Study (2021): Weighted blankets for pain relief

Pleasant pressure sensations are a still little-researched way to regulate chronic pain. Deeper pressure is perceived as pleasant and calming and can improve sleep. Although pressure can relieve acute pain, its effect on chronic pain is insufficiently described. In the present study, the hypothesis was tested that wearing a heavy weighted blanket—which exerts widespread pressure on the body—would reduce the rating of chronic pain compared to a light blanket, accompanied by an improvement in anxiety and sleep. 

For this, 94 adults with chronic pain were randomly selected to wear a heavy (7 kg) or a light (2 kg) weighted blanket overnight during a short trial and for one week. Anxiety and chronic pain were recorded before and after the trial. Additionally, pain intensity, anxiety, and sleep were assessed daily. 

After controlling for expectations and anxiety behavior, the heavy weighted blanket led to a significantly greater reduction in the overall perception of chronic pain than the light weighted blanket. This effect was stronger in individuals with high anxiety. However, the weighted blankets had no effect on the rating of pain intensity. Pain reduction was not mediated by anxiety or sleep. Considering that the heavy weighted blanket was associated with stronger regulation of the affective compared to the sensory aspects of chronic pain, the study authors suggest that the observed pain reduction is due to interoceptive and social/affective effects of the deeper pressure. 

Overall, the study shows that the widespread pressure of a weighted blanket can reduce the severity of chronic pain and thus represents an accessible, home-based aid for chronic pain. These results are relevant for patients and providers seeking non-pharmacological therapies for chronic pain relief at home.

About the study

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