Science about therapy blankets

We are often asked whether the effectiveness of Weighted Blankets is scientifically proven. Scientifically proving the effectiveness of Weighted Blankets is associated with complex studies. This is due, firstly, to the high demands on scientific studies, and secondly, to the challenge of being able to measure a person's well-being in tests. The human organism, with its diverse emotional states, is dynamic and complex, which is why studies can only be used partially/approximately as evidence for the effectiveness of Weighted Blankets.

Weighted Blankets are therefore mainly recommended based on good experiences by both therapists and patients. In addition, we rely on the reviews of our customers, so that we always keep an eye on how we can optimize the Blankets and improve well-being.

Nevertheless, the number of meaningful studies that have dealt with this topic and can present results is growing.

Weighted blankets with a clear conscience

The largest study to date Evaluating the Safety and Effectiveness of the Weighted Blanket With Adults During an Inpatient Mental Health Hospitalisation, which examined the safety and effectiveness of weighted blankets in adults, was conducted in 2015 by T. Champagne, B. Mullen, D. Dickson, and S. Krishnamurty. The study took place in a psychiatric facility, 30 adults were tested, and the weight of the weighted blanket was 13 kg.

of the tested adults were able to observe a reduction in anxiety symptoms after using the 13 kg weighted blanket.

the study participants reported that the feeling of anxiety was reduced when they were covered with the 13 kg weighted blanket.

preferred the weighted blanket when they could determine their own weight.

the participants answered the question when they feel more relaxed with “When I use the weighted blanket”

of the tested adults were able to observe a reduction in anxiety symptoms after using the 13 kg weighted blanket.

the study participants reported that the feeling of anxiety was reduced when they were covered with the 13 kg weighted blanket.

preferred the weighted blanket when they could determine their own weight.

the participants answered the question when they feel more relaxed with “When I use the weighted blanket”

To the study

Weighted blankets for insomnia

Weighted blankets are often recommended for people suffering from insomnia. The study “Positive Effects of a Weighted Blanket on Insomnia” (see Study 1) by Ackerley, R, Badre, G., and Olausson, H. from 2015 showed the effects of a weighted blanket on insomnia based on objective and subjective measurements. Objectively, the researchers found that the time to fall asleep and the movements of the subjects decreased during the use of the weighted blanket. Subjectively, the participants liked sleeping with the blanket, found it easier to fall asleep, and had better sleep, feeling more refreshed in the morning. Overall, it was shown that participants who used the weighted blanket slept more peacefully at night. The study's result shows that a weighted blanket can help reduce insomnia through altered tactile stimuli and thus represents an innovative, non-pharmacological approach and a complementary tool to improve sleep quality. This approach is supported by another recent study “Weighted Blanket Improves Sleep And Increases Relaxation” (see Study 2). According to the participating subjects, the use of a weighted blanket reduces stress perception, increases the feeling of relaxation, and can improve sleep and reduce nighttime awakenings.

Study 1Study 2

Weighted blankets for autism

The first study examined the effect of the weighted blanket on sleep in children on the autism spectrum. The main focus was on sleep duration. The study concluded that the weighted blanket had no effect on sleep duration. However, the scientists observed that the weighted blanket was preferred by children and parents. What was not investigated in the study was the influence of the blanket on sleep quality. The second study showed that weighted blankets improved the overall sleep quality of children with autism spectrum disorder, especially the time to fall asleep, the number of nighttime awakenings, the duration of sleep, and morning behavior. This study shows that the need for additional research studies to improve sleep quality in children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory hypersensitivity using more robust methods and more objective measurement tools should be an important aspect in research.

Study 3Study 4

Our own sleep study on the effects of weighted blankets

We wanted to know more precisely. That is why we conducted our own study on the effects of weighted blankets. With 100 test subjects, we conducted the test ourselves and gained some interesting insights into the effects of weighted blankets.
Our sleep study

More interesting articles about Therapy Blankets can be found here:

How does a weighted blanket work?
Who is a weighted blanket suitable for?

Listing of some studies:


For further questions, please visit our FAQ page or send us an email at support@therapyblankets.com