The “Comforting” Secret to a BETTER Night’s Sleep
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 8, 2025
If you struggle to get a good night’s sleep, you’ve likely tried everything…
From sleep teas to counting sheep to melatonin.
But there’s another solution gaining scientific support…
And it might just put you into a deep, heavy sleep.
Weighted blankets are often promoted as a way to help with insomnia. But if you’ve wondered if they REALLY work, you’re not alone.
Well, we now have our answer because research now backs their ability to boost sleep quality and mood. In fact, there’s even evidence they can reduce the need for sleep medications.
Weighted blankets are designed to give you a sense of being gently hugged while you sleep. This sensation, known as deep pressure stimulation, is linked to improved relaxation, better mood, and reduced anxiety.
In a recent review by researchers from Flinders University and the University of Adelaide, scientists looked at data from 18 studies on weighted blankets. While each study varied in size and participant demographics, the overall findings were clear: weighted blankets help adults sleep better.
Here are the three key benefits of weighted blankets according to the study:
- Improved Sleep Quality: Weighted blankets provide gentle pressure, which can help people fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. This effect may come from increased serotonin levels—a hormone that promotes relaxation and a stable mood.
- Mood Boost: Weighted blankets can help reduce stress and anxiety by mimicking a comforting touch like a hug. Many people report feeling calmer and more positive after using them, which could set the stage for a better night’s sleep.
- Reduced Need for Sleep Medications: Relying on sleep medications can come with risks, from side effects to dependence. Weighted blankets offer a natural way to improve sleep without the need for medications, making them a safer choice for long-term use.
Weighted blankets are a simple and natural way to improve sleep, and unlike some other sleep aids, they’re easy to incorporate into your nightly routine. If you’re considering trying one, here are a few tips:
- Choose the Right Weight: A blanket that’s too heavy can feel overwhelming, so aim for one that’s around 10 percent of your body weight.
- Select Comfortable Materials: Look for breathable, hypoallergenic fabrics, especially if you tend to overheat at night.
- Ease Into It: If you’re new to weighted blankets, try using them for short periods at first to see how your body responds.
- Combine with a Sleep Routine: Weighted blankets work best as part of a healthy sleep routine. Try pairing it with other relaxation practices like mindfulness or deep breathing.
Weighted blankets offer a straightforward, non-invasive way to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety.
With evidence suggesting they can even reduce the need for sleep medications, they’re worth considering if you’re looking for natural sleep support. While more research is needed for specific guidelines, weighted blankets could be the key to a better night’s sleep.
P.S. The TRUE cost of daytime sleepiness.
Source:
Suzanne Dawson; Kimberly Charlton; Lorraine Ng; Jenny Cleland; Lemma Bulto; Michael Page; Stacie Attrill, Weighted Blankets as a Sleep Intervention: A Scoping Review, The American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 2024, Vol. 78(5), 7805205160.
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
View More Free Articles
"Sinful Trio" SLASHES Metabolic Syndrome Risk
Are you tired of hearing your doctor’s endless “don’t eat this, don’t drink that” lectures? Well, this Easter Sunday, I’ve got news that might just have you hopping happily to your pantry. Turns out, some of life’s tastiest pleasures could help protect you from one of today’s most common health threats—metabolic syndrome. Let’s dig into...
Microplastics’ Hidden Link to Chronic Disease EXPOSED
By now, you’ve heard about microplastics. These tiny fragments of plastic have invaded virtually every corner of our planet. We’re just beginning to understand the scope of the threat, but we know microplastics pose a serious risk to our health. If you’re like many folks, you’ve shrugged off those dangers, thinking there’s nothing you can...
Shakespeare’s “Remembrance” Herb Protects Memory
You probably have a jar of rosemary sitting in your spice rack. Perhaps you sprinkle it on potatoes or add it to roast chicken. But what if this humble herb could hold the key to fighting one of the most devastating diseases we can face as we age? It turns out a hidden compound inside...
Is Your Gut “Good”? How to Check
I always get asked, “How do I know if my digestion is working right?” Well, the answer is pretty simple, but it’s also a little gross. A simple test you can do at home reveals whether your digestion is normal or not. Your digestive system processes everything you eat—extracting nutrients, and eliminating waste. The time...
Hidden Sugar Trap Fuels Lung Cancer
We’ve long known that smoking is the main villain behind lung cancer. But what if your dinner plate has quietly joined forces with the enemy? A new study from the University of Florida reveals that the typical Western diet could be laying the groundwork for aggressive lung cancer growth by feeding tumors with stored sugar....
Mailbag: Can A Diabetic Enjoy Desserts? The Surprising Answer
“If you have diabetes, may you eat a very few sweets in a week?” —Sweet Tooth Hi Sweet Tooth, Type 2 diabetes is a chronic condition where your body either resists the effects of insulin (a hormone that regulates sugar in your blood) or doesn’t produce enough of it to maintain normal blood sugar levels....
Sleepless Nights? Beware of this Deadly Danger
We all have that friend who brags about their four-hour-a-night sleep schedule like it’s some kind of superpower. “I’ll sleep when I’m dead,” they proclaim while chugging their third energy drink of the morning. Well, science has bad news for these sleep-skimping show-offs. You might be accelerating your appointment with the Grim Reaper far more...
Drive-Thru Disaster Hits Fast Forward on Aging
Ever wonder why some of your high school classmates look like they’re aging much faster while others seem frozen in time? It’s not always just good genes or expensive creams—it could be what they’re ordering at the drive-thru. A troubling new study revealed that a fast-food habit doesn’t just expand your waistline—it fast-forwards your biological...
The “Salty” Truth About Your Mood
You know salt gets a bad rap for raising blood pressure. But what if I told you it might be messing with your mood, too? According to a new study out of China, eating too much salt could trigger depression—not just through vague “bad diet” effects, but by activating specific immune cells in the brain....
Ancient Herb Has a Modern Secret for Youthful Skin
You can spend hundreds—maybe even thousands—on anti-aging creams, lotions, and potions that promise to turn back the clock. But let’s be honest… most of them do little more than moisturize and smell nice. Now, a new study is turning that entire anti-aging skincare industry on its head—and the secret comes from an herb that’s been...