Weighted blankets, which provide gentle pressure across the body, have emerged as a popular non-pharmacological option for managing sleep and mental health symptoms. Originally used in occupational therapy for neurodiverse individuals, they are now being evaluated for broader clinical applications. Recent studies, including randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, have examined their effects across various populations, from adults with insomnia to patients with psychiatric disorders.

A comprehensive 2024 meta-analysis involving 553 psychiatric patients found that weighted blankets significantly reduced anxiety symptoms (SMD = -0.47; 95% CI: -0.68 to -0.25, p < 0.001) and improved several sleep measures including insomnia severity and sleep onset latency (Wong et al., 2024).

The studies reviewed included patients with depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and autism. Though some heterogeneity and methodological limitations were noted, the consistency of the anxiety-related findings supports the blankets' therapeutic relevance. Similarly, a 2024 pilot RCT in China involving 102 adults with insomnia showed that after one month, the weighted blanket group had a greater improvement in sleep quality scores (PSQI: -4.1 vs. -2.0, p = 0.006) and experienced significant reductions in daytime sleepiness, anxiety, and stress (Yu et al., 2024). Objective actigraphy data indicated fewer nighttime awakenings, though this trend was not statistically significant.

Another trial focusing on psychiatric patients used weighted chain blankets for four weeks and found a large improvement in insomnia severity (Cohen’s d = 1.90) along with better sleep maintenance and reduced fatigue and anxiety (Ekholm et al., 2020). Notably, benefits were sustained over a 12-month follow-up in those who continued using the blanket. These improvements in both sleep and daytime symptoms suggest a meaningful regulatory effect on the nervous system, likely tied to deep pressure stimulation mechanisms.

As evidence grows, weighted blankets appear to offer an effective, low-risk complement to traditional therapies. Their ease of use and non-invasive nature make them suitable for home and clinical settings alike. However, further large-scale studies are still needed to solidify guidelines for specific conditions and populations.