Weighted Blanket Basics: Why & How Weighted Blankets Work

Think about the last time you received a big soothing hug. You know, the type of hug that clears your mind and relaxes you. Got that in mind? Well, that’s what a weighted blanket feels like.

Simulating the psychological and physical benefits of touch, weighted blankets are the perfect bedroom accessory to get you the sleep you deserve.¹ Weighted blankets (sometimes referred to as gravity blankets) are typically between five and 30 lbs. When this weight is evenly distributed on top of us, it can have a calming effect on the body and mind, encouraging deep, restful sleep.

We’re here to break down why and how weighted blankets work so you can decide if this cozy companion is right for you.

How Do Weighted Blankets Work?

The calming feeling of being hugged by a weighted blanket is deep pressure stimulation (otherwise known as deep pressure therapy) in action. It is a firm but gentle even pressure that relaxes your nervous system.²

Each person has an autonomic nervous system (ANS) that regulates your body processes and breathing rate. Two components belong to your ANS.³

1. The sympathetic nervous system (SNS), or “fight or flight system.”
2. The parasympathetic nervous system (PSNS), or “rest and digest.”

Your SNS takes charge during stressful situations, but when it’s overactive, your SNS can make you anxious and irritable. With deep pressure applied, your PSNS kicks in, slowing down your heart rate and relaxing your muscles.⁴ When this switch happens, you can experience an increase in serotonin, while deep pressure stimulation encourages the release of melatonin.⁵

Serotonin

Known as the “happy hormone,” serotonin impacts every part of your body, from your bowel movements to your sleep! Notably, serotonin is responsible for maintaining our circadian rhythm and activating the section of our brain that controls sleeping and waking.⁶

Melatonin

Known as the “sleep hormone,” melatonin is essential for the body’s sleep-wake cycle. Think of melatonin as your internal clock. Like serotonin, melatonin works with your circadian rhythm to let your body know when it’s time to go to sleep and when it’s time to wake.⁷ Some studies on people with sleep disorders even show that melatonin helped reduce the time it took to fall asleep and, in some instances, improved the quality of sleep.⁸

The Benefits of Weighted Blankets

While the internet provides plenty of tips and tricks to fall asleep, many of us need something a little more tangible to catch those zzz’s. Weighted blankets are great for improving the quality of your sleep, and they can even help reduce the physical symptoms of stress and anxiety. Let’s take a deeper look into the benefits of sleeping with a weighted blanket:

Improves your sleep quality

If you’ve spent countless hours staring at the ceiling before falling asleep, you’re in the right place. Weighted blankets can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Using the same swaddling effect that helps babies drift off, the gentle pressure from weighted blankets prevents tossing and turning throughout the night. The weight puts your body in a “rest state,” which can leave you feeling calmer and make it easier to get the restorative sleep you deserve.⁹

Reduces anxiety and stress

From spiralling thoughts before bed to restless nights trying to find that perfectly comfortable position—many of us have experienced the impact stress has on our sleep cycle firsthand. In a study of 32 adults, 63% reported they felt less anxious after lying under a weighted blanket.¹⁰ Weighted blankets can decrease your “fight or flight” response system and the accompanying physical effects like shortness of breath and increased heart rate.¹¹ Alleviating anxiety symptoms varies from person to person, but for some, weighted blankets help with evening anxiety by providing a calming sense of security.

"In a study of 32 adults, 63% reported they felt less anxious after lying under a weighted blanket."

Improves your wellbeing

Sleep is a necessary component to staying healthy. Because weighted blankets can improve the quality of your sleep, they can also improve your mood, health, and brain performance.¹² Getting enough rest, maintaining a consistent bedtime schedule, and having quality sleep help keep you refreshed, alert, and ready to take on the day.¹³ Leading a healthy lifestyle is a holistic endeavour and using a weighted blanket isn’t a fix-all solution, but it can be one puzzle piece that helps improve your mental and physical well-being.

The Bottom Line

Whether the purpose of your weighted blanket is stress management, improved sleep quality, or if you’re simply curious about how a weighted blanket could benefit you, we have the perfect option.

The Endy Weighted Blanket has a quilted inner core to ensure even weight distribution, a machine washable cover, and it weighs a perfect 15lbs for ultimate relaxation and comfort. Helping Canadians get a better night's rest is what we're all about–that's why the 15lbs Endy Weighted Blanket comes with a risk-free 60-night trial, so there’s no harm in trying it! Shop the Weighted Blanket today.

Is a Weighted Blanket Right for You?

Now that we’ve demystified the big questions surrounding weighted blankets, it’s time for you to make a choice. We’ve created this nifty quiz to help you decide if a weighted blanket is right for you.

Do you have trouble falling asleep?

1. Constantly. Getting a good night’s sleep is very challenging.
2. Sometimes. My mind races quite a bit before drifting off.
3. Nope. Once it’s lights out, I’m all set to sleep!

How do you manage your stress?

1. I don’t manage my stress. I constantly feel on edge and anxious.
2. Okay. Some days are harder than others.
3. I have healthy coping mechanisms that help me stay grounded.

Can you sleep through the night?

1. Nope. I have lots of restless nights, and I wake up frequently.
2. Occasionally. I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night.
3. Yes. Every night I slip into a deep relaxing sleep.

Mostly A

Dream Pair

Not to be dramatic, but you and a weighted blanket are perfect for each other. Whether you have issues falling asleep, staying asleep, or simply clearing your head— it’s about time you got the rest you deserve.

Mostly B

Sleep On It

With our 60-night trial, there’s no harm in trying! Spend your evenings wrapped up in the Endy Weighted Blanket and give it a shot.

Mostly C

Explore Endy

You may not need a weighted blanket right now, but our sleep habits are constantly changing. In the meantime, you can check out our selection of other cozy bedroom accessories like our dreamy Duvet or the Luxe Foam Pillow, so you can continue having those sweet dreams.

*This blog post is intended for informational purposes only. Weighted blankets are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Visit the links within the text for sources. Endy has not independently verified the sources.