The 6 Best Weighted Blankets for When You're Craving Comfort

Weighted blankets are all the rage these days, with so many people swearing by their seemingly endless benefits, from better sleep to reduced anxiety and relief from restless legs syndrome.

If you're not familiar with the concept, a weighted blanket is one filled with substances such as glass beads or plastic pellets to give the sleeper a feeling of being "weighed down." This added pressure is thought to have myriad benefits, but there's plenty of debate around whether weighted blankets really work.

The research is limited, but one March-April 2020 review in the ​‌American Journal of Occupational Therapy‌ found that weighted blankets do occasionally help reduce symptoms of anxiety. Another March 2021 study in ​the ‌Journal of Integrative Medicine‌ came to the same conclusion, showing decreased anxiety among users of weighted blankets.

Using touch and pressure to soothe the nervous system is nothing new; it has long existed as a concept, though its application to the weighted blanket emerged first in the early 90s as a way to help manage the behavioral symptoms of autism spectrum disorder, explains Christina Pierpaoli Parker, PhD, licensed clinical health psychologist.

"Weighted blankets as a mental health tool have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic especially, which has precipitated unprecedented rates of anxiety, insomnia and other psychiatric symptoms," Dr. Parker says. "They provide an economical, easy and socially-distanced tool for symptom management without requiring a prescription or visit to the clinic."

Considering the overwhelming popularity of weighted blankets and the countless users who swear by their effects, it's certainly worth a try if you're someone prone to anxiety or insomnia. With the help of sleep experts, we've narrowed your search to the top six on the market.

We chatted with sleep and mental health specialists to get their professional perspectives on the best weighted blankets and what to look for when shopping for one. We chose our top picks based on the following criteria:

• Weight
• Materials
• Washing requirements

There are so many things to love about this highly rated weighted blanket sold on Amazon. First of all, it comes in five different sizes, nine different weight classes and nearly 40 colors and prints, so you can fully customize it to your needs and preferences.

Made from 100 percent cotton, it is made with seven different layers that contour to the shape of your body thanks to a weighed-down fill that's made up of premium glass beads.

Because the fill is evenly distributed, you won't wake up too hot or too cold in the middle of the night, which helps facilitate quality sleep.

Although this weighted blanket is sold at an unusually affordable price, it doesn't sacrifice on quality in the slightest. It's made from premium soft brush microfiber, which is followed by two extra layers of polyester so you never have to worry about the inner beads spilling out. Speaking of those inner beads, they're made from a non-toxic, hypoallergenic material.

The careful stitching prevents the beads from moving around while you maneuver the blanket, so you always get a uniform feel whenever you use it.

And for those looking to use this blanket underneath a duvet cover, you'll appreciate the fact that it comes with eight to 12 sewing loops so it attaches properly and doesn't move around inside the cover.

Saatva is well-known in the bedding industry for everything from mattresses and furniture to sheets and blankets, so it's no surprise the brand sells a weighted blanket that's worthy of its hefty price tag.

Covered with organic cotton velvet quilting throughout the outer lining and filled with all-natural glass beads on the inside, this weighted blanket is ideal for all four seasons thanks to its breathability and how nicely it contours your body.

The only drawback when it comes to this blanket is that it can't be tossed in a machine washer or dryer — dry cleaning is recommended.

If you're partial to heated blankets, you might be more open to a weighted blanket that features heating technology. While there aren't many on the market, this one by Pure Enrichment offers just what you're looking for — a combination of a weighted blanket and an electric blanket rolled into one.

The blanket features an ergonomic LED controller that allows you to choose between four different heat settings, from warm to high.

The weight is 13 pounds and it is evenly distributed throughout the blanket via glass beads that are free of BPA, lead and phthalates.

Another perk is that this blanket comes with Pure Enrichment's guaranteed five-year warranty.

If you get too hot at night, a cooling weight blanket may be the option for you. This bamboo blanket from Luna comes in various weights — from 10 to 30 pounds. And its 100 percent lyocell bamboo exterior makes it antimicrobial, all-natural and cool to the touch.

This Oeko-Tex certified blanket is filled with glass beads and polyester filling, offering equally distributed weight through the whole night. Plus, it's machine washable — just make sure it's on the gentle cycle and dry with low heat.

This quilted weighted blanket has amazing reviews on Amazon and it's clear to see why. It's made from 100 percent breathable cotton and does not contain any chemicals or plastics sometimes found in fabrics that could potentially pose harm to a person's health.

It comes in three main sizes, accommodating full-, queen- and king-size beds, as well as varying weights so you can customize it to your needs.

The best and most talked-about feature, however, is the fact that the blankets are machine-washable and dryer-safe. The brand recommends running the products on a gentle cycle with cold water and including whites only, then drying on low heat.

Here are some things to keep in mind when shopping for a weighted blanket.

Peter Polos, MD, PhD, sleep medicine specialist and Sleep Number sleep expert, recommends opting for a weighted blanket that clocks in at around 10 percent of your body weight. For instance, if you weigh 180 pounds, it's a good idea to look for a blanket that weighs no more than 15 to 20 pounds total.

As with any blanket you purchase, you want to make sure that the material — both inner and outer — feels comfortable and helps you achieve quality rest. If you're feeling itchy or scratchy while you're sleeping, or too hot or cold, you're not going to get a good night's sleep regardless of the weight that might be holding you down.

Another important factor could be whether or not you can put the blanket in the dryer. Some weighted blankets require air drying, which can take a great deal of time and may not be well-suited for your lifestyle, especially if you have several people in your home.

Dr. Polos recommends finding one that is machine-washable and recommends drying it on low to keep it in good condition.