As someone who struggles with anxiety, a weighted blanket has been immensely helpful. Science has shown that weighted blankets provide “deep pressure touch” which raises serotonin and dopamine levels while cutting down on cortisol levels. I have personally felt better after sleeping under a weighted blanket, and studies have found that many with anxiety have felt the same.
If anxiety is the primary reason you’re considering a weighted blanket, check out my list below. I have reviewed numerous weighted blankets, and I personally felt less anxiety under all five of these.
Our Verdict: What’s the Best Weighted Blanket for Anxiety?
I named the Gravity weighted blanket as one of the best weighted blankets that can help with anxious moments. This blanket has a few different versions, but the traditional Gravity blanket, with the minky outer cover, is my overall favorite. It comes in a variety of weight options that should be good for most average-weight adults, and the cozy feeling should help soothe those who are feeling stressed.
The Best Weighted Blankets for Anxiety: Our Top Picks
- Gravity Blanket – Best Overall
- Bearaby Tree Napper – Best Cooling Weighted Blanket
- YnM – Best Weighted Blanket Options
- Nectar Serenity – Best Reversible Weighted Blanket
How We Choose our Products
Our team of sleep specialists have handled a variety of weighted blankets throughout the years with proprietary hands-on testing, and the team has assessed over 100 sleep accessory products. Weighted blankets are assessed on their ability to provide comfort and warmth, and our team examines the materials and how they perform. The best weighted blankets for anxiety were chosen because the materials used will provide a more comforting and cozy feel than other versions of weighted blankets.
Weighted blankets are known for providing something called “deep pressure touch,” which is that hugging feeling. And as stated above, this can help your body release the “feel good” chemicals dopamine and serotonin. When you combine deep pressure touch with the overall cozy, comforting feeling of a heavy weighted blanket, users should feel more relaxed.
Be sure to also read my buyer’s guide when you’re finished looking through the options. There, I go over some key considerations to look out for when shopping for a weighted blanket. I also further explain how weighted blankets can help those who are dealing with anxiety.
The Best Weighted Blankets for Anxiety: Video Review
Best Overall – Gravity
Gravity Weighted Blanket
The Gravity Blanket is a high-quality, throw-sized weighted blanket that features a very comfortable duvet cover.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.48 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
The Gravity Blanket is an extremely popular weighted blanket and it is also one of my favorites. It is high-quality and comes with a fuzzy cover that feels like mink.
The Gravity Blanket comes in three weight options: 15, 20, and 25 lbs. Most companies recommend buying a weighted blanket that is roughly 10% percent of your body weight. You can also add or subtract a few pounds depending on your weight preferences. If we do the math, the Gravity Blanket could be a good fit for people between 130 and 280 lbs.
No matter what weight you choose, the Gravity Blanket comes in a throw-size (72″ x 48″). This means the Gravity Blanket is designed to fit a single sleeper’s body and create a cocoon effect with more concentrated weight.
The Gravity Blanket should add nice soothing weight and could help you wake up with less anxiety.
What We Love About the Gravity Blanket
- It comes with a cozy duvet cover that provides extra warmth and a soft, fuzzy feeling. Hot sleepers can also opt for the cooling cover.
- The blanket is made of high-quality materials and should be quite durable.
- The Gravity Blanket comes in three weights: 15, 20, and 35 lbs. The 35 lb is a king-size blanket that’s recommended to be shared with another person.
What to Keep In Mind About the Gravity Blanket
- You can purchase this blanket from Amazon or Gravity’s own store. However, unless you’re shopping around the holidays, this is a rather pricey weighted blanket. It should last several years with good care, however.
Read the full Gravity Blanket review.
Best Cooling Weighted Blanket – Bearaby Tree Napper
Bearaby Tree Napper Weighted Blanket
The Bearaby Napper is a unique weighted blanket that is a good match for hot sleepers and those who like a throw-size blanket. Click the button for the best deal on Bearaby.
Mattress Clarity Score
5.00 / 5
Read Full ReviewOur Expert’s Take
One drawback of weighted blankets is that they can make you sleep hot at night. However, this should not be an issue with the Bearaby Tree Napper. This weighted blanket features a knit design, similar to what you would find with an afghan blanket. This allows for a great amount of airflow, keeping you from sleeping hot.
It is also made with TENCEL, a fabric made with eucalyptus. This material is designed to draw heat away from your body, and it is also naturally moisture-wicking.
And, even with its unique design, the Bearaby Tree Napper is an effective weighted blanket. While it doesn’t feature beads, its thick fabric offers that heavy weight you are looking for.
What We Love About the Bearaby Tree Napper
- The Bearaby Tree Napper’s chunky-knit design, coupled with the TENCEL fabric, makes it a win for hot sleepers. You shouldn’t overheat with this blanket.
- It comes in a variety of weight and color options, so there’s something for everyone. There are also other versions of this blanket made with cotton.
- It features eco-friendly materials, making it a great pick for eco-conscious shoppers.
What to Keep In Mind About the Bearaby Tree Napper
- If you’re the type of person who likes to walk around with a blanket around your shoulders (which should be possible for the lighter versions), be careful. The chunky knit design makes this blanket prone to snagging on things.
- At full price, a Tree Napper blanket costs around $290, which means it’s not the most budget-friendly pick.
