work for anxiety
The way weighted blankets may work is not totally clear.
The ANS has two components: the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, according to theMerck Manual.
The sympathetic division is responsible for the bodys fight-or-flight response.
So, what does the science say?
Empirical evidence
There is very little scientific evidence on weighted blankets for anxiety, sleep psychiatristS.
What expertsdohave is a handful of small studies based largely on self-reported participant feedback, Scanlan explains.
(Sensory rooms, also called comfort rooms, contain objects to help distressed people self-soothe.)
There were various items in the room, including a weighted blanket, a rocking chair, and books.
The weighted blanket was one of the most popular items, Scanlan says.
(Dont mind us, just cringing over here.)
Honestly, its going to be kind of tough to do the most scientifically legitimate studies on this.
Scientists do venture to counter this in their investigations.
This is called a randomized controlled trial (RCT), and its the gold standard of medical research.
With that said, theres nothingwrongwith the placebo effect.
The bottom line is that feeling better is great, whether or not its due to the placebo effect.
Anecdotal evidence
A lack of sound research doesnt mean weighted blankets absolutelyarenteffective for anyone.
Whether this is actually due to the weighted blankets or the placebo effect, we cant be sure.
It refocuses [my] senses elsewhere, Gabby explains.
It basically distracts my brain until it forgets that it is anxious.
But using weighted blankets as a grounding technique doesnt work for everyone.
Like so much else, its a really individual thing.
Thomas adds that the added weight could theoretically exacerbate hot flashes in people going throughmenopause.
Also, double-check youre OK with becoming accustomed to sleeping under a weighted blanket.
They can be something that a person learns to require so you can fall asleep easily, Schneeberg says.
Finally, the biggest downside may be price, Thomas says.
you’re free to find weighted blankets on Amazon for anywhere from about $50 to $500.
Im absolutely convinced that some people find [weighted blankets] soothing and relaxing, Antony says.
Thomas, for example, doesnt recommend weighted blankets to his patients.
Instead, he will advise the use of evidence-based treatments for anxiety, such ascognitive behavioral therapy.
