Wissenschaft über Therapiedecken
We are often asked whether the effectiveness of weighted blankets has been scientifically proven. Scientifically proving the effectiveness of weighted blankets involves complex studies. This is due to the high demands placed on scientific studies, and secondly, the challenge of measuring 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 partially/tentatively be used as proof of the effectiveness of weighted blankets.
The weighted blankets are therefore recommended, especially due to positive experiences, by both therapists and patients. Furthermore, we rely on our customers' reviews, so that we can 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, tested 30 adults, and used a weighted blanket weighing 13 kg.


Weighted blankets for insomnia
Weighted blankets are often recommended for people suffering from insomnia. The 2015 study "Positive Effects of a Weighted Blanket on Insomnia" (see Study 1) by Ackerley, R, Badre, G, and Olausson, H, showed the effects of a weighted blanket on insomnia using objective and subjective measurements. Objectively, the researchers found that the time it took to fall asleep and the movements of the subjects decreased while using the weighted blanket. Subjectively, the participants enjoyed sleeping with the blanket, found it easier to fall asleep, and had better sleep, feeling more rested in the morning. Overall, the study showed that participants using the weighted blanket slept more quietly at night. The results of the study indicate that a weighted blanket can help reduce insomnia through altered tactile stimuli and thus represents an innovative, non-pharmacological approach and a complementary tool for improving sleep quality. This approach is supported by another current study, "Weighted Blanket Improves Sleep And Increases Relaxation" (see Study 2). According to the participating subjects, using a weighted blanket reduces stress, increases feelings of relaxation, and can improve sleep and reduce nighttime wakefulness.
Study 1Study 2Weighted blankets for autism
The first study investigated the effect of weighted blankets 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 researchers observed that the weighted blanket was preferred by both children and parents. What the study did not investigate was the effect of the blanket on sleep quality. The second study demonstrated that weighted blankets improved the overall sleep quality of children with autism spectrum disorder, specifically reducing sleep onset latency, the number of nighttime awakenings, increasing sleep duration, and improving 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 objective measurement instruments should be a key aspect of future research.
Study 3Study 4

Our own sleep study on the effect of weighted blankets
You can find more interesting articles about therapy blankets here:
How does a weighted blanket work?
Who is a weighted blanket suitable for?
List of some studies:
- Design of Haptic Interfaces for Therapy by Cati Vaucelle, Leonardo Bonanni and Hiroshi Ishii.
- How to Know if Weighted Blankets Really Work and Whether Research Supports Their Use by Jacobson, LK
- Positive Effects of a Weighted Blanket on Insomnia by Ackerley, R.; Badre, G.; and Olausson, H.
- Weighted Blanket Can Help More Than Just Sleep Problems by Hochman, D.
For further questions, please visit our FAQ page or send us an email to kundenservice@therapiedecken.de