Read the full Bearaby Tree Napper review
YnM – Best Weighted Blanket Options
YnM Weighted Blanket
The YnM is a very nice weighted blanket that comes in a number of weight and size options.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.60 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
Finding the right weight and size is so important when you are buying a weighted blanket. While some companies offer only three weight options, the YnM offers a lot more. You can choose from 5, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 22, 25, and 30 lbs. That means the YnM could work for children all the way up to people over 300 lbs.
Also, with some of the weights, there are three size options. For instance, you can get a 15 lb YnM weighted blanket in twin, queen, or king-size. So, whether you prefer a narrower or wider weighted blanket, you should find a good fit with a YnM.
What We Love About the YnM Weighted Blanket
- This blanket is available in a wide variety of weight options, so there’s something for children and adults.
- YnM also offers a number of duvet covers and cozier choices for children.
- This blanket is available on Amazon and is fairly affordable.
What to Keep In Mind About the YnM Weighted Blanket
- The various types of YnM weighted blankets don’t feature many cooling features. Because of this, hot sleepers might find themselves overheating with one.
Read our full YnM weighted blanket review.
Nectar Serenity – Best Reversible Weighted Blanket
Nectar Serenity Weighted Blanket
The Nectar Serenity is a reversible weighted blanket that gives you a fuzzy, warm side and a soothing, cool side.
Mattress Clarity Score
4.90 / 5
Our Expert’s Take
Do you want the best of both worlds, a weighted blanket for both the warmer and cooler months? If so, you’ve got to check out the Nectar Serenity Weighted Blanket. This reversible weighted blanket has one side to keep you warm during the winter and one side to keep you cool during the summer.
The warm side of the Nectar Serenity is made from polyester and boasts a fuzzy cover. It offers a cozy feel for those colder nights. The cool side is made from bamboo rayon which is cool to the touch and helps draw heat away from the body.
So there is no need to switch out your weighted blanket when the season change. The Resident Serenity should soothe your anxiety all year!
What Makes The Nectar Serenity Weighted Blanket Stand Out?
- It is available in 15 lb, 20 lb, and 25 lb options, so it can appeal to a wide range of adults.
- You have three colors to choose from.
- As mentioned, the blanket’s outer cover is reversible, so it should be a good for year-round use.
What to Keep In Mind About the Nectar Serenity Weighted Blanket
- While the huge draw for this blanket is its reversible outer cover, some people want a totally cozy and fuzzy weighted blanket. You won’t get that here, so if that’s what you prefer, you’ll need to look elsewhere.
Read our full Nectar Serenity weighted blanket review.
What Should People Consider When Buying A Weighted Blanket?
Weight
Well, this is kind of an obvious point, but people really can’t just buy any weighted blanket and expect it to be a good fit. Most companies recommend that people choose a weighted blanket that is around 10% of their body weight. People can go a bit lighter or heavier, but this is the basic idea. So, I am 230 lbs. 23 is 10% of my weight. I like my weighted blankets heavier, so I usually opt for a 25 lb weighted blanket.
Check out our weighted blanket calculator to make shopping a lot easier.
Weight distribution
Finding the right weight is essential, but how well is it being dispersed across the body? Does it feel lumpy? Are there areas that lack weight? If so, these are signs that the blanket has poor weight distribution. To get the most restful sleep, you should get a weighted blanket with even weight distribution.
Temperature
When you’re buying any kind of bedding, the temperature is always an important consideration. Most weighted blankets make people sleep a bit hotter. They contain heavy fill, and that doesn’t leave the most room for airflow. That said, some weighted blankets feature cooling panels or more breathable materials such as organic cotton. These features can ensure people aren’t sweating and heating up at night.
Durability
Most weighted blankets are filled with glass beads or poly pellets. While these can help give the blanket its weight, they can also be a real pain if the blanket tears. When this happens, the fill can spill out all over the bed and floor. It will look and feel like you have sand all over the bedroom. To prevent this, look for a weighted blanket with thick fabric and a durable construction.
RELATED: Pros & Cons of Weighted Blankets
How a Weighted Blanket Can Help with Anxiety
As mentioned above, weighted blankets work through something called “deep tissue pressure,” which is also described as a “deep hug.” So, when people lie under a weighted blanket, they could feel a sense of calm. Like when people get a big hug, their serotonin and dopamine levels increase. This can increase feelings of wellbeing. Cortisol levels, which are associated with stress, can also potentially drop.
One study found that people who struggled with anxiety felt better after using a weighted blanket. They used a 30 lb weighted blanket for only five minutes. In the study, 63% of participants reported feeling less anxiety after using the weighted blanket after only five minutes.
I personally use a weighted blanket for anxiety and place one over my legs while I am at work. I also sleep under a weighted blanket at night and can say it has been very great at soothing my anxiety.
Summary
| Weighted Blanket | Best For |
| Gravity Blanket | Best Overall |
| Bearaby Tree Napper | Best Cooling Weighted Blanket for Anxiety |
| YnM | Best Weighted Blanket Weight Options for Anxiety |
| Nectar Serenity | Best Reversible Weighted Blanket for Anxiety |
Overall
For people who struggle with anxiety, one of these weighted blankets should work well. However, I will say that I am not a doctor. I recommend checking with a therapist or medical professional before adding a weighted blanket to the treatment.
