What’s the Deal With Weighted Blankets?

Original weighted blankets, including the Magic Blanket,  were designed for children with Autism, but have recently been proved to have multiple additional benefits.

As other companies have began manufacturing weighted blankets, the weights range anywhere from two to 30 pounds, depending on the brand.

Weighted blankets are found to apply deep pressure therapy, the “firm squeezing, stroking, swaddling, and massage that calms the nervous system and reduces high arousal levels in adults and children,” Bulletproof Blog noted.

Because of the calming effect the blanket has, it is known to raise levels of serotonin and melatonin, inducing a longer and deeper sleep while reducing stress and anxiety.

Manufactures suggest buying a blanket that is 10% of your body weight, but it really only depends on personal preference.

Zivalich, of Magic Weighted Blanket told Bulletproof, “It’s best not to share your blanket with others… The blanket is intended for one individual so that the blanket can mold to the body.”

But is it really worth $200 or more?

Weighted blankets have proved “safe, non-invasive, and with high potential benefit,” said Ellen Vora, M.D., a holistic psychiatrist, “In summary, it’s worth a try.”