Do you really know? Can a weighted blanket help you get a better night’s sleep?
Aug 22, 2025
Discover the cozy world of weighted blankets and how they can transform your sleep experience! These heavier blankets offer a soothing pressure that mimics a comforting embrace, potentially reducing anxiety and improving sleep duration. Learn about the physiological effects of deep pressure and its role in boosting serotonin and melatonin. Explore alternative options if weighted blankets aren't your perfect match. This brief discussion wraps up with insightful tips for achieving a restful night and tackling sleep challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
How Weighted Blankets Work
- Weighted blankets add light, even pressure via plastic pellets or glass beads to mimic being held.
- That pressure can produce calm, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep for some people.
Pressure May Boost Sleep Hormones
- Deep pressure stimulation may calm the nervous system via sensory integration theory.
- This can increase serotonin and melatonin, supporting sleep and reducing anxiety.
Research Shows Increased Melatonin
- A 2022 Uppsala University study found weighted blankets raised melatonin by about 32%.
- This suggests a non-pharmacological route to improved sleep without melatonin supplements.